e-Insight - December 2023 - NM

What makes us smart, different, and better?

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DECEMBER 2023

INSIGHT AGENCY GOALS Top 10 Goals for Every Successful Agency

Plus

Build a Strong Budget Selling vs. Perpetuation

Insurance you can defend with Comprehensive insurance programs for your fire suppression and alarm installation accounts. SECURA Insurance and Bedford Underwriters work together to provide tailored coverage solutions for these unique industry risks.

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December 2023

Editor & Graphic Design - Rachel Romines

|

Advertising - Tami Hubbell

CONTENTS 11

20

23

24

10 11 13 18 20 23 24 31

Trusted Choice Hard Market Toolkit Insolvency Issues and Your E&O Policy

By Carol Wilson

Were You Prepared for the Hard Market?

By Curtis M Pearsall

Top 10 Objectives of Every Successful Insurance Agency

By David Siekman

How to Build a Strong Budget for Your Agency

By Lauren Washington

The Importance of a Strong Balance Sheet

By Craig Niess

Selling vs. Perpetuation: How Independent Insurance Agencies are Planning for the Future

By Agent for the Future

Get Involved! Association Seeks Volunteers

In This Issue

The Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL) has been providing members with a sustainable competitive advantage since 1899.

8 Brett’s 5 Sense 17 e-Insight 28 Associate News 30 Association Update

32 Agency Members in the news 33 IIA of IL News 34 Classifieds

info@iiaofil.org | www.iiaofil.org | (217) 793-6660

2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 2016 • 2017 • 2019 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023

Insight is the official publication of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (IIA of IL). The magazine is published monthly for the members of the IIA of IL, with the office located at 4360 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62711-7009; Consumer Website: www.ChooseIndependent.com. The IIA of IL welcomes letters discussing concerns of the insurance industry, articles, editorials, other matters of interest to the membership. The editor reserves the right to edit and select submissions for publication. Address submissions for review to Rachel Romines at rromines@iiaofil.org. For advertising information, contact Tami Hubbell at thubbell@iiaofil.org.

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Chairman of the Board | Kevin Lesch (630) 830-3232 | klesch@arachasgroup.com President | Allyson Padilla (618) 393-2195 | allyson@blanksinsurance.com President-Elect | Patrick Taphorn, CIC, CSRM (309) 347-2177 | ptaphorn@unland.com Vice President | Thomas Evans, Jr. (847) 587-2155 | tom.evans@assuredpartners.com Secretary/Treasurer | Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR (800) 878-9891 x8745 | cjackman@arlingtonroe.com IIABA National Director | George Daly (708) 845-3311 | george.daly@thehortongroup.com

Directors Mohammed Ali (847) 847-2126 | mali@aliminsurance.com

ADVERTISERS 35

AMERISAFE

36

APPLIED UNDERWRITERS

29

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY GUARD INS. GROUP

12

CONNECT

2

DONALD GADDIS COMPANY, INC.

7

EBRM

16

EMC INSURANCE

14

GRINNELL MUTUAL

8

THE INSTITUTES

Cover Tip

OMAHA NATIONAL UNDERWRITERS

Charles Hruska (708) 798-5700 | chas@hruskains.com

10

SECURA INSURANCE

David Jenk, Esq. (312) 239-2717 | djenk@nwibrokers.com

26

WEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE CO

Lindsey Polzin (630) 513-6600 | lpolzin@presidiogrp.com James Sager (618) 322-9891 | james@sagerins.com Ray Roentz (618) 639-2244 | ray.roentz@hwcrins.com Noele Tatlock (309) 642-6855 | ntatlock@unland.com At-Large Director | Amiri Curry (847) 797-5700 | acurry@assuranceagency.com At-Large Director | Jeff McMillan (815) 265-4037 | jeff@mcmillanins.com At-Large Director | Patrick Muldowney (312) 595-7192 | patrick.muldowney@alliant.com At-Large Director | Luke Sandrock, CIC (815) 772-2793 | lsandrock@2cornerstone.com

IIA of Illinois Staff Director of Information and Technology Shannon Churchill (217) 321-3004 - schurchill@iiaofil.org Director of Education and Agency Resources Brett Gerger, CIC (217) 321-3006 - bgerger@iiaofil.org Accounting & Admin Services Tami Hubbell, CIC (217) 321-3016 - thubbell@iiaofil.org Director of Human Resources, Board Admin Jennifer Jacobs, SHRM-CP (217) 321-3013 - jjacobs@iiaofil.org

