Mark Frantom, Incoming Pikeville Kiwanis President

Behind the scenes

Mark Frantom , the personal lines manager here at  Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  recently attended the annual Kiwanis District Convention held in Kingsport, TN. He was accompanied by his wife, Anita, and fellow Pikeville Kiwanians Roger Davis and Randy Thomas.

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Frantom, the incoming President for the Pikeville Kiwanis Club, attended a variety of seminars including Leadership Training for Club presidents. Highlights of the gathering included the Governor's banquet, Installation of new district officers, a trade show, and arts and crafts fair.

We at Charlie Pinson Insurance are very proud of Mark's efforts as a community leader. In addition to his work with the Pikeville Kiwanis, Mark is active with Pikeville College's football team and a his son's Cub Scouts and little league sports.

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Mark Frantom is a licensed Kentucky independent insurance agent. Mark writes a variety of coverages including Kentucky auto and motorcycle. Mark is especially fond of collectible cars, and enjoys seeing what cool vehicles he can help insure. Contact Mark at 606.433.0031.

Charlie Pinson Insurance KY...Finalist in Excellence In Entrepreunership Awards

2008 EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS

RICHMOND, Ky. − Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Business and Technology, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp. and The Center for Rural Development will present the 2008 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards (EIEA) on Monday, Sept. 8 during a 11:30 luncheon program at The Center’s headquarters in Somerset, Ky.
Eastern Kentucky University President Dr. Doug Whitlock will serve as emcee for the event and Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Hindman will serve as the keynote speaker.

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The annual award was established in 2001 to honor excellence in entrepreneurship throughout Eastern and Southern Kentucky. Awards will be given in four categories – Business, Small Business, Start-Up, and Non-Profit Business – and are determined by the economic success of the enterprise, contributions to the community, job creation and operational achievement as measured by innovative business practices, superior safety achievement and superior technology.

The 2008 awards program will include recognition of the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Collegiate Business Concept Challenge award honorees and the first place team in the youth Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute Business Concept Competition.

“We’ve seen that small companies comprise the engine that drives most of our economy,” said Dr. Robert Rogow, dean of EKU’s College of Business and Technology. “We want to do whatever we can through our partnership to foster small-business development and recognize those who’ve been successful in developing companies in Eastern and Southern Kentucky.”

Finalists in the four business categories are:

For-Profit Business: Mr. Richard Rednour, II, owner/president, Rednour Properties, LLC, Clay City, Ky.; Mr. Terry E. Forcht, president/CEO, Forcht Group of Kentucky, Corbin, Ky.; Mr. Shannon Wright and Mr. Kendall Wright, owners, Wright Concrete & Construction, Inc., Dorton, Ky.

For-Profit Small Business: Mr. Jerry W. Rice, owner, Panco Wood Shop, Oneida, Ky.;  Mr. Charlie Pinson,  president/owner,  Charlie Pinson Insurance, Pikeville, Ky.;  Mr. Steve Taylor, president, EST Tool & Machine, Inc., Brodhead, Ky.

Start-Up Business: Mr. Brant Poore, president, and Mr. Raymond Sears, vice-president, Information Capture Solutions, LLC, Williamsburg, Ky.; Mr. Brian Floyd and Mr. Scott Floyd, owners, Floyd Industries, LLC, Liberty, Ky.; Ms. Cindy and Mr. Norm Kelly, owners, EZ Care, LLC, Richmond, Ky.

Not-For-Profit Entity: Ms. Stephanie Richards, artistic director, Artists Collaborative Theater, Elkhorn City, Ky.; Mr. Lonnie Cowan, executive director, Chronic Pain Support Group, Inc., offices in Clark, Jessamine, Bourbon, Laurel, Boyle, Montgomery, Madison and Taylor counties, Ky.; Ms. Debbie Long, executive director, God’s Food pantry of Pulaski County, Somerset, Ky.

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“Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is at the heart of the mission of The Center for Rural Development,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, “and the encouragement and recognition of Kentucky’s future business leaders is fundamental to the realization of that mission.”

