Learning From Disaster

Update:  "Prior Experience Heightens Perceptions of Disaster Risks"

Since I published this post in October of 2013 we've experienced many disasters; including a polar vortex, a record setting power outage from ice, wildfires, tornadoes and record flooding. The Insurance Journal published findings from a study done that shows people who suffer from disasters such as earth quakes, floods, and terrorists attacks are more aware of the potential of those and other disasters. "The new findings come at a time when emergency management officials are seeking to communicate with the public about the need for greater awareness of risks ranging from hurricane flooding and increased forest fires to terrorist attacks and climate change."  

 Photo credit

The study was conducted across multiple European countries that experience high rates of earth quakes, floods, and terrorism.  It was found that the victims of major earth quakes and floods become the most aware of potential risk in the future.  When compared to similar studies in the coastal regions of the United States there is a noticeable difference- Americans become seemingly more complacent following a disaster.  Taking the attitude that the chances of another occurring are slim.  

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Why not become more aware of the risks around us and take lessons from disaster?

So I share these articles and studies to put the question in your minds and increase awareness. The climate is constantly changing and we are never safe from natural disasters-  it's important to be aware of risks and what we can do to help deal with them when they do affect us.  When you hear of a nuclear power plant accident in another part of the world or a forest fire in a dry area of the country-  take a moment to learn a valuable risk lesson from it and protect yourself.  

Even as a typically optimistic person, natural disasters are one topic that I highly reccomend considering every worst possible scenario.  If you have questions about ways to protect yourself with preventative or insurance measures ask me! I'm here to help educate you!

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Original post from October 31, 2013:

It doesn't take being a meteorologist to make the observation that natural disasters have begun to leave a major mark on our country and the world.  They not only devastate individuals' lives but in most cases devastate entire communities.  It's not unusual for the rebuilding of areas hit by natural disaster to take some time to rebuild, but it seems that as time presses on and we continue to take the brunt of terrifying weather, the time frames around re-building continue to grow as well. 

Since "Super Storm Sandy" struck the Northern coast a year ago, there have been daily stories in the media about the recovery efforts along the Jersey and New York shores.  Like the devastation after the Joplin tornado or the tragic string of hurricanes which left Louisiana in pieces- these stories of loss and heartache for those affected touch us as we watch from a distance.

It's my belief and daily practice to take lessons from each life experience, be it positive or negative, so when I reflect on these horrific events and the devastation they leave behind I can't help but wonder if any lessons are learned.  Yes, the people rebuild and "stay strong," that can be seen- but what lessons do they take away for future protection? 

There also seems to be a sort of an "untouchable" mindset in those who haven't been directly affected by these disasters- they just assume it won't happen to them.  But you know what "they" say about people who assume??

For the first time following a disaster I am seeing articles published which directly address what should be learned by the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  This may be a coincidence, but it's likely because I'm now an insurance agent and tend to pay close attention.  It was my choice to dedicate my career to teaching people about insurance- and if you haven't noticed yet, I take my responsibilities seriously!

So here we are, with an awesome article I discovered and want to share, along with a few key lessons I've pulled from it that I think many people will find quite valuable.  In addition to this blog, I also encourage you to look through the article itself for even more advice that I don't focus on here.

Insurance Journal: Lessons from Sandy

   photo credit www.money.msn.com

Seriously consider options for flood insurance.  Believe me, I know what's going on in the flood insurance news and I'm sure you must think I'm crazy for suggesting you actually buy one of these policies.  Just keep in mind, that many areas do not lie in flood prone zones and will not face high rates or rate hikes- I can even check for those risks for you if you'd like! The thing to keep in mind is that many floods occur in areas that are not flood prone. It is also important to remember that flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners, renters, or business insurance.  Many Sandy victims did not have flood insurance, were uninsured or under insured for the disaster.  This happens all too often when it comes to flood damage, so become informed and invest in proper insurance!

                                                                                             
                                                                             

photo credit www.ready.gov

Understand the differences between a homeowners or business owners policy and a flood policy.  Standard homeowners insurance and business owners insurance policies differ from flood insurance policies in many ways.  Be sure to know what each of your policies covers for each potential peril- if you're unsure,  you've just learned the value of having an agent- ASK!

Know that hurricanes and wind damage are covered on your policies and what the deductibles are. Many insurance policies, especially in high-wind or hurricane prone areas will exclude coverage for those perils, or include a deductible which is much higher than the standard deductible.  A quality agent or insurance customer service representative will always disclose these to you, but it is never a bad idea to ASK, double check your quotes and confirm before you buy the coverage! 

Renters should carry insurance too.  Many renters are affected by the same disasters that owners are, but most do not take the initiative to purchase renters insurance unless it is required by the landlord.  The problem is that many landlords do not require it, while at the same time many renters do not read their leases- which leads to multitudes of renters left without coverage for their personal items lost in disasters.  Landlords' insurance usually will cover only the dwelling and it's attachments or additional structures.  

A BONUS: Renters insurance is typically very inexpensive because you are not the owner of the property and only carry coverage for damage to your personal items and your liability to others. 

