Q&A with Dan Gephart

Dan Gephart, CIC is owner of Looker, Wolfe & Gephart Insurance Agency Inc., a full-service independent agency in Harrisburg, PA.

Q. You worked on the carrier side before joining your father at the agency. Did you always intend to work in the industry? Tell us about your career path!

A. Like many others, it was not my original intention to get into the insurance industry. After graduating from the University of Delaware in 2006, I entered the work force searching for a career and was hired as a claims adjuster with Penn National Insurance. I really enjoyed my time with the company, and it was a great experience in learning coverage forms, dealing with insurance consumers in a time of need, and preparing me for helping future clients when claims issues arise.

Q. You’ve been an independent agent for nearly 16 years now. What advice would you give producers who are just getting their start?

A. Document your files clearly, learn about your carrier partners and their products, and understand that you cannot help everyone. It can be easy to get into the “weeds” trying to jump through hoops for an opportunity that may not be a good fit for your time or agency.

Q. What do you consider the best part about working in the insurance industry?

A. I value the relationships that I have built with my customers, as well as how quickly my work day flies by –never a dull moment!

Q. On the flip side, what do you consider the biggest challenge(s) facing the independent agency system?

A. Staying relevant in an ever-crowded industry with lots of players. I personally am not worried about all the insuretech “disruptor” carriers, but there continue to be new partnerships with manufacturers and insurance providers that may put some strain on the IA channel in the future.

Q. You joined IA&B several times for the Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Tell us about your experience!

A. I have enjoyed a few trips to D.C. for the Legislative Conference. If you have never participated in one, you owe it to yourself to attend and find out what they are about first hand. I have always enjoyed the dinner and getting to know some fellow IA&B members and staff before the day on Capitol Hill. Being able to meet face-to-face with decision makers at the Capitol to help protect our clients and industry is well worth the trip!

[Editor's note: IA&B members in Pennsylvania and Delaware are invited to attend this year's Big I Legislative Conference, April 26-27 in Washington, D.C. Watch Agent Headlines e-newsletter for registration, or contact IA&B Government Affairs Director John Savant at JohnS@IABforME.com.]

Q. What keeps you busy outside of work?

A. I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as hiking, backpacking, cooking, and kayaking.

Speed round: What is your …

… favorite TV show? I haven’t watched an episode in a while, but probably the clever writing and jokes give Arrested Development the nod for favorite TV show.

… favorite sports team?

E – A – G – L – E – S, EAGLES!

… (shameless plug!) favorite IA&B member benefit? There really is so much content to choose from, especially on the IA&B website. I continuously use the Customer Flyer PDFs that we have branded with our agency information when sending prospects quotes and information. These flyers do a great job of answering a lot of questions for prospects, helping educate them on coverages they may not know much about, as well as provide some E&O protection.