Primary Agent - November 2025

NOVEMBER 2025

Rising Stars

MEET THE 2025 IA&B YOUNG AGENT AWARD WINNERS EXCLUSIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE YOUNG AGENT MOVERS & SHAKERS

SECURA’s team of insurance experts is making insurance genuine. They are here to support you and your clients. Our sales and underwriting teams are quick to reply, open-minded, and know their stuff. Plus they are backed by our caring claims group who will get your clients back on their feet.

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• Commercial • Specialty • Agribusiness

NOVEMBER 2025

CONTENTS FEATURED 11

MEET THE 2025 YOUNG AGENT AWARD WINNERS Hear from the recipients of the sixth annual IA&B Young Agent Award – Jimi Honochick, Hunter McHugh, and Danielle Webber. IA&B recognizes these exceptional young insurance professionals for commitment to their profession and community.

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MEET THE 2025 YOUNG AGENT MOVERS & SHAKERS IA&B recognizes three additional young agents as Movers & Shakers: Carrie Ann Bush, Zachary Miller, and Amber Patterson.

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/IABforME LinkedIn.com/company/IA_and_B Instagram.com/IA.and.B YouTube.com/@IA_and_B IA&B Podcasts can be found at:

IA&B is the premier resource and champion for independent insurance agents in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, PA and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Insurance Agents & Brokers, 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Primary Agent (ISSN 1543-3110), Permit # 638-620, Issue # 2025-11, is published monthly by IA&B Service Group Inc., a subsidiary of IA&B. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. No material JUNE be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher. The information in this publication is general in nature and not intended to serve as legal, accounting, financial, insurance, investment advisory or other professional advice as to any reader’s particular situation. Users are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, insurance, investment advisory and/or other professional advisors concerning specific matters before making any decisions. We disclaim any responsibility for any decisions or actions by readers. Statements of fact and opinion in Primary Agent are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of IA&B. Participation in IA&B events, activities and/or publications is available on a non-discriminatory basis and does not reflect IA&B endorsement of the products and/or services.

MONTHLY 2 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 3 CLAIRE-IFICATION 4 COVERAGE CORNER 6 NEWS & NOTES 8 PICS & POSTS 24 UPCOMING EDUCATION IABforME.com |

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

AWARD WINNERS TELL OUR INDUSTRY’S STORY In this month’s Primary Agent, you will meet our 2025 Young Agent Award winners. This program is always a highlight for me. IA&B is heavily invested in finding and supporting diverse, new industry talent, and our annual award is a culmination of that effort. This year’s class is certainly very impressive, and you will get to know them in the following pages.

But what really struck me about the 2025 award winners is the diversity of the agencies they represent. With Hunter McHugh in Delaware, we see a true start-from-scratch agency – an agency now flourishing in a remarkably short period of time. With Jimi Honochick in Pennsylvania, we see a multi-generational agency, with Jimi recently taking the reins from his father. And with Danielle Webber in Maryland, we have a 100+ employee, multi-office agency founded in 1875. All three are truly independent insurance agencies and pillars in their community.

As IA&B continues to focus on recruiting new talent to our members, it’s this snapshot of our agencies that is helpful. We can tell new recruits that there are plenty of long-standing, successful agencies that are family-run (like Jimi’s agency) or more corporately operated (like Danielle’s agency). It’s this stability of business, along with a fiercely independent stance, that is attractive to new hires. This is the story that we paint as we push new talent into our ranks.

At the same time, we can highlight Hunter’s agency and a host of other members that are true start-ups. Don’t look at this as promoting more competition for your agency. Instead, we are promoting the value of the independent agent and seeding the landscape with new talent as other agencies phase out.

I know the three award winners this year are appreciative of the recognition they are receiving. At the same time, IA&B is appreciative of the story they are helping us tell about the industry.