                                                                                          

  Do yourself a favor and at the very least ask me for advice or a complimentary quote!

Molly Rienerth
Owner/President of Principle Insurance
(727) 289-7219
mrienerth@principleins.com

Importance of "Principle"

As I began working on an ethics page to add to the Principle Insurance website, I realized that with all the hustle and bustle I had forgotten one of the most important pieces in my entrepreneurship journey- I did not make an announcement to say how "Principle Insurance" came to be!  Which led me here...where I can share my story!

For quite some time I've had a fascination with philosophy, ethics, and how they work in our daily lives.  I credit this interest to the wide variety of experiences I've had- not only closely witnessing many walks of life, but I've walked in many shoes myself.  Over time, a person naturally begins to put together the pieces of this thing called "life" and develops a personal moral code. 

I realize now that I've always had this drive and curiosity, it just took a traumatic and near death experience to do something with it.  Just like me, to learn things the hard way!

In the weeks following my infamous boat accident in 2011, I had a lot of time to think (photos here and I'll share the story with those who haven't heard).   It wasn't until I was so close to losing my life that I truly realized the importance of every single moment I have. Not one should be taken for granted and every one should be lived to it's fullest and with integrity.  It was through that thought process and reflection which I found myself taking huge turns in my personal and professional life.

I believe that a large part of these changes also involved the new perspective that not only had I taken myself for granted, but others had too.  It was then that my self-worth sky rocketed, leaving me with a new-found confidence, despite my fresh physical and mental scars.  Much to my surprise, not only did this new found self-worth contribute to a speedy recovery, it also unleashed a new psychological beast.

Throughout this awakening, I found that I was living my life based on everyone else's moral compass.  I had taken what I was taught when I was raised, combined it with all of the nonsense I'd been exposed to in my early to mid-20s, and turned it all into a super-confused mush of a philosophy I thought was my own.  This is when I decided to start from the basics and re-build from there.

It took months and months of studying philosophers (on my own, not at school), reading their work, and taking lessons from my life and those around me.  I can tell you that it is not an easy task to reverse most of what was instilled in you and re-program your mind, but it can be done. Through those studies and my curiosity about the way our moral compass develops, I slowly built what I now consider my philosophy and a list of my own moral principles;

Rationality, Accountability, Honesty, and Respect- I may or may not have made them spell "RAHR" on purpose (pronounced 'Rawr!' of course).

Years later, when faced with the decision to go into business for myself or to continue working for others at my expense, I was faced with two important questions:

1. What will my company stand for?
2. What name will properly represent what my company stands for?

It only made sense to choose a name which would be a constant reminder to myself, my future employees, and my clients of the principles I live by each and every day and would carry over into my business. My goal is to exude these core principles in my agency as I do in my personal life and provide the utmost moral and ethical service to my clients. 

I chose to name my agency "Principle Insurance" to serve as that constant reminder...and now it's time to share it with the world!

The Lymphomaniacs: Light The Night Walk 2013

My inspiration for contributing to LLS began three years ago when my close friend's daughter Bailey was diagnosed with Leukemia. She

spent months upon months undergoing rigorous inpatient treatment in All Children's Hospital here in St. Pete. But despite it all, she kept a smile on her face and kept on fighting. 

I was so driven by her courage at that time that I chose to walk with a team in her honor for the Light the Night Walk held by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Our team raised $3492.01 for the cause in 2010- it was a proud moment knowing that I had contributed and had the ability to make a difference for other people like Bailey.

Little Miss Bailey kicked "Leuky booty" in 2010 and will reach her third year anniversary of remission on October 12th! I just keep thinking how wonderful it will be to walk in honor and admiration of her life following this big milestone for her and her family. 



On November 9th, 2013 I am joining my friend Liane, who is a 10 year survivor of Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma as she walks in the memory of her friend Megan who lost her battle with the same disease.

We want to continue the fight against these two horrible cancers. It is by the generosity of people like myself and people like you that these two inspiring lives and so many others have been saved.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk fund research and treatments that can manage a person's condition with a daily pill, therapies that seek out cancer cells and kill them, and the use of a patient's own immune system to eradicate cancer.

We have just over a month of fundraising left before our walk this year. Every single penny counts, even if you can only give 100 of them. Thank you for your support!

Contribute here!

Practice = Professionalism

Tonight I want to share an extremely momentous moment today for me on the journey of being a business owner. Of course as most of you know, the past few months have brought landmark, after landmark, after landmark - but just last week I was invited, interviewed and accepted into the National Association of Professional Women.  For those of you who have recently looked at my head shot and thought I looked awfully "professional"- it's official.  I am.

National Association of Professional Women- About Us

Though one would think that this is something that I 'just know' and don't need to be reminded of, that's absolutely not the case.  I did not always have this professionalism I bare today, it was built by  experience. Just three years ago I am not even sure I would have classified myself as one of these "Professional Women."

Honestly, some days I feel the need to pinch myself because after all those years of chugging along, things have just begun to come together. 