Committee Chairs Budget & Finance | Cindy Jackman, CIC, CISR (800) 878-9891 x8745 | cjackman@arlingtonroe.com Education | Lisa Lukens (618) 942-2556 | salibainsurance@gmail.com Farm Agents Council | Steve Foster (217) 965-4663 | s.foster@ciagonline.com Government Relations | Dustin Peterson (217) 935-6605 | dustin@peterson.insurance Planning & Coordination | Nick Gunn, CIC (309) 691-1300 | nickgunn@nixonagency.com Technology | Brian Ogden (217) 632-2206 | brian@ogdeninsurance.com Young Agents | Renee Crissie (224) 217-6577 | renee@crissieins.com

Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Mark Kuchar (217) 321-3015 - mkuchar@iiaofil.org Chief Executive Officer Phil Lackman, IOM (217) 321-3005 - plackman@iiaofil.org Central/Southern Marketing Representative Lori Mahorney, CISR Elite (217) 415-7550 - lmahorney@iiaofil.org Director of Government Relations Evan Manning (217) 321-3002 - emanning@iiaofil.org Office Administrator Kristi Osmond, CISR (217) 321-3007 - kosmond@iiaofil.org Director of Communications Rachel Romines (217) 321-3024 - rromines@iiaofil.org Director of Membership Services Tom Ross, CRIS, CPIA (217) 321-3003 - tross@iiaofil.org Director of Prof. Liability & Ins. Products Carol Wilson, CPIA (217) 321-3011 - cwilson@ilbigi.org

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Looking for Support on How to Communicate in this Market?

Check out the Hard Market Toolkit brought to you by Trusted Choice During these challenging times of rising premiums in a hard market, independent insurance agents are more important than ever.

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ACCESS THE TOOLKIT HERE

Times are rough.

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Scan this code or go to www.iiaofil.org for details.

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PERSONAL | BUSINESS | REINSURANCE

“Trust in Tomorrow.” and the “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2023.

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America • 127 S. Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

WE UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU AND WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO HELP, THAT’S OUR JOB AGENTS COUNCIL F O R T E C H N O L O G Y.

INVEST.

WORK SMARTER. The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) leads the conversation regarding implementing innovative technologies that result in more efficiencies for the independent agency system. This forum of agents, brokers, vendors, carriers and other industry groups conducts research and provides best practices recommendations to help the industry implement more consistent, effective technology.

ACT's virtual work groups create industry-wide education and recommendations on future issues & emerging trends such as cybersecurity, the customer experience, data & analytics, disaster planning, and other tech-related focus areas.

FUEL THE FUTURE. Invest in a non-profit program that educates individuals on insurance, financial literacy and risk management, while encouraging the pursuit of insurance careers with a focus on independent agencies. The program is dedicated to improving insurance literacy and attracting the next generation of diverse talent into our industry.

Chris Cline, Executive Director chris.cline@iiaba.net | independentagent.com/act

Whitnee Dillard, Executive Director, Invest and Diversity whitnee.dillard@iiaba.net | investprogram.org

VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY.

BEST PRACTICES.

FINAL ANALYSIS. The Big “I” VU links agents to insurance

BE BETTER. The Big “I” Best Practices study provides a chance for all Big “I” members to learn from the top agencies across the United States by revenue category. The comprehensive product line delivered via research, resource guides and webinars provides key strategies to help improve overall agency performance and increase agency value.

research, coverage analysis, state-specific resources and white papers. With more than 18,000 searchable pages, your employees have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.

The Ask-an-Expert Service is like adding over 50 insurance experts to your staff at no charge.

Over 33,000 students in high schools, community colleges and workforce development programs have been taught how to become insurance agents through Invest. Join us as we continue to teach insurance education to future leaders!

Nancy Germond, Executive Director nancy.germond@iiaba.net | independentagent.com/vu

Jennifer Becker, Sr Director, Agent Development, Research and Education jennifer.becker@iiaba.net | independentagent.com/bestpractices

YOUNG AGENTS.

DIVERSITY COUNCIL.

