Greetings readers, and welcome to a new and recurring feature in Florida Underwriter. I've been blessed with a 30-year career in the insurance industry and I now have the opportunity to share what I've learned with you, as well as join with you as we both learn more about a variety of issues in the Florida marketplace. I hope that as we learn, one of the results is that you save your time and money in the operation of your business. The information in this column will include my perspective, which comes from my experience from underwriting assistant to executive officer of an independently owned wholesale entity. My goal is to share with you some of my varied experiences so we can all better serve our clients.

In addition to my views on issues, this column will also include comments and views from professionals across the state who are familiar with Florida-specific challenges and opportunities. Like you and me, these professionals are dedicated and working hard every day to improve the products and services in our industry, and improving the industry itself. Florida Underwriter does a wonderful job of reporting and providing informed editorials on the personal lines issues faced by our industry. My goal is to focus more on the issues surrounding the commercial lines.

As we look at these areas, the amount of information necessary to function successfully in our business is increasing exponentially. By no means will I assert that this column is going to answer all of the questions each of us have about our business, nor will it be capable of addressing every key issue, but I would like to be able to look at issues that have an impact on your business operations. I would encourage you to contact Michael Adams of the Florida Underwriter, or you may contact me with questions you have about wholesale or insurance company operations, E&S business, professional liability, market news, and its impact on you and so forth.