Onward and upward,

INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS 650 Wilson Lane, Suite 200 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 191 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 800-998-9644 | IABforME.com

IA&B BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Andrew Enders, Esq. - Chair Enders | Harrisburg, PA

Kate Dawson, CPIA - Vice Chair

Ferri Dawson Insurance | Murrysville, PA

MEMBERS Greg Bennett

Lisa Parry, CPIA

Tony Cusati

Bill Purdy

Michael Gaetano

Kent Reynolds, CIC

Debra McAfee

David Rivell, CIC, CRM

Michael McGroarty, Jr., CIC

Christy Rose

McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance Pittsburgh, PA

Avery Hall Insurance Salisbury, MD

Hunter McHugh

Ashley Stafford, CPIA

Famous & Spang Associates Aberdeen, MD Sitter Insurance LLC Erie, PA The Hartman Group Montoursville, PA McAfee Insurance Agency, LLC Wilmington, DE

McHugh Insurance Group Wilmington, DE

Shayne McIntosh, CIC

Parry Insurance Langhorne, PA

Purdy Insurance Agency, Inc. Sunbury, PA Blue Ridge Risk Partners LLC Hagerstown, MD Element Risk Management West Chester, PA

Williams Insurance Agency, Inc. Rehoboth Beach, DE

Michael Thomas

JPI Insurance Associates Dillsburg, PA

Lighthouse Insurance Svcs Gambrills, MD

Chris Miller, CIC

Kyle Zehr FIFS, LLC Telford, PA

Miller Insurance Protection Team Jonestown, PA

Jill Nye

Gunn-Mowery, LLC Lemoyne, PA

NATIONAL DIRECTORS Mike Ertel (PIA)

Jason F. Ernest President & CEO

AssuredPartners | Columbia, MD

Diana Hornung, CIC (IIABA)

IOA National, Inc. | Wilmington, DE

Mark Monroe (IIABA) Downingtown, PA 2

NOVEMBER 2025

CLAIRE-IFICATION

CLAIRE-IFICATION IA&B Vice President - Advocacy Claire Pantaloni, CIC, CISR Are you a member with a question?

Contact Claire to find the answer at 717-918-9202 or ClaireP@IABforME.com.

QUESTION: When a risk is on the Export list, who files – the Surplus Lines broker or the retail producer?

ANSWER: The answer to this question is statespecific. And before answering it, let’s talk briefly about the export list.

The export (or exportable) list is a list of risks that are inherently so hard to place that the risk is deemed generally unavailable, and the state regulator waives the diligent search requirement when placement involves those risks. As a result, the declinations from admitted carriers (generally three) are no longer needed before accessing the Surplus Lines market.

The export list varies by state, and the process to access the Surplus Lines market can differ, too. Let’s look at our three states.

Delaware currently does not have an export list at all. All submissions need the diligent search to be performed, and three declinations to be received from admitted insurers before placing the risk in the Surplus Lines market. This is evidenced with the SL-1923. Note that IA&B is planning to discuss the possible creation of an export list with the Department of Insurance this fall.

Maryland has an exportable list available. It is included in the Surplus Lines regulation (COMAR 31.03.06.10) and is available for review on IA&B’s website or by locating the most current version of the regulation. Interestingly, while the regulation specifically states that an affidavit executed by the originating producer is required when placing a risk that is on the exportable list, the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) has stated that there is no state-specific form. The retail agency can simply keep a record in the agency file that the risk was on the exportable list, something that the MIA could easily verify. Other forms and affidavits will still be filed by the Surplus Lines Licensee.

Pennsylvania also has an export list.

When a risk is on that list, the “1609PR” (or three-declination) affidavit no longer needs to be provided.

However, a different form – the 1604-E – must be filled out by the Surplus Lines licensee to indicate that the risk is on the export list.

Of note to Pennsylvania members: ▲ The export list is revisited every year, and IA&B always elicits feedback from members to provide comments to the PA Insurance Department. The goal is to have a list that properly reflects current market needs. IA&B has been successful in adding items to the list over the years. If you are aware of a category of risk that cannot be placed in the admitted market regardless of its individual characteristics, please contact IA&B’s Advocacy Department at Advocacy@IABforME.com. ▲ Our white paper on Surplus Lines delves into proper Surplus Lines submissions in greater detail. If you or your staff are not familiar with Surplus Lines placement, it may be a good place to start.