Then tonight, I log onto the NAPW site for the first time and see the profile of the President of a prior employer there, in the same chapter as myself.  There aren't words to describe the amount of pride I felt at that moment...and in retrospect, there's extreme pride I feel at each new "moment" as a business owner. 

Now don't get me wrong, I've felt plenty proud in the past- just never like I feel knowing that this empire being built before me and by my own hands and skills, is mine.  I think it takes monumental moments like this in life to snap reality back into focus. 

Day to day I have to remind myself that it's okay when things don't move as fast as they feel like they should.  Becoming this "professional" and gaining the skills that it takes to be classified as such, is not something that came overnight.  If there is one important message I could ever send to anyone who is envious of accomplishments, it's just that. 

What I am doing today came from the combination of time and persistence and refusal to let anyone or anything stop me.  There is no one in charge of your life but yourself, so do what you please with it.  Focus on a goal, reach as hard as you possibly can, and you'll get there.

I didn't realize it before, but I realize it now- I can add and cross off "become a professional woman" from my list.  Not like I needed an Association to prove it, but it helps! ;)

And things just continue to get better....


Visit my professional Facebook page here
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www.principleins.com

Progressive Lives Up To Its Name

                I know for many it's probably hard to see beyond the fancy transportation, the complimentary room downtown, and the Tribe game at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening- which is why I'm writing this for you.  I feel the only way to truly get across the value of the experience I had in Cleveland with Progressive last week is to put it into forever accessible words.

 

So I'll begin with Wednesday morning, when we met in the lobby between 6:15 and 6:45 for coffee and were promptly rallied into our color coordinated groups to take the trip from downtown to the Progressive campuses.  Yes, they are called campuses- they really truly feel that way, but filled with working adults!

We had breakfast and then found seats in a small auditorium- this was the moment that I had been anticipating- the executives of Progressive would speak and I would potentially have the chance to meet with them! 

                Karen Barone, the Agency Distribution Leader, spoke first. She is an inspiring woman, who's worked her way up the ranks of Progressive since the 90s and now leads Progressive's 30,000 agencies in growing their businesses. Next to speak was the President & CEO of the company, Glenn Renwick.  I don't know about the other agents in the room, but to me, his speech was surprisingly enjoyable.  He was witty and though he was talking about numbers and other things that would usually put a room to sleep, he kept us laughing and entertained. 

                I was so impressed with their presentations, in fact, that when he dismissed us for a ten minute break I couldn't pass up the chance to approach them!  I first introduced myself and chatted with Karen for a few minutes and then walked up to Glenn, put my hand out, and said, "I am Molly Rienerth, owner of Principle Insurance in St. Petersburg, FL." Let me tell you- it felt so empowering!  He was just as charming up close as he seemed while he spoke in front of the group.  I was surprised that the majority of agents did not take the opportunity to make themselves known- I couldn't have missed it!

Next we heard John Sauerland and John Barbagallo, the Personal Lines and Commercial Lines Group Presidents, respectively.  They left me excited about where Progressive is in comparison to the competition in both divisions.  When they were each done, Glenn joined them up front and they did a Q&A, which I thought was awesome.  It's not every day that we get to ask any question we want of executives and receive on the spot answers.  The Q&A was followed by a presentation on the new features available to us as agents to help assist our customers and grow our businesses- I took lots of notes and have brought a plethora of knowledge and tools back to the agency.

We then went on a tour of some of the facilities. The first of which is where they keep the servers. The best word to describe it is "phenomenal". No pictures allowed, but I can say I walked through a 17,000 square foot room full of computers pulling in and sending out data constantly.  There's a facility like it in Colorado Springs which is supposedly more impressive- that's hard to imagine.  If power is lost there they can run for an entire week on the generators they have.  Any doubts about their security technologically or otherwise can be tossed out the window.

The next building we visited was their Claims University.  In a similar scenario as the last building, I walked through with my mouth open in amazement.  Their claims staff goes through months of extensive training.  The claims department training includes practicing adjusting and evaluating claims scenarios in another gigantic room, which is staged with every single type of vehicle and claim you can think of.  This "staging area" is also a full functioning shop, so the trainees are able learn what quality repairs look and feel like before going out to work in the field. They were sure to remind us to encourage our clients to use Progressive's Service Centers or network of repair shops because the repairs are guaranteed for life.

In addition to the tours we had a round table with Progressive Underwriters, to give them an agent perspective and also ask some questions of them and learn what is coming down the road in the different product lines.  And finally, Wednesday evening after a long day out and about, we had a formal dinner and social where everyone was able to mingle a little more. 

So the looming question in my head about Progressive has always been, "Does the name really fit?" I can now say, yes, it does.  After seeing their facilities, meeting their executives, employees and other agents, and learning more about them as a company and their values I know now that they are the best. Progressive is the leading carrier in the industry and I am confident in my partnership with them and offering their insurance to you, my clients. 

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my first big adventure representing Principle Insurance.  It was quite an educational experience and I'm excited to bring that back into my daily business.  http://www.principleins.com