Agency Operations

Whether buying or selling, acquisitions are an appealing growth strategy for many independent agencies. The key to surviving intact? Look beyond the numbers—and remember the human element.

While the name on the policy has changed to “Westport Insurance Corporation” and the ownership of the carrier to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, financial stability and strength has remained a constant.

If your agency’s client relationships center on the golden rule, you’re in good company with the new Big ‘I’ chairman. Find out how Randy Lanoix’s small-town background has shaped his perspective on what it means to serve his customers.

Skip Counselman’s heart could be the industry’s moral compass. He leads a team of nearly 250 professionals at RCM&D and holds leadership positions for multiple philanthropic institutions.

The purpose of employee incentive compensation is clear—it encourages employees to sell more insurance, which generates more income. But what’s the relationship between incentive compensation and E&O risk?

From homeowners to auto, personal lines policies typically renew automatically without a formal process that enables agents to check for changes in customer needs. Coverage gaps often result—and the potential for an E&O claim goes hand in hand.

Community service is a calling for Lipscomb & Pitts. In 2005, the agency began hosting a speaker series with the Breakfast Club of America. When the national franchise dissolved in 2007, Lipscomb & Pitts bought local rights, seizing the opportunity to res

How can agencies keep a lid on costs without tipping the customer service scales? What should you cut and what should you keep—and why?

Though the vast majority of the language contained in these two policies may be identical, subtle differences can lead to very different outcomes. And take it from an E&O professional: They’re not all good.

Whether it’s branding, prospecting, company culture, employee road shows or job titles, Ansay & Associates is dialed in on the word “innovation.”