Jerry Rickett, president and CEO of Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp., said “Entrepreneurs are visionaries and risk-takers vital to any community. Whether they succeed or fail, their tenacity and adventurous spirit need to be recognized and applauded. That’s what the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards is about.”
2007 award recipients were Stephen P. Branscum, president, Branscum Construction Co., Inc., Russell Springs, Ky – For-Profit Business; Barbara Napier, owner, Snug Hollow Bed & Breakfast, Irvine, Ky. – For-Profit Small Business; Lowell Land, president, Acres of Land Winery, Richmond, Ky. – Start-Up Business; and Wilma
Kelly, executive director, Beattyville Housing and Development Corp., Inc, Beattyville, Ky. – Not-For-Profit Entity. Award recipients in the Collegiate Business Concept Challenge were Patti Holly and Lauren Hale, student honorees; Dr. Bill Davig, EKU Business advisor; and Eastern Kentucky University as the sponsoring school. Also honored at the luncheon was the 2007 Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute Business Concept Challenge team of Rebekah Smith, Staffordsville; Michael Wright, Stanford; Kenna Trent, Morehead; and Richie Mathes, Corbin.
Award winners from previous years will receive invitations to the annual EIEA program and be recognized for their achievement.

For more information on the Monday, September 8 EIEA luncheon program, please visit www.eiea.eku.edu and follow the EIEA links. Information can also be found on the Web at www.centertech.com by following the EIEA links. Reservations for the program are $20 per person and may be made by calling The Center for Rural Development at (606) 677-6000 or by e-mail at enea@centertech.com. Checks should be made payable to The Center for Rural Development and mailed to: The Center, Attn: EIEA Luncheon, 2292 S. Hwy. 27, Somerset, KY 42501.

To be eligible for the Excellence In Entrepreneurship Awards competition, businesses must be in one of the following 55 Eastern and Southern Kentucky counties: Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Greenup, Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, McCreary, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Metcalf, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Owsley, Perry,  Pike,  Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley, or Wolfe.

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Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  is a Kentucky Independent Insurance agency offering Kentucky insurance throughout the Bluegrass state. Representing many different companies, the agency provides many choices to it's valued customers.

Charlie Pinson Insurance KY....Kentucky Sports

A life outside our Kentucky Insurance Office

Insurance is our business, and a big part of our life. But as  Kentucky independent insurance agents,  we really do have a life outside the office and business community.

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We like to say "an office that plays together stays together". For  Charlie Pinson Insurance KY,  part of that play comes from  Pikeville College Bears Football.  Owner, Charlie Pinson is "The Voice of Pikeville College Bears" on WPRG-TV5. Personal lines manager, Mark Frantom, is the Kentucky sports camera man. Agent, Joyce Pinson, keeps the Pikeville College press box furnished in brownies and sweets and can be counted among the Bears loudest fans. And then there's our file clerk, Justin Lamb.

We all live a little vicariously through Justin, a returning senior to the Pikeville College Bears Football squad. Justin does a good job on and off the field, in the classroom, and the in the office. We are so proud of him!

Read about Justin Lamb a Senior Pikeville College Bear

If you enjoy Kentucky Sports, check out our Kentucky sports blog.

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Charlie Pinson Insurance KY
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The staff at Charlie Pinson Insurance and  Triple B Insurance  wish Justin Lamb and the Pikeville College Bears a spectacular winning season. Go Bears!

Back to school time to shop Kentucky Auto Insurance

With the kids back in school, consumers are now making the move to shop their Kentucky insurance. Last week, we received a record breaking number of calls for Kentucky auto insurance quotes.

As a Kentucky independent insurance agency,  Charlie Pinson Insurance KY,  offers KY car insurance from a number of carriers including   Safeco,  Hartford, AIG, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, Dairyland, and Progressive.  Can we save you money?

Last week, I vented here about how much gas prices are eating into my family budget. Are you feeling the pinch? Do not drive around town, to agents who refuse to quote over the phone or internet. We'll quote you, and you won't have to leave home. Some of our insurance carriers let you purchase Kentucky Auto Insurance online!

Save Money! Save time!
Shop Kentucky Auto Insurance Now!

Joyce Pinson does Kentucky auto insurance marketing for  Charlie Pinson Insurance Ky and Kentucky health insurance marketing for Triple B Insurance KY.

Kentucky Insurance Feeling the Squeeze

You know, I try to do my part. Especially when it comes to economizing. I consolidate my errand trips. I shop local as much as possible to support the Kentucky economy. I use coupons, and I shop sales. I am not above shopping at local thrift stores. With a background in economics, you would think I would be smart enough to manage a tight budget.

