Couch Braunsdorf Merges With PerksCard

By Mark E. Ruquet

NU Online News Service, Oct. 2, 3:10 p.m. EDT?ANew Jersey insurance agency has merged with an affinity discountcard company to create what it sees as an opportunity to attractbusiness in the personal lines area.

Jim Johnston, president and chairman of the Couch BraunsdorfInsurance Group in Liberty Corner, N.J., announced it has mergedwith Perks Unlimited Inc., producer of the PerksCard, a member'sonly discount card distributed through businesses.

Mr. Johnston told National Underwriter that withinsurers seeking more market share and customers more inclined touse other associations besides traditional referrals to make theirinsurance purchase, the card appeared to be a great avenue to gaincustomer interest and business.

After a year-and-a-half of association with the Setauket, LongIsland, N.Y.-based Perks Unlimited (it will remain in Setauket),the two sought a joint partnership. This took the form of PerksUnlimited becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of CouchBraunsdorf.

Perks Unlimited president and founder, Bob Dow, was named chiefexecutive officer of Couch Braunsdorf Affinity Division. MarkChibbaro is president of the Affinity division.

Mr. Dow founded Perks Unlimited 15 years ago as a way forcorporations to offer added benefits to employees by enabling themto save money on everyday items, Couch Braunsdorf said. Members canpresent the PerksCard for discounts at more than 10,000participating local and national establishments, includingBlockbuster Video, Men's Wearhouse, Lowe's Home ImprovementWarehouse, Linens 'N' Things, AVIS and Mrs. Fields Online.

He said discounts vary, but it is currently working onconcluding a deal where individuals could receive a discount of upto 30 percent at theme parks throughout the country.

Some clients utilizing PerksCard include Cooper Health System,Computer Associates, Xerox, AOL Time Warner, Hamilton Sundstrandand the City of Los Angeles Employees' Club, Couch Braunsdorfsaid.

Mr. Johnston said the insurance marketing would concentrate onautomobile and homeowners insurance. He said future products couldinclude life products and other programs. He also foresees thepossibilities of small commercial accounts.

Mr. Johnston said the firm is launching its first project in asouthern state where the national firm is averaging 170 policiesper week through call center purchase.

Couch Braunsdorf is a 100-year-old agency with commission incomebetween $15 and $20 million, said Mr. Johnston, and employs 100people.

Among the carriers supporting the agency in its program, Mr.Johnston said, are Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Hanover andMetLife