MEET “THE ULTIMATE PRODUCER CHALLENGE” CONTESTANTS
Nine producers compete for title at Big “I” Convention
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 26, 2005—Join nine of the best producers from across the country as they compete in IIABA’s own reality program, The Ultimate Producer Challenge, on Sept. 12 at the Big “I” Convention. Joining the nine will be the premier insurance sales coach, Roger Sitkins of the Sitkins Group in Fort Myers, Fla., acting as the contest’s host and judge. The Sitkins group has provided services to more than 2,000 independent insurance agencies, helping them to “force vertical growth” in their sales and marketing arenas, while increasing profitability.
The nine contestants will go through a series of group and individual sales exercises and tests from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton New York. Throughout the course of the day, producers will be eliminated from the competition based on their performance, as determined by the judge. With only two remaining at the end of the day, the Ultimate Producer will be announced during the convention’s closing general session on Sept. 12. Along with pride and prestige, the Ultimate Producer will receive a $2,500 prize and three 90-minute coaching sessions via teleconference with Mr. Sitkins.
The competitors vary widely in everything from experience to location. They all share one common factor, and that is the belief that each of them has what it takes to be the Ultimate Producer.
K. Patrick Armstrong, CPCU, CWCA, AIS, LIA, is vice president and a minority owner of L.V. Toole Insurance Agency in Lee, Mass. Armstrong has more than 17 years in the business, and prides himself on maintaining a very high retention ratio by creating solid, long-lasting relationships with his clients.
Jason Besse, a producer with C.T. Lowndes & Company in Summerville, S.C., credits his success to the firm belief in the products he sells. He takes pride in his assertive and competitive manner, and in giving his clients the best quality and service he can.
Marc Cisneros, Jr. is a producer with Integrity Insurance Agency in San Antonio, Texas. He relies on word of mouth and built his book from the ground up, making sure to learn, and be able to explain, every rule and any relevant changes in the Texas homeowners market.
David Crevelt, a producer with Salsbury & Associates Insurance Services, Inc., in Fremont, Calif., considers himself extremely driven and unwilling to quit. He works hard to give back to the insurance community not only through his day to day producing, but through his work with national legislation.
Diane Durnin relies on her technical skills, customer empathy, and honesty to make her the top producer in her Portland, Ore. Agency J.D. Fulwiler & Co Insurance. Durnin works hard to learn about prospective clients, so she can accurately assess their exposures and propose ways to handle that risk.
Roosevelt Haywood III, CPCU, a producer with Haywood and Fleming Associates in Gary, Ind., credits his success to strong ‘after-the-sell’ capabilities and far reaching community involvement.
Edward Lukatsky, AAI, comes from Salhaney Insurance Agency in West Roxbury, Mass. Lukatsky began at age 19, and four years later, he has learned to gain people’s respect, trust, and business and credits that to his dedication to learning all he can, so his clients know they have come to the right place.
John Marek, CIC, CRM, is a producer with Compass Insurance Agency in Dallas, Texas. He earned the nickname “Mad Dog” for his aggressive style of going after, and winning, business. “Mad Dog” Marek takes pride in making customer service his top priority.
Gregory Wassberg, CIC, works with Crockett Insurance Service in Crockett, Texas. He has learned to manage the ups and downs of an account cycle, and reminds himself each day to sell something new to someone new.
The event will take place during the Big “I” Convention—the premier industry gathering that features one of the largest exhibit halls in the insurance industry; several prominent guest speakers; a compelling company CEO panel; a wide variety of innovative continuing-education (CE) classes; numerous networking opportunities; and many other exciting events. Online registration for the Big “I” Convention is also available at the website. For more information about the Big “I” Convention, contact the Convention and Meetings Department at (800) 221-7917.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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