Today, my mid-sized car sucked up $59 at the gas pump! Fifty nine dollars! All I do is go to work, the grocery and the dry cleaners. Fifty nine dollars! OUCH!

And so it it is no wonder, our Kentucky insurance office is seeing more calls for folks shopping their  Kentucky car insurance.  And, it's not just kids and newlyweds...it's blue collar and white collar people alike. With the cost of gas, I think everyone is feeling a squeeze on the budget.

Can we help you? When was the last time you shopped your   Kentucky Auto Insurance?  We cannot help with gas prices, but maybe we can help with your insurance budget.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent.   Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  offers several diffent insurance companies for Kentucky Auto insurance including Progressive, AIG, Hartford, Safeco, Travelers and Farmers Insurance. Visit our website at  www.pinsoninsurance.com

Kentucky Independent Insurance Agents

Designing your own Destiny

Every once in the while, someone will ask why we choose to be an  independent insurance agent  instead of a captive insurance agent. Captive agents, that work for one company have many career advantages. However, when you tally the balance sheet being an independent insurance agent is one of the best jobs in the world.

Independent Insurance agents represent many insurance companies.  No one company controls their paycheck, or controls the products and price points that are offered to clients. By bringing product choices to the client, independent agents have the ability to compare coverage needs and premiums. Clients can make better informed decisions when they have alternatives and choices.

If you are considering a career in Kentucky insurance, consider being an independent insurance agent. The book of business you build, will be your own. You set your own goals, make your own business decisions, and have the opportunity to bring clients a smorgasbord of choices. It's not a get rich quick career; but if you stick with it the rewards are worth the effort.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky independent insurance agent specializing in   Kentucky health insurance  Joyce is also the marketing director for Charlie Pinson Insurance KY.

Fourth of July Reflections

By the time you are reading this, I'll be up on the hill refinishing yet another piece of furniture for our home. Maybe it will be the old chair from my dad's Mason Lodge, or a table that Great Grandpa made from a tree that stood at the old home place. I like refinishing furniture, and giving it new life. And in a way, that's what the Fourth of July is all about...new life.

In 1776, some long haired, wig wearing patriots got it in their tri-cornered hats to declare our independence from an oppressive British government. Britain, at that time was a super power. America, had a few metropolitan areas, but was largely frontier. The odds were not in those wigged-out guys favor!

Yet, over two hundred years later, here we are an independent nation. We pay too much for gas, but we can go where ever we want, whenever we want. We still have freedom of speech, and can say what we want. We can pray when we want, and have the right to assembly. Many, many, many folks have fought and died to take care of our wants. They gave, and continue to give, us freedom.

Tonight, when the sky lights up with the wonderment of dazzling fireworks, and you are enjoying fresh ears of corn and the bounty of the earth, take a minute to remember...our freedom is a blessing that does not come cheap.

The Staff at Charlie Pinson Insurance KY wishes each of you a Happy and Safe Fourth of July. Happy Independence Day!

Charlie Pinson Insurance KY is off for a long weekend. Our Kentucky Insurance office will reopen on Monday, July 7. For claims numbers, or online quotes visit our website at www.pinsoninsurance.com

May is Disability Insurance Month

If you couldn't work; how would your finances fair?

Several news sources have been buzzing about a Harris Interactive poll that indicates is someone became disabled, their first line of defense is retirement savings. Most people have not made preparations for a disability.

Years ago, the industry norm was that disability insurance was the most undersold product in our offerings. Consumers were more apt to buy life insurance than disability insurance; yet the likelihood of disability could be more eminent.

Disability income helps consumers have a bit of financial security. While most products do not replace 100% of an income, they do provide a revenue stream. It could mean the difference between keeping or loosing a home.

MetLife Disability Insurance Calculator

Findings from several different sources indicated that most consumers over estimate the amount of income they potentially could receive from the government. Are you curious about your own situation? The MetLife Disability Insurance Calculator is a good first step in your evaluation process.

This information is presented solely as an educational tool and is not meant to offer financial advice. Always consult an attorney or accountant when working with your finances.

Kentucky Insurance Agent

Charlie Pinson is a licensed representative of MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company, Metropolitain Life Insurance Company, and Met's auto insurance companies.

Graduation? Marriage? New Job? New Home? Call your Kentucky Insurance Agent

If your life changes; your insurance agent needs to know

It's crazy how many people don't think to call their Kentucky insurance agent when there is a major life change. With graduation and wedding season upon us, I thought it would be timely to mention a few reasons to get in touch with us; or your existing insurance agent.

