From the Boardroom

FROM THE BOARDROOM

Once you become involved, you see all the opportunities available to you.

STEVE CLEMENTS, CPIA Vice President, PIA of Wisconsin

HOW TO AVOID REINVENTING THE (TWO) WHEEL

Do you remember when you first learned to ride a bike? You know - that nervous and exciting moment when you realized mom or dad was no longer holding the back of your banana seat and you were filled with a mixture of autonomous excitement with a desperate desire to avoid a kid-meets-gravel event. After that first milestone moment it wasn’t long before you expertly began reenacting Dukes of Hazzard scenes, BMX-style. My subsequent transition to the daunting 10-speed was, however, notably less smooth. Building foolishly off the confidence of my prior twowheeler, I was amazed at the size, speed, and agility of the venerated new ride. My stubborn bike-riding independence was heightened proportionately with each viewing of my “Rad” VHS movie. I sure don’t need help from any such mentor now. If I can ride a wheelie while standing on my pegs, how hard can this new bike be? The silly thought was abruptly supplanted with the realization that pedaling backwards did absolutely nothing to slow down the speedy bicycle - no matter how hard or fast I furiously pedaled the crank in reverse. This terrifying moment culminated in the unfortunate union of the underside of a mailbox with the lengthwise top of my two arms. Ouch. Most of us are quick to recognize the importance of running the various aspects of our independent agency, but we also tend to inexplicably dig in the heels of our determination to go-it-alone as we navigate the myriad of agency complexities. Thinking back to my 10-speed sentiment, let me suggest that when it comes to being an independent insurance agent, there is no nobility in solitude. No matter what aspect of being an independent agent we might encounter, there is someone out there who has more experience and who has done it more effectively. We learn from one another. We are truly better together. Recognizing this important truth, the PIA offers a wide variety of valuable ways for each of us to enhance our professional acumen through interaction with like-minded industry professionals. You probably already know that the PIA is an educational powerhouse with both in-person and online offerings. But are you also a regular participant of other along-sider events the PIA makes available to you as a member? Allow me to list just a few fantastic options: • Engage 2022 – Annual Convention of

PIA Wisconsin held October 12-13, 2022 at the Osthoff in Elkhart Lake,

WI. Connect with other agents and carrier reps, enhance your insurance savvy with relevant seminars, enjoy fun events, meals, and entertainment. • Winter Get Away – This popular event held in the Northwoods has continually grown in popularity. Many memorable events interspersed with the opportunity to earn up to 10 CE credits.

• Young Professionals Insurance

Network – Whether you are a younger insurance professional or just newer to the industry, this group is for you!

There is so much exciting momentum behind this group of rising stars. The

YPI Network is a great way for PIA members to connect with this talented, forward-looking demographic. Insurance can be a challenging industry but also a tremendously rewarding one. With more resources than ever before to help you grow a healthy agency, none of us should ever feel the need to re-invent the proverbial wheel. I invite you to take advantage of all the along-sider member resources the PIA works so diligently to provide to you as an independent insurance agent, agency staff member, or aspiring insurance professional. One more thing: You might think that I would’ve learned my lesson from the 10-speed when I eventually transitioned to clipped-in pedals. But alas, some of us are a bit slow to learn such lessons and I consequently spent too much time tipped over on the trail with my feet still securely fastened to my pedals. I sure hope you and I are much more intentional than that as we embrace the along-siders into our agency circles.

Workers’Compensation

We distinguish our Workers’ Compensation coverage by providing value-added services before, during, and after a claim. Upfront loss control measures Responsive claims handling Facilitation of quality medical care (when an accident does occur) We’ve been successfully protecting our policyholders and their employees since 1983.

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APPLY TO BE AN AGENT: WWW.GUARD.COM/APPLY/

Our Workers’ Compensation policy is available nationwide except in monopolistic states: ND, OH, WA, and WY.

© 2020 Society Insurance

Filling them up now so they won’t be hungry later. Small detail. Big difference.

You know as well as anyone that today’s cut corner can easily turn into tomorrow’s missing piece. With our forty years of experience in specialized coverage and policies developed alongside actual restaurant and bar owners, you can rest assured that your policyholders are protected against the unique risks they face every day.

If you agree that details like these make a big difference, give us a call at 1-888-5-SOCIETY or visit societyinsurance.com.