To review existing resources on IA&B’s website, visit IABforME.com/surplus-lines.

Rather listen?

Also available in audio format at IABforME.buzzsprout.com

This document is not a legal opinion and should not be relied upon as such. The intent of this document is to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice. Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and specific questions with respect to the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Insurance Agents & Brokers nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document.

IABforME.com |

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FIVE CGL ENDORSEMENTS YOUR CONTRACTOR CLIENTS WILL BE THANKFUL FOR

By Cathy Trischan A Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy is a key part of a contractor’s insurance program. There are a few endorsements, though, that can significantly improve a contractor’s CGL coverage. Look into adding these to the CGL policies you write.

Your contractor clients will be thankful that you did!

AUTOMATIC ADDITIONAL INSURED COVERAGE FOR COMPLETED OPERATIONS It is common in construction contracts for a contractor to agree to provide completed operations coverage for an additional insured for a period of time after the project is complete. The length of time 4

coverage is required varies with each contract but is often as long as the applicable statute of repose. How do you know, though, that your insured has agreed to provide this coverage?

Typically, an agent only becomes aware of the need for additional insured coverage when the contractor requests a certificate of insurance, and most stop requesting certificates of insurance when the job is complete. Automatic additional insured endorsements for completed operations can help. One such endorsement is Insurance Services Office’s (ISO’s) CG 20 40 12 19 – Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees or Contractors – Automatic Status For Other Parties When Required In Written Construction Agreement NOVEMBER 2025

(Completed Operations). When this endorsement is added to a policy, the named insured has automatic coverage for completed operations for any party it has promised coverage to in a written contract. An endorsement such as this can ensure that the insured has the coverage it has contractually agreed to provide.

ELECTRONIC DATA LIABILITY COVERAGE An electrician, while working on wiring in a building, damages several computers and the data in those computers. Although damage to the computers is covered by the CGL, loss arising out of damage to data is excluded. Electronic Data Liability

COVERAGE CORNER Coverage, though, can be added to cover this exposure. One such endorsement is ISO’s CG 04 37 12 23 - Loss of Electronic Data Resulting From Physical Injury to Tangible Property Liability Coverage – Subject to Cyber Incident Exclusion. With this endorsement, a sublimit of coverage now applies to claims involving loss to electronic data as long as there is first physical injury to tangible property.

PER PROJECT PRODUCTSCOMPLETED OPERATIONS AGGREGATE LIMIT A CGL policy typically has two aggregate limits – one that applies to products-completed operations claims and one that applies to all other claims. The aggregate limit is the most that will be paid during the policy term. CGL policies for contractors are often endorsed to provide a separate general aggregate for each project, a common contract requirement. Adding an endorsement to have the productscompleted operations aggregate apply separately to each project, though, is less commonly done.

Even if this coverage feature is not a contract requirement, it can reduce the likelihood that the productscompleted operations aggregate limit will be exhausted. One such endorsement is ISO’s CG 25 45 12 19 Designated Project(s) ProductsCompleted Operations Aggregate Limit. The endorsement is designed to describe a designated project to which this separate aggregate applies, but some carriers will allow the coverage to apply to all projects.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY EXCLUSION Among other things, the CGL’s damage to property exclusion

removes coverage for property damage to personal property in the insured’s care, custody, or control and to the particular part of real property upon which the insured is performing operations. Although there are no standard endorsements to broaden coverage, many insurers are willing to provide a sublimit of coverage for some of these exposures. These endorsements are sometimes titled “Limited Care, Custody and Control” or “Voluntary Property Damage.”

Although coverage under these endorsements varies, they often cover claims such as the following: ▲ An electrician causes damage to the electrical panel he is hired to work on. ▲ A painting contractor damages a piece of furniture while moving it out of the way at a job site.

PERSONAL INJURY CONTRACTUAL The CGL provides some coverage for the insured who has assumed the tort liability of another in a contract. Coverage only applies, though, to Coverage A - Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. Adding coverage for the insured’s assumption of liability under Coverage B – Personal and Advertising Injury Liability greatly improves coverage. One such endorsement is ISO’s CG 22 74 10 01 Limited Contractual Liability Coverage for Personal and Advertising Injury. Although this endorsement requires that a contract be scheduled and only applies to false arrest, detention, and imprisonment, some insurers may offer broader personal injury contractual liability coverage.