• Graduation. If you are moving to a new location, your Kentucky auto insurance agent needs to know. You want important communications to keep up with you to avoid a lapse in coverage.
  
  If you are coming off your parents' health insurance, and either have not found a job or need to get a policy to span the time between when your employee benefits kicks in you may need Kentucky Short Term Health Insurance.



• Getting married? It pays to shop your coverages on Kentucky Car Insurance. Do not assume that adding a spouse to your existing policy is going to be the most economical. Shop with a Kentucky independent insurance agent. Independent agents offer comparisons with a number of companies; helping you find the best value for your money.
  
  What about wedding insurance? Travelers Insurance recently introduced a wedding insurance product in Kentucky. Be sure to insure your big day!
  
  Most importantly, do not forget about Kentucky Life Insurance. Young couples can purchase life insurance fairly inexpensively. Being married means being responsible. Set down with a Kentucky Insurance agent and explore your options.



• New job? Will you be driving your car more? Will you be driving it less? Commuting miles are a factor with many Kentucky auto insurance companies. Let your agent know. If you have had a significant wage increase, you may need to evaluate your disability insurance.



• New home? Obviously, your home owners policy will need to be updated. You may need an umbrella policy for additional liability, and maybe more life insurance to pay off the additional debt.



• New motorcycle or toy? Please do not assume it is automatically covered under a homeowners policy. Be sure you check with your Kentucky insurance agent.



• New baby? New grand baby? Life insurance on juveniles is very inexpensive. Call your agent for rates.




As many of you embark on "real jobs" outside the university community, and as you begin your life of wedded bliss, we wish you only the best. Find yourself a Kentucky Insurance agent who cares about you.

This posting is meant as a general guide to Kentucky Insurance. For legal and financial matters always consult a accountant and attorney. Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Insurance agent. Get Kentucky insurance quotes.

Kentucky Insurance Agent's Musing the Market

Weathering the Soft Market

Just so we are clear on this, I am a big Louisville Kentucky Derby Fan. I would rather be talking about Kentucky Derby than Kentucky Insurance this week. To solve this conflict, I blogged about the Derby over at Charlie's Kentucky Sports Blog.

So what about this soft market?

National Underwriter  reported yesterday that the soft market could change quicker than expected. In talking with several of our insurance reps, we hear rumors the rates may begin going up again by fall. If one of the big three companies announces rate hikes, the others usually follow.

Being an established Kentucky Insurance agency, we have seen the market go through its cycles. We do not worry like we once did; it's like the weather in Kentucky. If you don't like it today; it will be different tomorrow! LOL

For young agents, soft markets can be tough. Have determination. Make a plan for success and hang in there. Eventually, the pendulum will swing back.

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On the week before Kentucky Derby, it's really hard to concentrate on Kentucky Insurance. Please give me credit for making the effort. If you need a Kentucky Insurance Agent, check out our agency at www.pinsoninsurance.com

What we're reading today Earth Day 2008

Here it is Earth Day again, and we find ourselves asking "What are we doing better to help the environment?" Can "going green" really make a difference? We surely hope so.

Here's what Charlie Pinson Insurance KY is doing:

• Excess paper shredded and sent out for recycling


• Enhanced computer technology allowing for "transactional filing" paperless files


• Employees use real ceramic coffee cups reducing waste from Styrofoam cups


• Re-use packing materials for shipping


• Saving coffee grounds for rose bushes and blueberry bushes as mulching fertilizer


• Use rechargeable batteries for digital camera, pagers, pda's etc

Here's what we are reading today about "Going Green"

• Getting ready to buy a new car? Check out Green Vehicle Guide. (Don't forget to get a Kentucky Auto Insurance Quote  too!)



• Wondering what you can do? Check out Louisville KY Magazine Green Article  for lots of cool tips.



• The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition has several interesting articles about alternate energy sources.



• Last month's news release from Travelers Insurance regarding green commercial property coverages.



• With Progressive Insurance now touting the Cleveland Indians baseball Progressive Field, and Safeco Insurance pairing with the Seattle Mariners Safeco Field we wondered about sports venues going green. Check out the EPA article.

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Joyce Pinson (that's me!),is a Kentucky health insurance agent, who will be planting trees on Saturday. Our Kentucky insurance agency represents a number of companies including Progressive Insurance and Safeco Insurance. Click here for a Kentucky Car Insurance Quote  or here for a Kentucky Health Insurance Quote.

Come Join the Fun Pikeville KY Hillbilly Days

We're gonna go play

The world of Kentucky Insurance may march on; but this Kentucky insurance agent is ready for a little R & R. It's been a cold dreary winter, and the promise of a glorious mountain spring is literally shouting my name. Did I mention that plate of deep-battered fried oreos mounded high with powdered sugar calling to me?

I don't care if you call me a Hillbilly or not. I just don't. I was born up in the flatlands of Northern Kentucky, educated in the genteel Bluegrass region, and married a fine eastern Kentucky mountain man. I am just as comfortable in a pair of Charles David high heels, as my old cowboy boots. That's the beauty of being a Kentuckian, we have all kinds of choices and when it comes to regionalism, well I'm a little bit of all of them.

With all of that said, I'm signing off for the weekend. Charlie's family is in, including a toddler great nephew we need to spoil. The weather here in Pikeville is fabulous, with not a cloud in the sky. There's several venues for outdoor music around offering everything from Pop, Bluegrass, Christian Rock, and Folk melodies.
(Catch our receptionist Healther Stiltner at the East Ky Expo center plaza on Saturday around 2 PM...the "Downtown Groove")Of course, we'll have a spectacular (or spectacle...depending on your point of view) parade on Saturday, followed by a performance by Kansas at the East Ky Expo.

So I've blogged, the website is open 24/7, and we're gone Hillbillin'. Come on down and be with us!

Charlie Pinson Insurance will be CLOSED at 12:30 Today Friday. For Kentucky Insurance Quotes, Claims, and Information visit our Kentucky Insurance website.

Hillbilly Days 2008 April 17-19 Pikeville KY

Bringing the Family Home

Laugh at the name all you want, Pikeville's Hillbilly Days is the second largest festival in the state. (Louisville's Derby Festival being the largest) The festival brings in thousands of dollars for Lexington's Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children ..and our own Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Hillbilly Days celebrates mountain culture. And culture we do have...before you picture gun toting, illiterate bare foot ruffians consider this. Pikeville is the third-largest banking center in the Commonwealth. We have Pikeville College, Pikeville Osteopathic School of Medicine, and the new Expo Center. We have a Technical School as well. Don't laugh at us; perhaps you need to reconsider us Hillbillies.

So come on down!

We'll have Bluegrass pickin' in the park. They'll be cloggers that put them River dance folks to shame. They'll be more performances over at the courthouse, and a few pesky politicians too. Folks we haven't seen all winter, will come on off the mountaintops and sit and talk, chew, whittle, pick a guitar, pass around baby pictures, and ride around town on their brand new Harleys.

The folks you see in mock Hillbillly garb are Shriners, or a few "brought on" hillbillies dressing up for fun. (Mostly we don't wear bib-overalls to to office down here....but they are handy when there is some weed eating to do on the hillsides. )You'll see some of the darnedest dare I say "cars" that sputter around in our hillbilly parade. (No we don't insure hillbilly jalopies)

If you get hungry, there is always lots of choices. On Main Street, Charlie Pinson will be frying up fish in the Rotary Club booth. They'll be gyros, Greek salads, Mexican tortillas, elephant ears, funnel cakes, and fried oreos throughout the downtown vendor sections. There is a carnival for the kiddies on the river fill.

Charlie and I look forward to Hillbilly Days, as many of the family members who have left here come on home. We'll get to visit with his brother, his nephews and nieces, and even a new great nephew! On Friday, we'll even shut the office down early. It's not so bad to be a Hillbilly. You ought to try it sometime. It can be enlightening!

Charlie Pinson Insurance will close at
12:30 on Friday April 18

Visit www.pinsoninsurance.com
for 24/7 access

Charlie Pinson is a member of the Pikeville Rotary Club and the Independent Insurance Agents of Kentucky. Headquartered in Pikeville, Charlie Pinson Insurance offers a variety of insurance products including Kentucky Auto Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, and Business Insurance including Workers Compensation. Through our sister agency, Triple B Insurance, we offer Kentucky health insurance for groups, individuals, and families. If you can't come to see us at Hillbilly Days, visit our website at www.pinsoninsurance.comfor online Kentucky Insurance quotes and information.

Get ready for "The Great Steamboat Race"I love the Delta Queen!

