Q&A with Rob Walbeck

Rob Walbeck, CIC is president of Walbeck Insurance, a full-service independent agency in Homer City, PA. He currently chairs the IA&B of Pennsylvania Government Relations Committee and previously served on the IA&B Board of Directors.

Q. You followed your father and grandfather into the agency. Was that always the plan? Why or why not?

A. It was always the plan. Like most boys, I wanted to be like my father. He was active in many organizations, and people looked up to him. I started working here when I was 11. Every day after school, it was my responsibility to come in and empty the garbage. I can remember getting a bi-monthly $13 paycheck and having to give half back toward my college fund.

Q. IA&B membership consists of many young independent agents who are just entering the family business. What advice would you give them?

A. Stick with it. Insurance is a difficult profession but can be very gratifying. When I first started, I didn’t realize how important it was as a safety net.

Continue with professional education, and learn the specifics of each coverage. Having the ability to learn the clients’ business and look for potential coverage gaps helped me gain their respect at an early age.

I started the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation process early on and have learned so much at the CIC seminars throughout the years. Not just coverage but sales and management, too.

Q. You’re active in IA&B’s advocacy efforts – having attended the Big “I” Legislative Conference for several years and now leading the IA&B Government Relations Committee. To what do you credit your interest in politics?

A. The Legislative Conference was where I really became interested in the political process. I was overwhelmed when I first went to Washington, D.C., but [former IA&B President & CEO] Rick Russell and some experienced agents helped me gain my footing. By the end of it, I was hooked.

For anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to attend, I strongly recommend going. Walking the halls and meeting with Senators and Representatives is truly something that needs to be experienced. For the most part, everyone listened to what we had to say. They didn’t always agree, but at least they listened.

I was also surprised at how many other organizations were in Washington, D.C. doing the same thing. Each one pushing their view. I realized then how important it was to become involved. If our voice isn’t heard, there is no one to blame but ourselves.

Q. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the legislative process during your involvement with IA&B’s advocacy efforts?

A. Nothing is done quickly. To get a bill passed, it first has to come out of committee and then must be voted on in each chamber. After that, the reconciliation process begins with the goal of making the House version and the Senate version acceptable. After that, the President or Governor must sign the bill for it to become law.

As an example, we have been trying to increase minimum limits for personal autos for years now [in Pennsylvania]. Every time we get close, another interested party has an objection or an amendment, or the legislative session ends, and we have to restart the process. I am hopeful that we will have something to celebrate this fall.

Q. Thank you for your ongoing, generous support of AgentPAC. What drives your commitment to IA&B’s political action committee?

A. Two things I learned at the Big “I” Legislative Conference are that Congress wants to hear from people in their District and that money talks. Those hold true on the state level, too. I have always trusted IA&B to know who our friends will be and which ones need our support. AgentPAC is not a $1M PAC so they have to spend wisely.

Q. We understand you’re an avid golfer and skier! What’s the best course you’ve played and mountain you’ve skied?

A. I am fortunate to have golfed and skied all over the world. My favorite ski mountain is easy – Whistler- Blackcomb near Vancouver, B.C. I have a couple favorites for golf courses, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be DragonRidge County Club in Las Vegas. Although Portmarnock in Ireland or Laurel Valley in Pennsylvania are top contenders.

Q. Tell us about your hometown – Homer City, PA!

A. Indiana County is coal country. There are three power plants that once provided most of the power to the Eastern seaboard. Unfortunately, climate change has hit our community hard, and we have lost many jobs. Homer City is a small town of 1,800 people located in the heart of the county.

Rob Walbeck is an avid skier in the winter months and enjoys golf the rest of the year.