IABforME.com |

These are just some of the ways agents can help contractors improve their CGL coverage – something your insureds will be thankful for!

Til next time!

Cathy Trischan, CPCU, CRM, CIC, ARM, AU, AAI, CRIS, MLIS, TRIP is IA&B’s commercial lines education consultant. She works with our CIC and CISR programs, as well as our live CE webinars. Catch her at one of our upcoming courses: IABforME.com/education Rather listen?

Also available in audio format at IABforME.buzzsprout.com

LIVE CE WEBINAR

|

Learn more from author Cathy Trischan when she teaches this upcoming webinar.

CERTIFICATES, CONTRACTORS, AND YOU: FIGHTS, COVERAGE ISSUES, BEST PRACTICES DEC 2 9 AM - NOON

CE

PA/DE: 3 GEN MD: 3 PC

IA&B Members: $75 (save $30!)

Non-Members: $105

Register today.

IABforME.com 800-998-9644, option 1

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NEWS & NOTES

CONTINUING EDUCATION UPDATE IA&B RECOGNIZED FOR EDUCATION IA&B received two Diamondlevel Excellence in Insurance Education Awards at the 2025 Big “I” Education Convocation. This marks the ninth consecutive year that the organization earned the top-tier awards for its professional development programs.

WEBINAR FOR WOMEN IN INSURANCE Save your spot for IA&B’s final women-focused webinar of the year.

Meg McKeen – keynote speaker at the 2025 IA&B Women’s Conference – will lead this interactive webinar.

Candid Conversation: Alcohol and the Insurance Industry Tuesday, Nov. 4, Noon-1 PM There is no cost for employees of IA&B member agencies and company partners to attend. However, registration is required.

IABforME.com/women-in-insurance

As a result of enacted legislation, effective April 29, 2025 in Pennsylvania:

FLOOD TRAINING REQUIREMENT: Producers with a Property & Casualty line of authority must complete 2 hours of Flood CE per licensing period.

ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENT: All producers must complete three 3 hours of Ethics CE per licensing period.

Visit Sircon.com to review your CE transcript and check your due dates to stay current with your license requirements.

HOW TO COMPLY: IA&B offers these upcoming live webinars that can assist producers in their compliance: Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know (3 Flood credits) Nov. 6, 9 AM-Noon Ethics in Insurance: Protecting the Client and the Agency (3 Ethics credits) Nov. 20, 1-4 PM Murky: Understanding Flood Coverage, Rules, and Claims (2 Flood credits) Dec. 9, 1-3 PM Ethics, Diligence, Success: What Agencies Need to Know (3 Ethics credits) Dec. 10, 1-4 PM

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Register today: IABforME.com/eventregistrations 800-998-9644, option 1

NOVEMBER 2025

ANNUAL CRAB FEAST Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 IA&B Crab Feast – a Delaware insurance community tradition! As always, it was an evening of great food and camaraderie.

Contractor Insurance that Measures Up.

Insuring Opportunity Through Mutual Success.® Trust Harford Mutual Insurance Group to provide comprehensive property and casualty insurance designed to protect what matters most to your policyholders— their business.

In addition to contractors, we write a wide variety of Property & Casualty classes.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

IABforME.com |

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PICS & POSTS

PICS & POSTS

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Facebook.com/IABforME LinkedIn.com/company/IA_and_B Instagram.com/IA.and.B

NOVEMBER 2025

Thank You Thanks to our PLATINUM PARTNERS for supporting the independent agent network.

Erie Insurance Ironpeak (formerly Iroquois) Keystone Millers Mutual Insurance NJM Insurance Group Penn National Insurance Plymouth Rock Assurance Progressive Become a Partner Today

Interested in becoming a partner?

Reach out today.

