Social Host Liability Tips

'Tis the season for holiday parties. Here's a few "Iscential" tips to keep in mind as you plan those fabulous fetes.


Do Your Homework: When hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to protect them if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank at their home. Consumers should regularly review their liability coverage limits to ensure they are adequately covered should an accident occur.

Consider an Umbrella Policy: While holiday partygoers and hosts alike should act responsibly and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be entirely eliminated. But planning ahead and learning about what's involved in hosting a reception is the best defense. Purchasing a personal "umbrella" liability policy — providing $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit of a standard homeowners or renters policy — may be a prudent move for the frequent party host.

Consider the following tips to prevent holiday party accidents and protect yourself:

· Limit your guest list to those you know.

· Host your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather in a home or office.

· Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.

· Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, guests will likely drink more.

· Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.

· Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.

· Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.

· Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discretely monitor guests' sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.

· Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.

· Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.



Guest Injury/Damage Tips 

Review Your Policy: A good homeowners policy is the best way to safeguard any house and its contents. The coverage not only protects owners from losses due to fire, theft and various other disasters, but it also shields them from liability if someone is injured on their premises and covers other risks as well. A comprehensive homeowners policy may even eliminate the need for other smaller, more specific personal insurance policies.

Think Twice About Liability: Carefully consider additions to your property that could be dangerous. You are liable for anything that happens on your property. Understand that adding a pool, trampoline, recreational vehicle or even a vicious dog to your property will significantly raise your risk of an accident in your insurer's eyes, so rates will be considerably higher.

Have a happy and safe holiday season from your friends at Iscential!

Warren Barhorst to Present at NAIFA Career Conference in San Antonio

Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst will present at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) 2013 Career Conference in San Antonio on Monday, September 30.

WHAT'S YOUR GAME PLAN?

TODAY'S FUNDAMENTALS FOR GROWING A MULTI-LINE INSURANCE AGENCY

In this engaging presentation, Warren will focus on the fundamentals through Planning, Process Selling, Active Marketing, Hiring the Right People, and Leveraging Technology

Warren will be giving out tips and sage advice based on his personal business success, some of which was highlighted in his book, "Game Plan: The Definitive Playbook for Starting or Growing Your Business".

Warren and his co-author, Rusty Burson, are currently working on a follow-up to "Game Plan" and are targeting for an EOY release. Read what started it all... available on the website or Amazon.com.

Iscential Offers Support to Customers in Regards to the PPACA

Open enrollment in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (PPACA's) exchanges begins on October 1, 2013, with coverage taking effect on January 1, 2014


On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (PPACA). The Affordable Care Act aims to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage, and reduce the costs of health care for individuals and the government. Beginning January 1, 2014, all U.S. residents and dependents are required to maintain minimum essential coverage or be subject to a penalty. Employers of one or more employees who have more than $500,000 in annual business volume must send a notice to each employee and new hires informing them that subsidies may be available to them through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is designed to help individuals and families find affordable health insurance as well as a one-stop shop to compare private health insurance options. October 1, 2013 marks the deadline for employers to deliver these exchange notices under the PPACA. Below are links to the PDF documents and tips to help distribute these notices correctly to your employees.

Employers are required to send only the first page of the notice. Pages two and three are optional. There are two notices, one for employers that provide a health plan, and one for employers that do not provide a health plan. Spanish-language model notices are also available.

Notices may be mailed or sent electronically. The Department of Labor (DOL) also permits them to be distributed in renewal packets, new-hire kits, attached to paychecks or personally handed out to every employee (full time or part time, even if they are not participating in the health plan). Employers should document how the notice was provided, including the date it was provided. Penalties are not specifically addressed in the law; however, the DOL could impose administrative actions.

"We know that PPACA is complicated and has raised many questions on both individual- and employer-sponsored benefits," states Iscential Benefits Services Coordinator, Jaquelyn Tullos. "Sending this notice about The Marketplace opening on October 1 is just one of the ways we are keeping our clients informed."

Little things that can add up to a lot (of hassle, time, money, etc.). Managing your risk in even the smallest ways.

Insurance adjusters see a lot in the field when assessing a claim. We are fortunate that often times they pass on what they've seen to us (and we can then communicate to our customers) and we can all learn a valuable lesson.

