YMCA, among other civic groups. I’ve also served as president of my church’s Parish Council. That involvement has helped us build a solid foundation in the community.
KJW DE
Eaton with Ann Frizzell, office manager/CSR
Fred S. James Agency bought that out and moved it to Oklahoma City. That left just us.
KJW DE
How many agencies are there in El Reno now? Don’t tell anyone, but while we have a couple of other agents doing some work in substandard auto and a couple other areas, we are the only full service independent agent in El Reno. We have positioned ourselves well, I am proud to say. We have served the community for more than 30 years now as insurance agents, and I have done my best to serve in other ways, as well. I’ve been president of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and
KJW DE
What led you to become involved in the leadership of IIAO? I was involved in the Young Agents Committee early on, but when it was just me and one part-time help, it was hard to get away. When I bought the agency, we had three children and then had our fourth soon thereafter. We had four children under the age of 7, so we had our hands full. I continued as a member, attending conferences and participating in some initiatives until about four or so years ago. I was honored and flattered to receive a phone call asking me to go on the board. Then a couple years later, Ed McGrath and I were riding together to a Day at the Capitol and he asked me whether I had thought about becoming part of the Executive Committee. Quite honestly, I had never thought of doing that. I had held many leadership positions, but I had just never seen myself in a leadership role in the association. I was kind of taken aback. I thought, ‘But that would mean I would be chairman of this association one day.’ Now, three years later, here I am. I am still kind of surprised to be in this position. How have your first weeks played out?
I am thoroughly enjoying the process of getting to know the staff and our board members better. We aren’t just members of the same association; we’re good friends. The experience of representing the association at events out of the state has been made even better by our national presence because of Bobby Bramlett and Vaughn Graham. Even with the significant task of helping find our new president/CEO, I’m looking forward to a great year for myself and for IIAO. POLICY Fall 2013
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