Tim Wonder IA&B VP-Membership 717-918-9223 TimW@IABforME.com IABforME.com |

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amerisafe.com 800.256.9052 asksales@amerisafe.com

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*Policyholder retention rate based on voluntary business that we elected for renewal quote: 94.2% in 2024. © 2025 AMERISAFE, Inc. AMERISAFE and the AMERISAFE LOGO is a registered trademark of AMERISAFE, Inc. SAFE ABOVE ALL is a trademark of AMERISAFE, Inc. All rights reserved.

NOVEMBER 2025

2025 Congratulations to the recipients of the sixth annual IA&B Young Agent Award –

Jimi Honochick, of YMI Agency, Inc. in Stroudsburg, PA; Danielle Webber, of Maury, Donnelly & Parr, Inc. in Cockeysville, MD; and Hunter McHugh, of McHugh Insurance Group in Wilmington, DE.

Award Criteria: ▲ Employed for one year or more by an IA&B member agency in PA, MD, or DE ▲ Licensed P&C agent ▲ 39 years or younger ▲ Community steward ▲ Emerging leader ▲ Participant in IA&B education or events Young Agent Award winners (left to right): Jimi Honochick, Danielle Webber, and Hunter McHugh

Learn more about these exceptional young insurance professionals on the following pages, as well as in the video posted at IABforME.com/Agent-Award and on IA&B’s social media accounts.

IABforME.com |

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Thank You

to Our Sponsors The Young Agent Award is made possible with the support of these generous companies.

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NOVEMBER 2025

IABforME.com |

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Congratulations Jimi Honochick

YMI Insurance for being named Pennsylvania Young Agent of the Year.

PennNationalInsurance.com

Jimi Honochick

congratulations At ERIE, we believe in helping others, doing the right thing and letting people know they matter. That’s why Erie Insurance is proud to celebrate Jimi Honochick with all the 2025 Young Agent Winners and Zach Miller with all the 2025 Mover & Shaker Award Winners.

Zach Miller CMS149_62 9/25

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NOVEMBER 2025

imi Honochick, CIC YMI Agency, Inc.

Stroudsburg, PA

Q. How did you get your start in the insurance industry?

A. It is a family business. My grandfather was in insurance, my uncles are in insurance, my dad’s in insurance, … and I tried to get as far away from it as I could. The day after I graduated from college I was on a plane to L.A. to work in TV production. I was on Let’s Make a Deal and America’s Got Talent, but then one day I said, “I’m going to get my MBA.” I got into Columbia and fell in love with investing and looking at businesses. I looked at the business of insurance and realized it’s a great business model with great career opportunities. I approached my dad and said, “Let’s do this – a father-son dream team.” He rejected me and told me to get some real job experience, and so I did and spent five years doing equity research at Wilmington Trust.

During that time, I was really involved in my community and loved it. I was home for Thanksgiving one year, and my grandfather, my uncles, and my dad were talking about what they do in the community, and it really resonated with me. So I talked to my dad again, and this time he was willing to bring me into the agency. I joined in 2021, and it has been great ever since.

Q. What’s your favorite part of your job?

A. Building a team is my favorite part. I’ve worked on

President

Age: 38

Years in Industry: 4

You don’t mind doing the work when you’re on a great team. So for me, it’s finding the right team, building the right team, and giving them the tools to be successful.

Q. What advice would you share with someone just starting out in the industry?

A. Stay open, be willing to volunteer, and put yourself forward. I think I’ve made a career of always putting myself out there for whatever the next opportunity is. Be excited, be passionate, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Don’t assume that opportunities are going to come to you if you don’t ask for them.

In L.A., I worked in the back room for Fremantle, a production company. I wanted to get on Let’s Make a Deal, so I came up with creative, fun ways to bug the production coordinator every day. If you know what you want and are persistent, eventually the stars will align.

Q. How does it feel to receive this award?

A. I couldn’t be more excited. It’s incredible. When Jason [IA&B’s President & CEO] called to tell me I was selected, I truly couldn’t believe it. It’s a real honor. IA&B is such a valuable resource, and they do so much for our industry.

So for IA&B to recognize something in me just really makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing and makes me want to work even harder at it.

good teams, I’ve worked on bad teams, and I’ve worked on really bad teams. I know what a difference that can make.

