Several years ago a nonprofit organization was formed in Fort Myers, Fla., for the purpose of developing a program to provide disabled military veterans job opportunities within the insurance industry.

The carefully chosen name for this organization was Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers Inc. (DVIC).

The DVIC mission is to educate, train and create meaningful employment opportunities within the insurance industry for disabled veterans. Since its founding, the program has developed into a viable resource for helping disabled veterans who need a jump-start in a professional career field.

The process is structured around hiring, educating, training, licensing and assisting with the placement of disabled veteran trainees upon completion of the program. When the trainees have completed the DVIC program, they are placed in customer service positions within successful insurance agencies.

DVIC was developed from the vision of two retired insurance executives, Gary V. Trippe and James R. Pender, along with co-founders Gay Trippe, Kathy Pender, Lee Knapp and Brady Polansky. Having started and managed independent insurance agencies, both Trippe and Pender felt strongly that their vision could become a reality.

One of the first steps in starting DVIC was to find the right person to help build the organization and manage the day-to-day operations.

Gary Bryant, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, was selected in January 2013 to be the first DVIC president and CEO. Bryant's connections within the military community and his personal service record assisted DVIC greatly in procuring volunteers and supporters from various industries.

In addition to Bryant's efforts, Trippe and Pender assembled a strong governing board of directors, a strategic advisory board composed primarily of insurance industry executives, military officers, community leaders and additional regional directors.

Veterans bring strong skills

Part of the success of the DVIC program is that veterans offer employers a certain set of valuable skills, such as adaptability, efficiency, loyalty, diligence and respect for authority.

Often these skills are particularly valuable in the development of careers.

For example, veterans have been trained to focus on the organizational mission and to not accept failure. Additionally, many have strong respect for procedures and accountability. When it comes to working in teams, veterans excel in that work environment. Leadership, problem solving and time management are just a few of the other transferable skills that many veterans possess.

Application of these traits by disabled veterans can lead to great success in the insurance industry.

In recent years, the industry has been wide open in terms of employment opportunities and is hiring at a rapid rate. The veterans chosen for the DVIC training program must exhibit positive traits in order to be considered for the program. They must also express a strong desire to have a career in the insurance industry and demonstrate good communication skills.

Solid training

The training program at DVIC is extensive and can last up to six months.

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, which provides insurance education and training, has partnered with DVIC to coordinate and provide the veterans with education and training.

All veterans completing the education and training program receive the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation from the alliance.

In addition to the formal training, on-the-job experience is a key part of the DVIC program as well. Veterans spend several days a week at local insurance agencies, such as Rosier Insurance in Bonita Springs, Fla., and Armed Forces Insurance in Leavenworth, Kan.

The next DVIC training program will begins this month, and will take place both in Southwest Florida and Leavenworth, Kan. To learn more about program, visit DVIC.us. You can see what the first "recruits" have to say about their experience with DVIC and the insurance industry on YouTube.

Phil Tuccy, AAI, AIM, is a member of the Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers strategic advisory board and is the owner of Ellenton, Fla.-based Insurance Group Consulting. Contact him at ptuccy@insurancegroupconsulting.com.

Are you following us on Facebook?

Special Reports /

DVIC helps disabled veterans find careers in insurance

Related Stories

Recommended For You