LEAD THE WAY. The Big “I” national Young Agents program encourages industry involvement, from opportunities to speak with legislators to sales, leadership and technology training.

The Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute is the annual gathering of the nation’s best and brightest. Let the Big “I” Young Agents help you perpetuate your agency inquire about scholarship opportunities for the Big “I” Legislative Conference and leadership meeting.

BE DIVERSE. The Big “I” Diversity Council is focused on engaging and developing a more sustainable independent agency network that reflects, represents and serves our diverse populations countrywide. The council is a collective of agents, insurance company representatives and association leaders.

Jamie Behymer, Program Manager, Young Agents Jamie.Behymer@iiaba.net | independentagent.com/youngagents

Anitra Rivera, Program Director, Diversity and Inclusion anitra.rivera@iiaba.net | independentagent.com/diversity

www.independentagent.com

Find tools to drive growth and more inclusive business practices for your agency. Be sure to also subscribe to the Inclusion in Action Newsletter.

Empowering Trusted Choice® Independent Insurance Agents.

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Let EMC do the heavy lifting.

EMC has the knowledge and expertise to protect every square inch of your clients’ needs. And with over 110 years of experience, we’ve become the jack of all trades — from general contractors to electricians to excavators. No matter your client’s specialty, EMC has the right tools to protect them — and you won’t even break a sweat.

You know the drill: emcins.com/contractors-agents

EMC Insurance Companies | Des Moines, IA | 800-447-2295 ©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2023. All rights reserved.

e INSIGHT -

online journal at www.iiaofil.org/Resources/Insight

DE CE M BE R

20 23

INSIGH T

AGENC GOALS Y

Top 10 Ever y Goals for S Agenc uccessful y

Plus

Build a Str ong Budge Selling t vs. Per petuat io

n

How to SET GOALS for Your Insurance Agency (and achieve them)

By Assurance IQ/Nectar

In this month’s e-Insight. december 2023

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17

Top 10 Objectives of Every Successful Insurance Agency

By David Siekman

Promise.

Insurance coverage is really just a promise.

A promise to be there when things go bad.

A promise of “we’ll take care of your customers.”

Find out more about the Silver Lining and how we value our agent relationships.

Visit thesilverlining.com.

The worst brings out our best.® 26

insight

december 2023

Developing Future Insurance Agency Leaders

Best Practices for Increasing Agency Value

While many agency owners want to keep their agency in the family, family members aren’t the only option for internal perpetuation. And there’s no guarantee that the identified family member will want to perpetuate the agency – especially if they’re not currently working in the insurance industry.

The 2023 Agency Growth Study found that agencies that plan to perpetuate in the next five years are less focused on growth and less likely to use digital tools than agencies with a longer timeline for perpetuation.

Hiring great staff members of varying ages and investing in leadership development can give agency owners more options for internal perpetuation. Our 2023 Agency Growth Study found that more than half of Millennial and Gen Z agency employees (those under 41 years old) and about a third of Gen X employees (42-57 years old) aspire to lead an agency one day.

Providing leadership development can help agencies attract top talent. Millennials and Gen Z listed “inspiring leadership to provide mentorship and career guidance” at the top of their list of characteristics they look for in an ideal employment situation, with 62% saying it was one of their top priorities.

However, only 42% of younger employees said their manager is actively developing them for leadership. And, as explored in our report on women in independent insurance agencies, agency owners may be overlooking promising female employees who could be great candidates for succession. Only 38% of women working in frontline roles said their manager is actively developing them for leadership, compared with 55% of men in the same age group. Perhaps as a result of this, women are significantly less likely than men to say they are excited about their future in their agency.

Hiring and developing talent is a worthwhile investment no matter the future plans of the agency. Owners hold a wealth of industry knowledge – more than half of the agencies that plan to perpetuate in the next five years have had the current leadership in place for more than 20 years. Mentoring future generations and passing on that knowledge is a key part of supporting the future of not just the individual agency, but the independent insurance agency system as a whole.

Though it may be tempting for leaders to take their foot off the gas as they prepare to transition out of ownership, this may be detrimental for agency valuation.

Investing in technology can help agencies keep costs low, attract new customers, and boost client retention. For owners who want to sell, these are important factors in maximizing the value of an agency and attracting potential buyers. For those planning to perpetuate internally, this will help ease the transition and set future leaders up for success.

