Jimmy Wiseman
Vice President,
The Wiseman Agency
Gallipolis, Ohio

Years at company: 10

Biggest claims-handling event to date:
Ourarea was hit pretty hard by a derecho [a straight-line windstorm]in 2012. It hit most of Indiana and Ohio. It lasted about 15minutes and from that we had 1,700 claims. Our customers had a lotof damage and large portions of the state were without power. Wewere down for about nine days, but a local bank had backupgenerating power. We took our server there and set up six computerstations so we could take claims. Other employees came into theoffice—even though we were without power, we could take claims byhand if clients came in. I spent a lot of time on the road, meetingwith customers. The area was hit by a similar windstorm when I wasin high school—as a result, our agency had a disaster plan inplace.

Cultivating relationships pays off:
When Iwas chair of the IIABA Young Agents Committee in Ohio, we focusedon getting young agents involved in the state associations. I thinkknowing other young agents is invaluable. I still keep in touchwith contacts that I made during my time as chair. I received anopportunity from a barge manufacturer and I never had anyexperience in that field. But I knew a young agent whom I had metfrom 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 outfor?” And If I didn't develop that relationship, I probably wouldhave passed on the risk.

Adapting to customer needs:
I can't tellyou how many customers don't call anymore—they text me. Things havechanged. It doesn't matter how we want to do business, it's how thecustomer wants to do business. It can be difficult to balance workand life.

Proving your worth on the job:
I went tocollege in Ohio for a couple of years, but I was ready to work andI had an opportunity in this agency, given that it's a familybusiness. I'm the fourth generation to work here, and it's both funand stressful. I received my education in insurance from theprincipals when I started. I've been able to show my clients thateven though I haven't graduated from college, I am capable ofhandling their insurance needs and protecting their assets.