As a small girl growing up along the Ohio river, one of the biggest thrills was to watch the Delta Queen glide by the shores of Warsaw, Ky. To see that red paddle wheel, to hear the calliope, and to dream of trips far on down to bayou country was a grand summertime fantasy. After the Great Steamboat race, we would frantically search for "The Golden Antlers" symbol of a win. I can remember at night, watching the queen go quietly by. Grandma and I would flash the porch lights at the boat's pilot, and he would in turn flash his overhead light in response.

A few year's back, Progressive Insurance used to sponsor one of "the other boats" in the Great Steamboat Race. Charlie and I were fortunate enough to be aboard several times. What a thrill! I am saddened to report this may be the last year "my" Delta Queen is permitted to participate in the Great Steamboat Race. Here's an article that made my heart sing...and my eyes well up with fond memories.

Delta Queen to Receive Silver Horseshoe Award

By: KDF Press Office Posted: 4/10/2008 9:31:51 AM

The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce that the Silver Horseshoe Award, which is traditionally presented to an organization or individual for community service, will be given to the historic Delta Queen steamboat at the 52nd annual They’re Off! Luncheon on Friday, April 11, at the Galt House East Hotel. Accepting the award on behalf of Ambassadors Cruise Group, owner of the Delta Queen, will be Capt. Nico Corbin, Executive Vice President. The Delta Queen has participated in the Derby Festival’s Great Steamboat Race nearly every year since the event was first held in 1963. Corbin will present the $1,000 award that goes with the Silver Horseshoe to the Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville, Ind., which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008.

The Delta Queen’s first two decks and steam engines were ordered in 1924 from a shipyard in Scotland. The Queen and her sister boat Delta King were shipped in pieces to Stockton, California, in 1926. There the California Transportation Company assembled the two vessels for regular Sacramento River service between San Francisco and Sacramento. At the time, they were the most lavishly appointed and expensive sternwheel passenger boats ever commissioned. During World War Two, both boats were requisitioned by the U.S. Navy for duty in San Francisco Bay. In 1946, the Delta Queen was purchased by Greene Line Steamers of Cincinnati and towed via the Panama Canal and the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to be refurbished in Pittsburgh. In 1948 she entered regular passenger service, plying the waters of the Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers between Cincinnati, New Orleans, St. Paul, Chattanooga, Nashville and ports in between.

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Charlie Pinson Insurance is an independent insurance agency representing many Kentucky Auto Insurance companies including Progressive Insurance. Kentucky car insurance quotes are available online at www.pinsoninsurance.com  Joyce Pinson, is a native of Boone County, KY and spent many summers on the Ohio River banks in Gallatin County near Warsaw.

Do Independent Agents have a Brand Identity Crisis?

A few "blogs" back, I wrote about branding and queried whether you thought branding was important to insurance agencies. As a Kentucky independent insurance agent, we do not benefit from the national campaigns like lizards or cave men. We even have to battle our own carriers who sell against us on the direct side...all the time telling us how well the independent agents have built their (their being the big insurance company) brand. Ironic isn't it?

So what's in a brand?

Want a good laugh? See our brand ad.

Yesterday, I sat in on a web cast about how consumers use the web. A funny thing. The statistics showed that on Internet click-through mentioning the company brand was not as important as mentioning the product. Consumers do recognize national brands, and if they are "brand-oriented" in that they might be more inclined to do an online quote at a nationally branded site. However, initial searches are based on product.

Some independent agents join clusters and franchises which offer a "brand" of sorts. Our own organization, Independent Insurance Agents of America, charges a fee to use the Trusted Choice brand. But have consumers really heard of Trusted Choice Insurance?

Sam Friedman, over at the P & C National Underwriter blog, opined that perhaps independent insurance agents need an icon.   Sam's blog 
Look at the duck and the lizard. He may be right.

In My Opinion

When the Trusted Choice brand rolled out it was asserted the word "independent" did not test well with consumers, so the Big I logo was put on a back burner in favor of the Trusted Choice Insurance brand.


The "Big I" (Independent Insurance Agents) had a good idea with the Trusted Choice Insurance brand. However, ads to support that brand were chiefly placed in major markets. Mom and Pop agencies in outlying areas did not benefit from any "brand awareness." Truly, when was the last time you saw a Trusted Choice Insurance ad?