As more agency owners approach retirement age and fluctuating markets limit sales options, it’s more important than ever for independent insurance agency owners to think through what will happen to their agency when they no longer work there.

It’s never too early for agency owners to start planning for agency perpetuation. A perpetuation plan can help protect the agency in an unexpected event, ease leadership transitions and set the agency up for future success.

Methodology The 2023 Agent Growth Study surveyed 1,141 U.S.based independent agency principals, producers and CSRs, including 467 agency owners and principals. The research was conducted online by in-house Liberty Mutual Insurance research experts in late 2022. Go to https:// tinyurl.com/AgentForTheFuture for the full report.

Agent for the Future is a free resource offered by Liberty Mutual, Safeco and State Auto Insurance to drive success and innovation in the entire independent agent channel.

Find out more at agentforthefuture.com.

There is disconnect between how agencies plan to perpetuate and the reality of how people become agency owners.

december 2023

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INSIGHT | associate news Thank you to our Associate Members.

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Gold Level Arlington/Roe Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL Keystone Insurance Group, Inc. Pekin Insurance

Progressive Surplus Line Association of Illinois

Silver Level Imperial PFS IMT Insurance SECURA Insurance West Bend Mutual Insurance Co.

Bronze Level A. J. Wayne & Associates AAA Insurance AMERISAFE AmTrust North America Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Badger Mutual Insurance Company Berkley Aspire Berkley Management Protection Berkley Small Business Solutions Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies BluSky Restoration Contractors BriteCo Jewelry & Watch Insurance Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Company Chubb Columbia Insurance Group Continental Western Group Cornerstone National Insurance Company Cowbell Cyber Donald Gaddis Company, Inc. Donegal Insurance Group EMC Insurance Encova Insurance Erie Insurance Group Foremost Choice Property & Casualty Forreston Mutual Insurance Company Frankenmuth Insurance Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company IA Valuations Illinois Mine Subsidence Ins. Fund 28

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Illinois Public Risk Fund Indiana Farmers Insurance Insurance Program Managers Group J M Wilson Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance Madison Mutual Insurance Company Main Street America Insurance Maximum Independent Brokerage, LLC Mercury Insurance Group Method Workers Comp Midwest Insurance Company Nationwide NHRMA Mutual Workers’ Compensation Novatae Risk Group Previsor Insurance & Missouri Employers Mutual PuroClean Disaster Services Rhodian Group Rockford Mutual Insurance Company ServiceMaster DSI SERVPRO of Gurnee Society Insurance SPRISKA - Specialty Risk of America Steadily Travelers UFG Insurance Universal Property & Casualty Utica National Insurance Group W. A. Schickedanz Agency, Inc./Interstate Risk Placement Western National Insurance Westfield december 2023

associate news | INSIGHT Erik Gravelle Rejoins Pekin Life Insurance Company as New Vice President - Life Actuary

Pekin Life Insurance Company has announced the addition of Erik Gravelle as Vice President - Life Actuary. Erik brings more than 20 years of experience to the Pekin Insurance team, which includes a focus on Life Insurance actuarial functions and Life product development.

He previously worked for Pekin Life Insurance Company as a Corporate Actuary before departing in 2013. Since his departure, he grew his career at Erie Family Life Insurance Company, serving as Vice President – Product Management and most recently, working as Vice President, Marketing Actuary for SCOR Global Life Americas. He has extensive industry knowledge and experience with product management.

Erik attended Illinois Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

In his new role at Pekin Life Insurance Company, Erik will primarily focus on product management, including new product development, within the Life Company and report to Jocelyn Duncan, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer/Life and Senior Vice President/P&C. Life actuarial and regulatory compliance functions will report through Erik.

SECURA Insurance Promotes Two Company Leaders

SECURA Insurance promoted two company leaders: Kristin Heiges, Vice President–Marketing and Logan Jaklin, Vice President–Actuarial Services.

“Kristin and Logan both bring valuable knowledge and new perspectives to our leadership team,” said Amy DeHart, SECURA Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary.

“They embody the qualities we look for in great leaders at SECURA, and they will play important roles as our company continues to grow.”

Kristin joined SECURA in 2010 as a marketing intern.

She has held a variety of positions since then, including marketing communications specialist, digital marketing specialist, and director of marketing. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Lawrence University.

