Iscential, Brings Dreams to Reality
Iscential Owner and CEO, Warren Barhorst initiates internal program that encourages his employees to harness their dreams and make steps to bring them to fruition.

If you ask Warren Barhorst to name one of the hardest parts of being the CEO of a successful risk management and insurance agency is, he'll quickly say: "Motivating my team to follow their dreams."


Barhorst has been writing down his goals and following his dreams since he was young. His visions of success have led to his current status as the largest Nationwide Insurance agency in the US. Barhorst wholeheartedly believes that these invisible dreams are powerful in creating ones destiny. In fact, the first chapter of his book "Game Plan" is about this very concept: Hold On To Your Dreams. He encourages his readers to visualize and write down their dreams and goals and to revisit them often to stay on track toward making them a reality.


As much as he advocated this practice, Barhorst found that his team wasn't as passionate about it as he was. Then he found Matt Kelly's book "Dream Manager": a business parable about how companies can achieve remarkable results by helping their employees fulfill their dreams. Barhorst quickly brought the idea to his agency and initiated his own "Dream Manager" program. The main component, an actual "Dream Manager" was needed, and he had only one person in mind that could fill that role.


Pat Smith, an impactful teacher from his high school days, was brought on board as Iscential's first Dream Manager. Now retired, Smith taught in Houston's Jersey Village area for 8 years, and was a masters-level counselor for 18 years. In her study skills classes—and one that stood out for Barhorst in particular—she taught the importance writing down dreams and goals.


Barhorst presented the program to his team and introduced Smith as the first official Dream Manager. Appointments were quickly made and Smith began seeing employees on a daily basis. Within six weeks, employees engaged in the Dream Manager program went from 4 to 14. The program brought individuals who might not have the time or resources to talk to a counselor or other advisor this benefit, right to their place of work and at no cost.


As Iscential's Dream Manager, Smith acts as a counselor, guide, and often just a listening ear and open mind for employees. She assists individuals in making first steps in achieving their dreams, which have included commitments to fitness programs and diets, handling household budgeting and paying off debt, travel goals, and even how best to deal with difficult people.


"The dreams are both far-reaching and practical," says Smith. "In my role, I provide support and help map out the best path, but I expect accountability and personal responsibility from the individual, as only then will they be able to realize their dreams."


"In Warren's [Barhorst] book, he says that you must 'walk toward your dreams daily in order to make them a reality'", says Smith. "We're doing that at Iscential. We're bringing dreams to the forefront where they should be.”

Iscential Takes on Rising Heath Care Costs & Challenges Employees to Make Small Changes to Better their Health

"A Better Me. A Better We." is the mantra Iscential hopes to instill in its team members as it faces another bump in the cost of its employee health benefits package.

Tired of seeing the cost of his employee health benefits continuing to rise, Iscential owner and CEO, Warren Barhorst decided it was time to make a change. A company-wide health initiative was developed and introduced to the team members: the Iscential Wellness Project—"A Better Me".

"A Better Me" will promote education about health and overall wellness, with a focus on small choices that have a big impact on critical issues such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

"Heath insurance premiums are determined by age, sex, personal and family history, potential for future loss, and expenses and profit for the insurance company," states Barhorst. "The only thing we have control over is the ‘potential for future loss’, so making smart, healthy choices is our only option for affecting our outcome and creating a better, longer and happier life."

For Barhorst's small business, the rates for individual health insurance have increased by 65% in the last three years. For families the increase has been 57%. For some, the cost is just too much and they are forced to forgo health insurance for themselves and their families.

"We can turn this around and make health insurance more affordable for everyone," says HR Administrator, Elizabeth Olatunbosun. "We want to challenge our employees to make an emotional decision to change. We all have a stake in this and, as a company, we're committed to supporting our team in making their health a top priority.”

In support of its Wellness Project, Iscential designated a "Health Czar" who will lead an internal effort to promote health and better living. Kitchens and common areas are now stocked with healthy snack options. In a basket that used to hold candy, a community "Health Library" offers magazines and books on diet and exercise. Daily information is distributed to help educate employees on how to make quality choices in terms of physical and mental health.

"I want to report back next year that the changes our employees made helped decrease the cost of our health benefits,” says Barhorst. "I'm passionate about this and want people to see the good that comes from making healthier choices so it becomes second nature, a lifestyle."