IABforME.com |

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YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION At Tuscano Agency, we believe in the power of education, collaboration, and commitment to help insurance professionsals shine.

Congratulations to Carrie Bush on being recognized as a Mover &Shaker–a testament to her dedication to excellence and the clients she serves.

Education, Support, Success.

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NOVEMBER 2025

Danielle Webber, CISR Elite Maury, Donnelly & Parr, Inc.

Cockeysville, MD

Q. How did you get your start in the insurance industry?

A. Like everyone else – unintentionally. I always knew that I wanted to be in an industry that helped people. Growing up, I thought that I would be a counselor; but while I pursued my education in counseling, insurance kept finding me, from an internship in high school to a part time job in college.

It wasn’t until after graduation, when I became a customer service representative and helped someone on a claim, that I realized I could truly make a difference and help people in this industry, too. I was on a call with a client who had just been in an accident and was very upset. I was able to walk her through what she needed to do and make sure she was safe until the police arrived. I kept her calm.

She told me through tears how thankful she was that I was there to help her.

After I disconnected the call, it was a light bulb moment for me. I knew that insurance was an industry where I could make a difference and help people. That’s everything I ever wanted.

Q. What’s your favorite part of your job?

A. My favorite part is being able to advocate for people, to help clients in significant ways, especially when they need it most, in claim situations.

IABforME.com |

Client Manager

Age: 35

Years in Industry: 9

I also love how it’s such a vast and dynamic industry. There are so many opportunities to keep learning, keep growing, and keep making a difference.

Q. What advice would you share with someone just starting out in the industry?

A. The advice I would give is to say yes to everything: say yes to every opportunity and every networking event.

You never know who you’re going to meet, and how that connection will empower your career. Say yes to every educational opportunity; learn as much as you can early on. Find the area you’re most passionate about and become an expert in that area. Become a “specialist” – that will be extremely valuable to our industry, and to you.

Q. How does it feel to receive this award?

A. It feels amazing, I’m incredibly honored. I was nominated by a colleague, so to be working with someone who believes in me and sees the best in me, that’s a gift and affirmation I’m where I need to be.

When I was preparing my responses for this interview, my seven-year-old son said, “Mom, I can help, ask me a question.” So I asked, “Henry, how should this award make me feel?” And he said, “Mom, you should feel proud because I’m proud of you.”

An opportunity to make my son proud means the world to me. I’m grateful for that.

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Hunter Mc Hugh McHugh Insurance Group

Wilmington, DE

President

Age: 31

Years in Industry: 10

Q. How did you get your start in the insurance industry?

Q. What’s your favorite part of your job?

A. My start in the insurance industry came on a whim.

the relationships we have with our clients and the people that we work with on a daily basis, but the ones we have with the community as well.

A. What I enjoy the most is the relationships — not just

When I was about three weeks away from graduating college, my entrepreneurship professor said that he met a gentleman from an insurance company that he thought I should meet with. I had already accepted a banking internship, but I sat down with him anyway. I learned about all of the different opportunities that come with a career in insurance – the lifestyle, flexibility, and upward mobility.

It was intriguing enough that I sent back the onboarding check I had received from the bank and decided to pursue a career in insurance.

I started out as a sales rep for a direct writer. I received a few promotions and held a couple management positions.

Eventually, I found that certain challenges that come with working as a captive agent were restricting my ability to do the best I could for my clients. Plus, I was traveling a lot and didn’t have much flexibility. I started to think, “Well maybe I wouldn’t have to do that in the independent space, and maybe there will be more opportunity there.”

After almost seven years as a direct writer, I started to peel back the onion and see what the independent side of things looked like. In doing so, I came to believe that the grass was greener. Here I am three years later, and thank goodness it really was.

As an agency owner, I enjoy having the ability to be agile, to change our approach and processes to make sure we’re always putting our clients first. Maybe that means pursuing different value-added pieces or figuring out how we can make the insurance-buying process more valuable.