Logan joined SECURA in 2013 as an actuarial analyst.

He was promoted to a supervisor role in the Actuarial Department in 2017, and he became the director of actuarial services in 2020. Logan graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science. He earned his Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society in 2017 and his Fellowship of the Casualty Actuarial Society in 2021.

Thank you for your business and Happy New Year.

december 2023

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Association Update November Wrap-Up

Staff Announcements Janet White

Janet has served the association as an E&O administrator since 1999. Her career in the industry includes roles at Standard Mutual Insurance Company and a local independent agency. In addition to her position in the E&O department, Janet has served as the unofficial fun officer, coordinating fun and off the wall team exercises like a staff outing to enjoy the best fried bologna sandwiches in town and the now-famous IIA of IL Pumkin Races. Janet will continue to serve the association in an on-call role to help out when Carol Wilson is out of the office. She plans to enjoy her retirement with family in Kentucky.

Tom Ross

Tom joined the association in 2015 as he transitioned out of his agency career to fill a void in the marketing position for Northern IL. Tom will formally retire from his role as IIA of IL Membership Director this December, but will stay on with IIA of IL in a consulting role in which he will continue to support our agency recruitment efforts in Northern IL. Throughout his agency career, Tom was actively involved with the DuPage Local Board and served the IIA of IL as a Regional Director, InsurPac Chair and as Secretary/Treasurer.

Lori Mahorney

Lori, who currently serves as Central and Southern IL Marketing Representative, has been promoted to Membership Director effective January 1, 2024. Lori has been supporting association members in her territory since 2015 and when the association’s pre-licensing program launched in 2019, she trained as an instructor. Lori’s background in the industry includes a role in provider relations with a health insurance company, serving as a marketing representative for a personal lines carrier, and working in an independent agency. As Director of Membership, she will oversee the association’s recruitment, retention, and member relations strategy for both agency and associate members.

1st Quarterly Board Meeting The IIA of IL Board of Directors met on November 14 for the first quarterly board meeting of the 2023-2024 association year. A significant amount of time was spent discussing the Hard Market, and what the association can do to continue supporting members during this challenging time.

On November 15, all IIA of IL committee members were invited to attend meetings to discuss the goals for the coming year. During this time of collaboration, the committee set meaningful action plans that will be implemented in the near future.

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GET INVOLVED!

Association seeks volunteers.

At the association’s annual business meeting, held in conjunction with CONVO in October, the membership voted to change the dba from Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois to Big I Illinois, to better identify with the national association and several other state associations that have rebranded to use the Big I in their marketing.

Additionally, the membership voted to move forward with a new board structure that relies less on “regions” in which an agency is located and allows more flexibility in order to ensure the board better represents the membership in terms of agency size, business mix, and personal qualifications of the potential volunteer.

With that new model in mind, the association is issuing this year’s call for volunteers statewide. Any agent employed by an association member agency in good standing is eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. Committees and working groups often have positions in which Associate Members can serve. One of the best ways to get started if you are interested in volunteering is to join a committee. The following are standing committees set by the by-laws: Budget & Finance, Education, Government Relations, Technology, Young Agents, and Planning and Coordination.

The Board of Directors will have up to seven seats open for terms beginning October 1, 2024. All candidates will be reviewed by the Leadership Development and Succession Planning Committee who will then submit formal nominations to the membership to begin the election process in Spring 2024.

If you are interested in serving on a committee or in finding out more about serving on the Board of Directors, complete the form on our website at www.iiaofil.org/About-Us/GetInvolved or scan the code on this page.

You will be contacted by a Committee Chair or Staff Liaison who will provide additional details and answer any questions you might have.

What is required of a board member?

