The St. Paul Companies has made a major expansion into the small commercial business marketplace, and the centerpiece of this expansion is a new technology platform developed in-house. SPCXpress is a Web-based online tool that enables contracted agents and brokers to qualify, price, issue, and endorse policies online. Tech Decisions spoke with Marc E. Schmittlein, president and CEO of The St. Paul Small Commercial, and Charles H. Coon, Jr., assistant vice president of The St. Pauls information systems, about what it took to complete this six-month project. The St. Paul Small Commercial had net written premiums of $622 million in 2002.

Schmittlein has been president_and CEO of Small Commercial since December 2001. Prior to that he served as vice president of the Mid-Atlantic region for Travelers Property and Casualty Insurance Co. He also held field assignments in underwriting and marketing management for Aetna Life & Casualty Co. Coon joined The St. Paul in January 2002. He is responsible for technology development for Small Commercial. Prior to joining The St. Paul, Coon served as assistant vice president of business process and systems at United States Fidelity and Guaranty (USF&G).

Tech Decisions: What is SPCXpress doing for Small Commercial at The St. Paul?