Schwartz Insurance Group Blog

Finding ways to reward employees is a priority for most businesses. At Schwartz Insurance Group, we have long believed that we can never thank our people enough for going above and beyond in taking care of customers.

Buddy Bucks is the name of our internal rewards program, created several years ago in honor of our founder, Buddy Schwartz. We often talk about the daily opportunity we each have to continue “building on a legacy” of service. Buddy would have been thrilled to have his name attached to EVERY thank you we give for a job well done.

At our monthly agency meeting, it’s not uncommon to have ten solid minutes of quick anecdotes … some are thanks for internal teamwork, others come directly from clients and sometimes, it’s our chance to thank the person who led a community service project. Whatever the reason, it’s gratifying to reward someone with Buddy Bucks!

Buddy Bucks can be then be “cashed in” for gift cards, a day off work, a jeans day and more. Truth be told, it’s not uncommon for some people to build up a stockpile …

Creating a fun and rewarding culture reflects on all of our people’s caring nature and the service they provide to our customers. If you want to find lower insurance rates or would like a quick review of your individual, business or professional coverage, contact us. One of our team members will be happy to assist you.

Again this month, Schwartz Insurance Group selected one peer-nominated associate to receive a Core Value award. The winner is chosen because they "lived” one of our agency’s core values … typically an event or accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty in servicing our customers. This month, Melissa Stewart was selected – here’s Melissa’s story:

Opportunity comes in many forms. At Schwartz, we might simply mention all the areas we handle to our current clients or even to prospects we’ve just met. By opening that door, we’ve done the easy part.

The hard part is delivering on the promise and then bringing the decision to close. A financial services firm is a great example – our two leaders met over a year ago. The initial focus was benefits and several personal lines successes followed … the business insurance opportunity finally came. They came to understand what they really needed – corrected a few issues – and after working diligently for 4 months, Melissa finally proved the timeless reality of doing good … success will come!

Congratulations Melissa! Here’s a bit more about her, in her own words:

My main goal is to educate our clients on the best way to protect the business that they have spent their time building.

When I’m not at work, my family keeps me very busy. I have an 18 year old daughter that plays volleyball year round and a 12 year old son that plays most every sport that is offered. We travel quite a bit cheering them on.

A quick story about how I got into the insurance industry. While in high school, my house burned to the ground. I remember our insurance agent bringing my sister and me some clothes – she became the one person my mom could trust and lean on in all that chaos. Now, to say I ran out and got a job from there would be great … but honestly, I started as a receptionist at an insurance company because I didn’t want to work weekends. While there, I realized I could help others the way Martha helped our family.

In December, I celebrated my 17th anniversary with Schwartz Insurance Group. I love the relationships I have built. I love the fact that I often receive voice mail messages that simply say, “Hey Melissa, call me back” and that I usually know who to call. My clients are like family – I care about them and we have become that comfortable.

When I’m not at work, I love to be outside – walking, jogging, hiking or just in a chair reading. If I was not in the insurance industry, I would spend my time mentoring preteen girls, helping build their self esteem and confidence.

By the way, Go CARDS!

Nearly everyone WANTS to live a healthier lifestyle. There’s that little voice in the back of our minds always saying, “I should eat better and exercise more.” And, that’s where it usually stays … as a nice thought with no action plan.

But, most people just aren’t sure how to start a “health plan” or where to start. And keeping it going once they do start is very tough!

For employers, a focus on helping instill healthy habits among employees and keeping healthy employees committed to that lifestyle is good for business. It is considered one of the biggest business challenges, especially when the cost of insurance is increasing.

The 4th Annual Kentucky Worksite Wellness Conference may shed some light to the issue. This year’s conference will be held at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington, KY. The conference brochure notes:

The focus of wellness is changing: employers are more focused on keeping healthy employees healthy — not just encouraging unhealthy employees to change their lifestyles. Improving the health of at-risk employees, while maintaining the wellness levels of already healthy employees is the key to lower health care costs and higher workplace productivity. Employers who take aggressive action toward implementing wellness programs will see decreased health care costs, increased awareness for both low and high risk employees, and reduced absenteeism, which can save the company thousands of dollars on down-time, temporary employment and other factors that come into play when employees cannot work due to illness. This conference will help you understand exactly what it takes to create and implement an effective wellness program, how to measure your return on investment, how to create a culture of health and the legal implications you need to be aware of when implementing or maintaining a worksite wellness program. This is a must attend event for any company that is serious about worksite wellness.