• Attend a Board Orientation in August • Prepare for and attend four board meetings • Stay informed about the association’s mission, policies, services and programs • Serve as ambassador for programs, attend events, and encourage others to get involved • Follow the legal and fiduciary principles of nonprofit board service

Board Members receive no compensation, but benefit from: • Expanding your network beyond your local community and gaining valuable industry contacts • Increasing your industry knowledge and gaining exposure to developing trends and products • Gaining respect and recognition from peers by representing a leading industry organization • Greater access to a dedicated team of professional staff at the association • An opportunity to contribute to your profession and take part in shaping the future of the association • CE Credit for Volunteer Service

Other Ways to Get Involved If you’re intrigued, but not ready to commit to a position on the board, join the association effort by: • Share your expertise by contributing content to Insight magazine or sharing your insights with other agents through a video or town hall meeting • Provide input to a Committee or Task Force • Support association legislative initiatives

Get Details Scan the code or go to iiaofil.org/About-Us/Get-Involved.

december 2023

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INSIGHT | agency members in the news Two Illinois Member Agencies Receive NU Property & Casualty Magazine’s Annual Agency of the Year Award

Two Illinois member agencies have received the 2023 Agency of the Year Award given by NU Property & Casualty Magazine, sponsored by Nationwide. The awards honor independent insurance agencies in the United States that have been deemed “Best in Class” by a panel of our newsroom leaders because these organizations display a variety of attributes that make them champions.

Congratulations to: Harris Insurance Group, LTD – Mount Carmel, IL Concklin Insurance Agency, Inc. – Lombard, IL To view more about the awards, visit www.propertycasualty360.com.

IIA of IL Member Receives Insurance Journal’s Best Agency to Work For The Bulow Group has the winning formula for happy employees.

In recent years, the agency won bronze, silver and gold awards as the Best Agency to Work For from Insurance Journal, and in 2023, they add another gold award to their accolades as a top agency in the Midwest. The awards are based on employee responses to IJ’s annual Best Agency survey, as well as certain other criteria such as working conditions and benefits.

“I wanted to work somewhere where the owners were highly ethical, had fun in a workday with the employees, where my work was appreciated and meant something to someone,” wrote one nominating employee. “I wanted to work somewhere that I could be proud to represent. In this day of social divisiveness, it is a pleasure to work with staff carefully chosen to elevate comradery, efficiency, helping each other to learn and grow together in all aspects of daily work.”

Walter W. Schultz Celebrates Anniversary

The Walter W. Schultz Insurance Agency in Lansing, IL will celebrate the agency’s 101st anniversary in January.

Konen Insurance Agency Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Konen Insurance Agency, an independent insurance agency serving the Fox Valley area recently celebrated sixty years in business. Founded in 1963, the agency provides comprehensive insurance solutions with unparalleled dedication and expertise.

Starting six decades ago by Vince Konen, Konen Insurance proudly offers its clients a comprehensive range of insurance solutions for individuals and businesses alike. From the beginning, the agency has built a strong reputation for providing reliable coverage, tailored advice, and outstanding client service.

“What began as a small, dedicated team of professionals, has blossomed into a much larger version -- but with the same goal of serving and protecting our community, said Brian Konen, President. Over those 60 years, we have never thought of ourselves as selling insurance -- but providing our clients the peace of mind to protect from life’s uncertainties. We often talk about being the best thing to happen on peoples’ worst day. We’re excited to continue our mission to help our community, striving to innovate and adapt to their evolving needs.”

“Our longevity is a testament to the wonderful relationships we have made with our clients and our insurance carrier partners,” says Konen. The 60th anniversary marks a time to reflect on the agency’s achievements and the relationships it has fostered with clients, partners, and the community.

Konen Insurance Agency has consistently demonstrated its commitment to giving back by participating in various charitable initiatives and community engagement programs.

Creating a foundation of happy employees was in the agency’s DNA from day one, said founder and CEO Mike Bulow. He and his brother, Tom Bulow, started The Bulow Group 10 years ago. The company’s Tinley Park office, just 35 minutes south of Chicago, Illinois, employs 31 people.

“We made a vow to each other that we’re going to be the best place to work in insurance,” said Mike Bulow. “And so basically every day, our number one goal when we walk through the doors is to fight for our people and make sure that they’re happy, they do a good job, and we provide them a great life for themselves and their family.

View more information on what makes The Bulow Group a great place to work at www.insurancejournal.com/research/ research/best-agencies-to-work-for-2023.