Call me "independent" a term I proudly wear. We spent money, time, and energy building our agency brand. I am not always a patient woman, and I just don't have the time to wait for some industry organization to do my branding for me. (I think that's why they call me "independent")

Independent insurance agents need to do a better job of branding and PR. When it comes right down to it, in small town Kentucky, it's still all about the agent...and the agent IS the brand.

Yes, if Big I or a franchise stepped up and really achieved "brand awareness" it would be a great day for all independent insurance agents. Until then, you the agent are in control. Build your brand. Service your clients. Don't take yourself too seriously. Make building a brand a game and have fun doing it.

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Joyce Pinson  is a Kentucky independent health insurance agent. (That's me) In addition to being an agent, I do marketing and public relations for Charlie Pinson Insurance. The posting above is my opinion, not our agency's. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

New Magazine for Independent Insurance Agents

If you are like me, and hundreds of other Kentucky Independent Insurance Agents, you recieve tons and tons of industry magazines. I dutifully go through most of the articles, sticking post-its on various items for each of our agents. Guess you could say I am the designated "reader" for the agency. Maybe just "PHD" for "Piled High and Deeper" desk????

Well, today a new magazine called Powerful Connections happened into my office. I did not pay a subscription fee, so I assume it is being offered free of charge. Produced by Agency Specialty Product Network Insurance Agency, Inc. the magazine comes out twice a year.

We do not currently do business with the agency, so please don't think I am endorsing them. However, I can tell you the magazine is a dandy. Cover stories include Advice to give your clients to plan for a disaster, Subprime Mortgages, and Alternatives to Health Insurance.

Oddly enough, or maybe not so oddly if you know me, the articles I enjoyed most were not the cover leads. I liked the profile of Gillis, Ellis, and Baker a Louisiana insurance agency, the article on "Going Green" and an article on "Deskercise." There was a terrific piece on phone etiquette and another directed at young agents that was well worth the read.

The layout of the magazine makes it easy to browse, and the sidebars give you more information if you want to do more than just breeze through a topic. It's fun, it's hip...and you just don't get to say that too much about an insurance industry magazine.

Check out www.askaspn.com to see about subscribing to this new magazine for independent insurance agents.

Remember I don't know this company, but I do know a cool magazine when I see it!

Kentucky Insurance Agent wins two awards

Charlie Pinson Insurance recognized for Outstanding Production and Productivity

Charlie Pinson, a Kentucky independent insurance agent, recently accepted statewide awards from The Hartford and MetLife at the annual Smart Choice Agents of Kentucky Insurance conference.

This year is the second consecutive year Pinson has been recognized by The Hartford. A family owned business, Charlie Pinson Insurance is celebrating ten years of service. The agency offers a variety of Kentucky insurance products including Kentucky car insurance and commercial Kentucky auto insurance. As an independent agent, Pinson represents many companies including Hartford, AIG, Progressive, Travelers, Farmers, and Safeco.

Pinson states, "Clients are what drives the agency. Our business motto is 'Charlie Pinson Insurance where people make the difference.' We believe that. We try to bring many insurance choices to clients. Our clients are tops!"

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What's in a name? Is brand important?

Does a Rose by any other name smell so sweet? Do consumers choose by brand or by insurance agent?

We've just returned from the annual Smart Choice Agents of Kentucky conference. It is always enlightening to visit with fellow Kentucky insurance agents, and of course our vendors and industry mentors. We continue to learn, grow, and of course take a little time to relax.

This year's conference focused chiefly on building a brand. Do consumers really choose their insurance because of the company name or because of the agent they deal with? In small towns throughout Kentucky, the insurance agent IS the brand. Whether an agent offers one brand or twenty, does it really make a difference to today's savvy consumers?

Captive agents, insurance agents that represent only one company, obviously benefit from national advertising campaigns. Direct writers, those who advertise on TV, and maintain big corporate offices in metro areas continue to do well with phone and internet sales. It is fair to say that small insurance agencies find it hard to compete with the advertising of corporate giants.

But where does that leave the consumer?

Trends seem to indicate younger demographics accept doing business with "strangers over the internet." Convenience and price are driving factors. Women, who control many family budgets, seem to weigh value and trust as part of choosing an insurance company or agent.

So what about it?

Do you buy insurance based on the name brand of the company, or do you buy insurance based on your relationship with a local agent? Does your buying decision focus solely on price? How does ease of doing business factor in to your decision? How important is convenience? If you had to make a decision, all things being equal, are you more comfortable dealing with a big name brand or a local agent? How do you decide?

