PIA National honors two insurance agents with annual awards
Here are the recipients of the 2021 Professional Agent of the Year and Young Insurance Professional of the Year awards.
Two insurance agents were recently honored by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) for their commitment and service to the industry.
This year, the association’s highest honor, the Professional Agent of the Year award, went to John Potthast, founder & president of Foundation Insurance Group in Falls Church, Virginia.
Andrew Skaggs, owner and agent of Skaggs Insurance Agencies of Indianapolis, took home the 2021 PIA National Young Insurance Professional (YIP) of the Year.
In a press release, PIA National Vice President/Treasurer Gerald F. Hemphill shared how Potthast started Foundation Insurance Group in the basement of his home in 1994 and has since grown the agency to be the largest Erie Insurance agent in Virginia and fifth largest in the company.
Foundation Insurance Group, which has a staff of 50, has also earned Erie’s prestigious Quality Agent of the Year Awar three times — a rarity for the distinction that celebrates exemplary sales performance, profitability and commitment to client services
“I am truly grateful to the PIA for this special honor. This recognition would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my entire staff, our customers and our carrier partners,” said Potthast in a statement. “Our affiliation with the PIA has made us a more professional and successful agency. I consider this award to be a highlight of my career and I am very grateful.”
A former teacher, Skaggs is known for his selflessness and commitment to his community, Said Hemphill.
“When I left teaching, I wanted to make sure that I was still making a difference and helping others,” said Skaggs in a release. “I believe that this is possible in insurance. I approach every day with the mindset to help clients, prospects, and my employees. I want to go to bed each night knowing that I helped someone.”
Related: