Jimmy Wiseman
Vice President,
The Wiseman Agency
Gallipolis, Ohio
Years at company: 10
Biggest claims-handling event to date:
Our area was hit pretty hard by a derecho [a straight-line windstorm] in 2012. It hit most of Indiana and Ohio. It lasted about 15 minutes and from that we had 1,700 claims. Our customers had a lot of damage and large portions of the state were without power. We were down for about nine days, but a local bank had backup generating power. We took our server there and set up six computer stations so we could take claims. Other employees came into the office—even though we were without power, we could take claims by hand if clients came in. I spent a lot of time on the road, meeting with customers. The area was hit by a similar windstorm when I was in high school—as a result, our agency had a disaster plan in place.
Cultivating relationships pays off:
When I was chair of the IIABA Young Agents Committee in Ohio, we focused on getting young agents involved in the state associations. I think knowing other young agents is invaluable. I still keep in touch with contacts that I made during my time as chair. I received an opportunity from a barge manufacturer and I never had any experience in that field. But I knew a young agent whom I had met from the committee and he has done a lot of river risks. I asked, “What are the pitfalls, what are the things I need to look out for?” And If I didn't develop that relationship, I probably would have passed on the risk.
Adapting to customer needs:
I can't tell you how many customers don't call anymore—they text me. Things have changed. It doesn't matter how we want to do business, it's how the customer wants to do business. It can be difficult to balance work and life.
Proving your worth on the job:
I went to college in Ohio for a couple of years, but I was ready to work and I had an opportunity in this agency, given that it's a family business. I'm the fourth generation to work here, and it's both fun and stressful. I received my education in insurance from the principals when I started. I've been able to show my clients that even though I haven't graduated from college, I am capable of handling their insurance needs and protecting their assets.
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