To take steps in the right direction, to ultimately improve our clients’ lives, improve their businesses, and improve the community is extremely rewarding. It’s something that I didn’t necessarily know when I began working in insurance would be such an important piece to me, but it absolutely has been.

Q. What advice would you share with someone just starting out in the industry?

A. The absolute best advice that I received is that you’ve got to commit at least two years without considering any other career opportunities. You need to commit yourself to going all in to improve yourself and learn as much as you can about the industry and the opportunities it presents. Insurance is a relationship game, and it’s impossible to build really good, foundational relationships Continued on page 23

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Movers

&

Shakers

CARRIE ANN BUSH, CIC Age: 33 Agency: W N Tuscano Agency, Greensburg, PA Job title: Personal Lines Underwriter Years in the industry: 10

IA&B also recognizes three additional young insurance professionals as Young Agent Movers & Shakers.

Growing interest in the Young Agent Award – and an impressive pool of nominees – prompted the creation of this additional recognition category.

Congratulations to these recipients!

Best part of your job: The best part about my job is the connections I have made – both with the agents I work with and also my coworkers at Tuscano. I have met so many knowledgeable individuals who provided me with helpful information to build my career.

Biggest professional accomplishment: I’m most proud of obtaining IA&B’s Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) scholarship and then completing the courses to obtain my designation, all while the world was shut down for COVID. Advice for those new to the industry: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and always ask for help. Be willing to take criticism to learn for future experiences. Keep learning.

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NOVEMBER 2025

ZACHARY P. MILLER, CISR, CPIA

AMBER D. PATTERSON, CISR, CPIA

Age: 35

Age: 31

Agency: Hinkle Insurance Agency Inc., Lancaster PA

Agency: Liberty Insurance Agency, Pittsburgh, PA

Job title: Commercial Lines Producer / Marketing & Creative Director

Job title: Account Manager Years in the industry: 7

Years in the industry: 7 Best part of your job: Best part of your job: Helping protect, educate, and advise individuals and their families while building lasting relationships is the best part of my job. I embrace a strong sense of community both inside and outside the office, creating connections that go beyond insurance to truly support the people and community we serve.

The best part of my job is educating clients on their policies and available coverage. I think of myself as a real estate agent, showing them why the policy and coverage really speak to them, just as I would if I were showing them an actual home. I love knowing someone can count on me to be their educator in addition to their agent.

Biggest professional accomplishment:

Biggest professional accomplishment: Leading a full-scale rebranding and modernization of a 49-year-old family business. Transforming its identity, marketing channels, and internal operations – while preserving its community-first values and solidifying my grandfather’s legacy – has been the most fun and rewarding project I have ever been a part of.

My biggest professional accomplishment came in 2022, when I was named Pennsylvania’s Outstanding CSR of the Year and a national finalist by the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. My next biggest and most recent accomplishment was obtaining a scholarship through the Alliance to pursue the Certified Personal Risk Manager designation.

Advice for those new to the industry:

Advice for those new to the industry:

Insurance, and really all business, is about relationships.

Instead of chasing numbers or strict goals, focus on the long game. Early on I tried to write everything and got discouraged, especially in commercial lines. Building relationships beyond customers by attending events or just in everyday life keeps your name top of mind when people need insurance, quotes, or referrals.

The insurance industry is so broad; there are many different professions you can love. Find what really speaks to you and your goals. Buckle up, keep an open mind, and remain determined. Insurance can be a bumpy ride, but it’s never boring. Find what excites you, hold on to it, and continue to reach for the stars.

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NOVEMBER 2025

HUNTER Continued from page 19

EDUCATION

in less than two years. There’s also so much to learn, so much to wrap your head around, that if you don’t allow yourself that time, you will truly never feel like you know what you’re doing.

Q. How does it feel to receive this award?

A. It’s honestly shocking. I was honored last year to be selected as an IA&B Young Agent Mover and Shaker, and I never thought I would be able to achieve this just three years into the independent insurance space.

I am extremely grateful to my family, my team, IA&B, and everybody who has supported me. It is extremely validating to be recognized for all of the work I’ve put in to get to this point.

