PALOMAR INSURANCE CORPORATION, established in 1954, is a comprehensive agency that provides various personal lines and commercial insurance solutions. In 2019, Palomar-Hart emerged as a specialized division catering to the trucking and transportation industry. Of the 100+ employees at Palomar, 30 are experts in trucking, with 50 percent operating under Palomar-Hart. The agency has offices in Kennesaw, Georgia, four locations in Alabama, and one each in Tennessee and South Carolina to serve their clients.
HOW/WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AND IN TRANSPORTATION INSURANCE IN PARTICULAR?
My insurance career started in 1986 in a small town in the heart of Georgia, where I worked with a transportation insurance pioneer. Under his tutelage, I learned the ropes and developed a deep fondness for the industry, particularly transportation. Watching my clients thrive and succeed was a joy, and I drew satisfaction from helping them grow. Many of my clients started with just one or two trucks over 30 years ago, and I’m pleased to see that they now operate thriving trucking companies. I consider many of these hardworking individuals my insureds and friends, and I relish the opportunity to work with them.
WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? HOW DO YOU PUT THAT INTO PRACTICE WHEN IT COMES TO MANAGING YOUR EMPLOYEES AND DEALING WITH CUSTOMERS?
I believe in leading by example instead of simply dictating tasks. To assist my agents in learning how to compile information, I join them on client visits. When it comes to interacting with clients, I firmly believe in treating others the way I would like to be treated. No matter the size of their business – whether it’s a small operation with only a handful of trucks or a well-established company with hundreds – I always show my clients respect. After all, we all had to start somewhere.
THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY IS CHANGING CONSTANTLY. HOW DO YOU LEAD YOUR EMPLOYEES IN ADAPTING THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS TO REFLECT THOSE CHANGES?
The advancements in insurance technology have brought about significant changes, allowing underwriters access to a wealth of information about accounts that were previously unavailable. As a result, we now need to present our clients’ stories to underwriters differently and demonstrate how their trucking companies have made a difference in their operations by using all available information. We have a solid foundation of exceptional customer service thanks to Palomar and Palomar-Hart’s highly skilled individuals in the transportation industry, who have been trained to adapt and evolve in response to these changes.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LEAD YOUR DIVISION IN THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
Upon joining the company, their transportation business was limited to their Alabama offices. However, we have successfully expanded the transportation business in these offices and beyond through collaborative efforts. We joined the Atlanta office, which was previously not focused on transportation, but agribusiness. Our aim is to sustain growth through exceptional customer service that caters to the needs of our clients. We strive to be reliable and provide prompt assistance whenever necessary.
LEADERSHIP CAN BE STRESSFUL. WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
Trucking companies are facing numerous challenges nowadays. Nuclear verdicts have caused an unfair shift in the industry, making protecting clients in new ways imperative. Smaller operations are finding it challenging to remain in business due to rising fuel and equipment costs, affecting some of our larger clients. At Palomar-Hart, we strive to provide the most comprehensive insurance at affordable premiums to ensure our clients never have to close their doors. However, I’m concerned that until we have tort reform limiting the ability of juries to award astronomical amounts, the trucking industry will continue to be negatively impacted. While leadership can be stressful, guiding your team to provide clients with what they need and the most comprehensive coverage available is the best way to secure clients and offer the best products.
HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME?
Trucking companies are facing numerous challenges nowadays. Nuclear verdicts have caused an unfair shift in the industry, making protecting clients in new ways imperative. Smaller operations are finding it challenging to remain in business due to rising fuel and equipment costs, affecting some of our larger clients. At Palomar-Hart, we strive to provide the most comprehensive insurance at affordable premiums to ensure our clients never have to close their doors. However, I’m concerned that until we have tort reform limiting the ability of juries to award astronomical amounts, the trucking industry will continue to be negatively impacted. While leadership can be stressful, guiding your team to provide clients with what they need and the most comprehensive coverage available is the best way to secure clients and offer the best products.
HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME?