Looking forward to your responses.

Captive or Independent Insurance Agent?

So just what is the difference between a captive insurance agent and an independent agent?

Most consumers don't know. Do you?

A captive agent works for one company. An independent agent works for YOU the client, and generally writes business for a number of insurance companies.

So how do you choose?

In my opinion, the most important thing is trust. Who are you comfortable with? Who can you talk to personally when you have an insurance problem? Who do you feel comfortable disussing personal insurance matters with? There are outstanding agents who are captives, and outstanding agents who are independents. Do business with someone you trust.

From an economic standpoint, shopping for Kentucky insurance can be an eye opening experience. Independent insurance agents can shop your coverages with a number of companies, and give you a choice of companies. We have seen Kentucky Auto Insurance rates vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverages.

It just makes good fiscal sense to shop your Kentucky Auto insurance at least every two years. More frequently if you are young, or had a significant life changes like marriage, purchasing a new home or auto, graduation from college, etc. Moving to a different zip code within Kentucky can increase or decrease your premium dramatically. If you are planning a Kentucky relocation, definitely shop around for your coverages.

Shop my Kentucky Car Insurance with an Independent Agent

Many independent insurance agents automatically shop their clients coverages at renewal. If they know you have had a life change, for example purchased a new car or gotten married, oftentimes they will re-quote your policy with several companies right away. Captive agents cannot offer you other companies and other rates.

So what will you choose...a captive agent or an independent insurance agent? Do your homework. Compare prices and coverages. But most importantly, do business with a Kentucky Insurance agent you trust. When that rainy day comes, and you have to file a claim, I hope you hired an agent who will see you through.

So you want to be an KY Independent Insurance Agent

We recently hosted a group of vetran insurance agents here at the office; for the purpose of completing the state mandated continuing education classes.

On this particuliar day, we had a young couple join the group. I say young, because the rest of us are pushing the big 5-0 or sliding right on by it! Anyway, we listened to the young folks talk enthusiastically about growing their business. We all smiled.

The topic of conversation then turned to, "If you were a young person today, would you launch a career as an independent insurance agent?" The crowd had mixed emotions.

It's hard to start an agency from scratch. If you do not have experience, it is hard to get insurance companies to let you write business. If you live in certain regions of Kentucky, many companies will not do business with you PERIOD. Startup costs, including investments in technology, can be cost prohibitive.

On the other hand, a young person starting out might go to work for a larger agency or conglomerate. Looking at our group, several were alumni of life insurance companies here in Kentucky. They agreed, their life insurance sales on a debit, certainly better prepared them for life as an independent insurance agent. (We did not have any captive agents in our group)

Many reflected on the nature of our industry. Like many industries, insurance goes in cycles. Sometimes the market is "soft," with premiums priced so low cash flow gets stymied. Sometimes it is a "hard" market, where agents with the right products at the right price point can make a good living. Being a successful insurance agent means working hard and working smart....no matter what the market conditions are.

We "old-timers" lamented about the diminished personal contacts and relationships that used to exist between agents and the companies they represent. Insurance carriers continue to scale back on service reps, who once upon a time served as mentors and the "go-to" folks, when there were questions or challenging cases. Today, more often than not agents are refered to a website or directed to some phone clone who you never met, and who cannot understand those of us with a Kentucky drawl. (How y'all doin?)

So the question remains, if we had it to do all over again, would we become insurance agents today? While we all agreed we had endured some lean times, all but one said they would do it again. While some doors of opportunity have closed, other doors have opened. New cluster groups like Smart Choice Agents program can give "newbies" a leg up, as they begin their insurance careers. New products like long-term care are providing new revenue streams. In the future, tech savvy agents might find all kinds of new sales venues online and through video conferencing. It's a brave new world.

So, there is alot to think about. But, as for the folks in our agency, the answer is a resounding "YES!" It's not always an easy road, but being an independent insurance agent is a satisfying and rewarding career. If you treat your clients right and do a good job of underwriting the risk, in the big scheme of things you will find success.

To learn about the licensing process for Kentucky Insurance Agents refer to the Kentucky Office of Insurance site.

Disclaimer: Following links from this posting does not constitute endorsement of products or services. Seek out career counselors, lawyers and accountants to help you determine your career path and develop a business plan.