ADVOCACY

RESOURCES

8 G R E AT M E M B E R B E N E F I T S 1) Legal & Compliance Resources 2) Classes & Online Training 3) Marketing, Branding & Websites 4) Political Advocacy 5) HR & Hiring Solutions 6) Insurance for Your Agency 7 ) Industry News 8) Market Access & Carrier Relations QUESTIONS? CONTACT TIM WONDER, IA&B VP-MEMBERSHIP 717-918-9223 | TIMW@IABforME.COM

Shopping Your E&O? As an IA&B Member, you could qualify for a program that provides better value and protection. Benefit from IA&B’s: ▲ Relationships with reputable carriers ▲ Industry leading claims service ▲ Highly trained, licensed professionals

Get Started Today For personalized service, contact KEVIN HORD, CIC, CPCU, ACLS, MBA 800-998-9644, ext. 209 KevinH@IABforME.com IABforME.online/insurance

IABforME.com |

23

EARN CE WITH IA&B

E D U C AT I O N SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 2025

Wert Insurance Agency Mansfield, PA

Register today! 800-998-9644, option 1 IABforME.com/education

24

WELCOME NEW MEMBER

CLASSROOM DATE TOPIC

LOCATION

Nov 6

CISR Commercial Property

Cranberry Township, PA

Nov 11-13

Property & Casualty Licensing Study Course

Mechanicsburg, PA

Nov 18

CISR Commercial Casualty I

Mechanicsburg, PA

Nov 18-19

CIC Personal Lines Institute

Erie, PA

For information about membership or benefits, contact: Tim Wonder, VP-Membership 717-918-9223 TimW@IABforME.com

LIVE WEBINARS DATE TOPIC

TIME

Nov 4

An Hour with Sam: Physical Damage Coverage Concerns in the Personal Auto Policy

11 AM-12 PM

Nov 5

CISR-Personal Auto

8 AM-4:15 PM

Nov 6

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

9 AM-12 PM

Nov 6

Liar!: An Agent's Role in Identifying & Handling Fraud

1-4 PM

Nov 11

William T Hold Commercial

8 AM-4:00 PM

Nov 11-12

CIC-Insurance Company Operations

8 AM-5:00 PM

Nov 12

CISR-Commercial Casualty II

8 AM-4:15 PM

Nov 13

Homeowners Endorsements Insureds Don't Want (But Do Need)

9 AM-12 PM

Nov 13

An Hour with Nicole: Making Sense of Homeowners Deductibles (Once and For All!)

2-3 PM

PRIMARY AGENT

Nov 18

How It’s Built, How It’s Used, Will It Survive: Elements of Property Underwriting

9 AM-12 PM

Nov 18

Reasons Personal Lines are Broken (and What to Do About It)

1-4 PM

Editor: Karen Robison KarenR@IABforME.com 717-918-9209

Nov 19

CISR-Other Personal Lines Solutions

8 AM-4:15 PM

Nov 19

Understanding Commercial Property Gaps and Knowing How to Fill Them

1-4 PM

Nov 20

Why Inadequate EPLI Will Close Your Business (and What to Do About It)

9 AM-12 PM

Nov 20

Ethics in Insurance - Protecting the Client and the Agency

1-4 PM NOVEMBER 2025

VISION A thriving independent insurance agent community.

MISSION STATEMENT To serve as a driving force to champion independent agency success by educating, consulting, advocating, and fostering community in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and beyond.

Contributing editors: Jennifer Ross, Megan Fioretta, Sarah Haas Sales Account Executive: Rebecca Sieg | 717-430-2351 rebecca.sieg@theygsgroup.com

We’re keeping insurance human.

To better support you and your customers.

To help you protect businesses in your community.

To keep your agency thriving.

This is our promise. Let’s achieve it together.

Learn more at emcinsurance.com

©Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2024. All rights reserved.

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Luke Ry F

Luke Donald knows the game has evolved. As a winning Ryder Cup Captain, he chooses his players carefully.

At United Risk, we unite elite capability backed by proven The Global Choice for Apex Underwriting Professionals.

©2025

results. A magnet for apex underwriting professionals committed to free enterprise and success.