Meet the New Members of our 2020-2021 Board of Directors

JONATHON ZWETTLER BAER INSURANCE SERVICES

A little about you: I joined Baer Insurance a little over two and a half years ago as the Development Manager. I have been in the insurance industry for over 10 years in a variety of different roles.

My wife, our two dogs and I are currently living in an apartment while our house is being built and it has been an interesting adventure. The dogs miss their yard but certainly enjoy meeting the other dogs at the apartment building.

When I’m not at home or at work, I am usually either playing tennis or golfing every chance that I can.

What do you hope to accomplish as the Emerging Leaders

Committee Chair? My main goal with the group this year is to find different ways to keep us connected, even if that needs to be mostly in a virtual environment. I am also hoping we can find some creative ways to get back some fundraising efforts.

What do you see as the biggest challenge and opportunity

facing the IA channel currently or in the future? I think the biggest challenge for the IA channel is the ability to adapt more quickly than we have ever before; from changing technology to new competitor threats.

I think this year more than any other we have proven as an industry that we are up to this challenge. If you would have asked most agencies at the end of 2019 if they thought they could have remote workers, the answer from most likely would have been a resounding no. Many agencies were able to quickly adapt (and adapt successfully to this model in a very short period of time.

Any life advice or favorite quote? Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin

A book you recommend people read? “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Non-insurance prediction for 2020? Tiger Woods will win this year’s Masters.

DAN LAU ROBERTSON RYAN & ASSOCIATES

A little about you: I currently live in Mukwonago, WI with my two children and dog. I love being outside with my kids and enjoying various adventures with them. I recently started coaching my daughter’s soccer team and I’m a den leader with my son in Cub Scouts. My current role with the agency is VP of Operations and I’m an UW-Whitewater alumni.

What do you hope to accomplish while on the IIAW Board of

Directors? I hope to continue to support the initiatives that the IIAW has established and I look to focus on technology that will help support the success of the independent agent.

What do you see as the biggest challenge and opportunity facing the IA channel currently or in the future? One of the biggest challenges is the direct to consumer options that bypass the IA channel. I think one of the biggest opportunities is how we can embrace change and evolve to do business using technology.

Any life advice or favorite quote? Doc Brown: “Marty whatever happens don’t ever go to 2020!”

A book you recommend people read? Wisconsin Independent Agent Magazine

Non-insurance prediction for 2020? The Cubs will not win the World Series.