Education

​​​​By Jim Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA, AVP of Learning & Development​​ Today, let us focus a bit on education and training- specifically training. I read a quote somewhere from a CEO of a large company—I don't quite recall who it was but I certainly recall what he said. When asked, “Why do you spend so much time and money on training when those employees might leave?" His answer floored me. He said, “What if we didn't train them and they stayed??"  Brilliant answer!! Let's look at that a bit more closely… “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest"- Ben Franklin “Education costs money, but…

​​​​By Jim Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA, AVP of Learning & Development​​ When I first became licensed to sell insurance, the agency I was working for gave me a Mentor to work with. He became a good friend and we still keep in touch even though this was over twenty-five years ago. I will always be indebted to him for a brief conversation we had very early in my sales career. You see, at the beginning I was very uncomfortable trying to sell people insurance. They always looked at me like I was a pushy salesman just out for the commission. It made me feel awkward…

​​​By Jim Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA, AVP of Learning & Development​​ Today I want to highlight two distinct topics that are intermingled nonetheless. The first is the business philosophy that reinforces People before Profits… It may not have started here, but in 2015 Dale Partridge wrote a book about the benefits to a business by putting “People over Profits". Some key points included in the book state: Recognize the value of people. Understand why honesty is always the best policy. Realize everyone must stay true to who they are. Develop and maintain quality standards. Be generous without intention of getting something in return. Whil​​e these…