The conference is February 8-9. Download the full brochure or register for the event here.

Are your employees genuinely interested and committed to the success of your company and the work they perform? For many employers, this scenario is all too familiar: A company starts a wellness program or purchases a benefit in hopes that it will boost morale, retain top talent or even shrink future insurance costs. Yet, the company still ends up with an unhappy and unhealthy workforce that is unproductive and difficult to motivate.

A common reason: Regardless of what rich perk or plan an employer offers, it likely will fizzle if employees either don’t know about it or don’t care. That’s why employee engagement and communication is just as vital as the benefit itself.

This white paper explores the importance and advantages of implementing an employee engagement program, with a variety of experts sharing insights about communications strategies, motivational activities and financial benefits, including how to:

• Increase productivity and employee retention
• Build employee appreciation of benefits offerings
• Improve employee engagement with consistent communication
• Boost profits through more engaged workers

Download the report for free here.

Owning a small business is challenging on a number of levels, but especially when health insurance is concerned. It’s one of the key benefits your people use and your employees rely on you to provide reliable, reasonable-priced plans for them and their families. But, how do you do that when premiums continue to rise and more money comes out of your pocket each month?

One word: negotiate. Successful negotiations can save your small businesses in a big way when it comes to health insurance premiums. A very common misconception is that the letter you receive from the insurance company – unveiling next year’s rate increase – is fixed. You can either move the plan or cut benefits in order to save money. But, that’s simply not true! In many cases, the number in the letter is simply the first offer.

Since you may not know where to start or how to handle negotiations, the first step is to find a trusted agency. By working with a proactive firm, you gain a partner who can do this for you. You will be able to compare costs and negotiate to ensure you’re getting what you want and expect from your health insurance plan. You will also learn about changes taking place as a result of new health care reform laws and what that means for you. Finally, you’ll hear new ideas about other important issues like reimbursement plans, employee privacy, claims analysis, claims advocacy and more.

There is a method to the madness though. Start the process early – well before you receive that letter. Time always runs short and many of the steps you SHOULD take to position yourself best, may not be possible. So, think back to Einstein’s insightful comments … “the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over but expecting a different result.” Do you want a different result? Maybe its time for a different partner.

The associates at Schwartz Insurance Group work hard to provide insight, creativity and personalized service. That often means lower expenses for benefit plans. Contact us today to schedule a coverage review and see if working with Schwartz makes sense for your small business.

Each month, Schwartz Insurance Group selects one peer-nominated associate to receive a Core Value award. The winner is chosen based on their “living out” one of our agency’s core values … typically an event or accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty in servicing our customers. This month, Katie Tate was selected – here’s Katie’s story:

A doctor’s family needs health insurance just as much as everyone else. A doctor needs trusted advice to find affordable health insurance just as much as everyone else. And that’s our specialty.

When a local surgeon faced a significant jump in premiums, he turned to us for advice. Of course, it was not a simple situation. It seemed un-solvable.

But, after weeks of collecting, negotiating, pleading and finally, succeeding, Katie Tate delivered on our promise. With Schwartz, you can consider it done!

Congratulations Katie! Here’s a bit more about her, in her own words:

I help our personal lines clients with their home, auto, umbrella, etc. needs. I also take care of individual health plans, both under 65 as well as Medicare.

When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends. I am also an independent stylist for Stella and Dot and host one jewelry party a week.

I have been in this industry nearly five years. I was in retail management for over a decade before becoming an insurance agent. While working at Pier 1 Imports, a friend’s mother suggested looking into an insurance career. I took her suggestion and here I am!

The thing I love most about my job is being able to educate people about their insurance needs. Insurance can be very confusing and if I can assist our clients so they better understand their coverages, it makes me feel like I am doing good. Education is so important in this field and I enjoy doing it every day!

I know this sounds just like a woman, but I thoroughly enjoy shopping. When I was in my 20’s, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I love to look at clothing and see how it was made. I usually look beyond the overall look of a garment and focus on the details. I also really enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have a great relationship with my husband and we laugh together all the time.

If I wasn’t in insurance, I would definitely be in apparel design. Unfortunately, living in Louisville doesn’t allow me any opportunities with design and I don’t plan to move any time soon!

I graduated from U of L so I have always cheered for the Cards if they are playing UK. But, I don’t really watch college sports as much … I am a big Green Bay Packers fan!!