From left: Vice President Nick Knudtson, President Brian Konen, and Chairman Jerry Knudtson

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iia of il news | INSIGHT

December 12-13 Virtual Class

16 hours of IL CE credit CE Available in other States, contact IIA of IL for details Topics include Property Coverage Traps & Dilemmas, Ancillary Property Coverages and Catastrophic Loss, Commercial Property Coverage and Valuation Challenges, and more!

iiaofil.org/education

New Members member agency Al Haut Agency, Inc./Haut Insurance Services Libertyville, IL Azteca Inswurance Agency Cicero, IL Brumfield Insurance Naperville, IL DuKane Financial Services, Inc. Geneva, IL Olson Insurance Group Oak Forest, IL

bronze associate member Berkley Aspire Scottsdale, AZ

copper associate member CP Insurance Plano, TX For information regarding IIA of IL membership or company sponsorship, contact Tom Ross, Director of Membership Services, at (217) 321-3003, tross@iiaofil.org.

Sage City Insurance Group, LLC Monticello, IL The Buckler Agency, LLC Herrin, IL The McBride Agency Dixon, IL december 2023

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INSIGHT

| classifieds

for the insurance professional by the insurance professional

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCIES WANTED

17. We are an Independent family-owned agency located in the Chicago area. We are looking to expand through growth and acquisition. If you have a small to medium sized agency and are looking to sell, call or send us a message. We are strictly looking for Personal Lines and Small Commercial accounts with preferred companies.

GALO Insurance Agency, Inc (847) 832-0888 steve@galoagency.com

AGENCY OR BOOK OF BUSINESS FOR SALE

34. Small established agency in southern Illinois for sale.

Can be sold as just the book of business or the physical location. The book of business includes personal and commercial P&C as well as individual and group medical.

The physical location includes the building as well as furniture.

For details, contact Tami Hubbell at the IIA of IL: thubbell@iiaofil.org or (217) 321-3016 and reference blind ad #34.

AGENCY WANTED

20. Since 2004, Central Illinois Agents Group LLC has been providing independent agents with a variety of markets with contingency opportunities. Agents have availability to several markets that they may not be able to sustain or maintain on their own. We have markets for personal, commercial, agricultural and crop insurance lines. Let us help you get to the next level.

Visit www.ciagonline.com for contact information.

The next step in your

insurance career is a few clicks away.

INDUSTRY JOB BOARD LISTING

LOOKING FOR AN EXIT STRATEGY?

23. Are you looking for an exit strategy while still continuing to produce for a few years or are you ready to sell now? Paczolt Insurance would like to talk with you!

We are an independent agency dating back to the 1970s that is located in the western suburbs. Our focus is on mid-to-small commercial accounts and personal lines.

Our companies include EMC, Badger Mutual, Safeco, Progressive, and Travelers. We have the flexibility and capital to get a deal done. Contact:

Susan Troppito Paczolt Insurance susan@piaigroup.com (708) 215-5202

AGENCY/AGENTS/PRODUCERS WANTED

02. Forest Park/Oak Park agency for over 60 years, will meet your needs by providing space, markets, marketing & sales support, automation, merging with or purchasing your agency. Perpetuation/ Succession Plans, BuySell Agreements also available. We have experienced, educated and dedicated staff for you and your clients.

Have access to our numerous companies, office services and many other resources. Retain ownership in your book with contingency. Please look closely at us- we are an agency you want to do business with! We’ve done it before, we know how- we make it easy! Visit our website at forestagency.com/agents.html, or call for a confidential discussion and a list of Agency benefits.

Dan Browne will provide an agency evaluation/appraisal at little cost to you. Please call:

Dan Browne or Cathy Hall Forest Insurance (708) 383-9000 www.forestinsured.com/mergers-acquisitions

OPPORTUNITIES/SPACE AVAILABLE/RETAIN OWNERSHIP

13. We are a 100 year old Northbrook agency looking to discuss any mutually beneficial opportunity. Our producers, mergers, clusters and agency purchases receive 50% commissions on new and renewal business without any expenses. We can provide: office space, phones, agency management system, service renewals and changes. The companies we represent are: Badger Mutual, Employers Mutual, General Casualty, Guide One, Hartford, Kemper, Progressive, Rockford Mutual, Safeco, State Auto, Travelers and Met Life. Contact:

Nancy Solomon Martini, Miller & Schloss, Inc. (847) 291-1313 Ron@martini-miller.com

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insight

december 2023

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MINIMUM PREMIUM OF $5,000 When you only do one thing, you better do it well and workers’ comp is all we’ve ever done for over 30 years.

WORKERS’ COMP IS ALL WE DO.

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