Role models

Independent insurance agents are probably rarely asked to compile resumes but if they were, they would rightfully describe their roles as employers, producers, managers, problem solvers and consultants.

Few, however, would probably cite their positions as community leaders, even though thousands of independent agents live up to these higher standards every day across America. They tend to be too modest. They’re the types who are surprised that others would think their community activism noteworthy.

In this issue, we profile three Gulf Coast independent insurance agents each of whom could add hurricane survivor and disaster recovery specialist to his resume: Aulton Vann, Steve Naugle and Dave Treutel. (See page 70.)

They are among the brave and determined who have stuck it out in a region that was tipped upside down and torn apart by Katrina last August. In a region where resources and manpower for recovery are scarce, they keep hope alive by their deeds and their example.

Consider one of these extraordinary agents, David Treutel.

Treutel’s agency in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was washed out by Hurricane Katrina. He immediately began serving insureds with a makeshift office in a tent until Katrina’s sister, Rita, destroyed that, too. Now the agency operates out of temporary space in town.

Truetel lost his home and possessions as well. He’ll tell you he is fortunate because he and his immediate loved ones are still alive.

For many of us, trying to put our personal and family lives back together under the circumstances Katrina left behind in the Gulf Coast would be enough of a challenge, exhausting in its own right. Add to that trying to save our business and livelihood, well, there’d be little room for looking beyond. Everybody would understand if we turned inward and focused on our own survival and ourselves.

But Treutel has looked beyond and reached out. He is immersed in the recovery issues and activities of his Gulf Coast community at many levels. His grasp of the post-Katrina human, social and economic conditions — and likely solutions — encompasses much more than insurance markets and ideas.

He is a community leader who, in addition to taking care of his own family, business, insureds and employees, has found the strength to help an entire commuity in a time of tremendous need.

Treutel is representative of the many agents who are far more than employers, producers, managers, problem solvers and consultants. They are role models for us all.

Editor’s Note: This issue marks the departure of Dave Kaiser as Southeast editor. We will miss Dave’s dedication and hard work and wish him well. At the same time, we assure you that we remain dedicated to assuring that you will not miss any important Southeast insurance news if you keep reading Insurance Journal/Southeast edition.