We know that actionable information like this can help you mitigate against potential losses of your own. As this adjuster saw (noted below), it's often the small things that cause the greatest damage (in this case, a minor toilet piece).

"In my experience, many of our largest water losses are caused due to a split in the plastic nut on the water supply line to toilets. The line is pressurized with cold water that fills the tank after flushing. They typically fail at 8 to 10 years. Below are several photos of the nut and supply line. They are simple to install and should probably be replaced on each toilet every 5 to 7 years and checked annually. The plastic nut is to be "hand-tightened". The best water supply lines are flexible, braided, stainless steel.”

We hope this tip can help our customers prevent a loss. Either way, we'll be there for you in your time of need. Thank you to our partners at PURE for helping us manage our risk with this valuable "lesson learned"!

About PURE

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is a policyholder-owned insurer dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth individuals and families.  Our product suite includes best-in-class, customizable coverage throughout the U.S for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal umbrella liability, watercraft, and flood. 

PURE was founded by some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the industry. They combined experience, insight and intuitive perspective to challenge the insurance industry’s conventional thinking. They recognized that policyholder-owned companies consistently delivered the greatest value and customer satisfaction. Further, they recognized that the leading specialist companies could offer broader coverage and more personalized service.  PURE combines the best of both.

Inspired by some of the finest policyholder-owned companies in the world, PURE emphasizes alignment of interests and transparency. Our unique alignment with our membership supports our objective to charge the right price — not the highest price the market will accept.  PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection, and proactive risk management all contribute to highly competitive rates.  Further, we invest heavily in helping members prevent claims from occurring, and resolving them quickly, without hassle if they ever do.

www.pureinsurance.com

Eric Jones Named Sales Manager for Iscential's Dallas/Fort Worth Operations

In an effort in increase the growth and profitability of its Dallas/Fort Worth business, Iscential has named Eric Jones as its new Sales Manager. In addition to focusing on augmenting sales efforts, he will take on an active role in recruiting, training, developing and managing individuals for the firm.

Jones brings more than 13 years of experience in insurance business sales, service and sales management. He worked for Nationwide Insurance for 11 years and served in both producer and manager roles, managing up to four offices at one point. Jones joined Iscential’s Bedford office in November 2012 as an Account Executive.

"Since joining our team, Eric has shown a great deal of commitment and passion in everything he does," says Iscential Sales Director, Devin Wisener. "I believe he will take the same approach in his new role."

An award-winning sales professional, Jones studied Business Management at Tarrant County College and has been working in the insurance industry since age 19. In addition to his drive in the workplace, he is heavily involved in non-profit work within the DFW area as well as in Mexico and Guatemala.

Iscential's DFW office is located at:

1600 Airport Fwy, Suite 403

Bedford, TX 76022 

817.283.2600

Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst becomes a regular guest on Internet radio program, "Bring On Success!"

Successful businessman and risk management/insurance agent, Warren Barhorst talks entrepreneur "shop" with Internet radio program, "Bring On Success!"


Texas entrepreneur, Iscential CEO, and past member of Texas A&M's famed 12th Man Kickoff team, Warren Barhorst, has been a frequent guest on KGCP Internet Radio's Sunday morning program, "Bring On Success". As the owner of the largest Nationwide Insurance agency in the U.S, Barhorst discusses his real-life experience as an entrepreneur, gives relatable tips, and answers questions from the audience.

"The radio station's website highlights the following quote by Albert Achweitzer: 'Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid,'" says Barhorst. "That is my passion. I love talking about building business with entrepreneurs at every stage. But the young ones, the ones just starting out… I am absolutely driven to work with them; helping them realize their dreams and take those first steps toward making them happen."

Barhorst is the founder and CEO of Iscential (formerly the Barhorst Insurance Group), a Texas-based risk management and insurance firm. In 20 years, Iscential has grown from zero clients to more than 60,000 lines in force, from two employees to over 100 employees, and from one location in Jersey Village to 24 across the state of Texas. Barhorst's passion for educating and mentoring frequently has him presenting from coast to coast: from fourth-grade classrooms to executive boardrooms, he is driven to educate others about how to make wise choices that will positively impact their financial future. In 2008, Barhorst penned a book on entrepreneurship titled 'Game Plan: The Definitive Playbook for Starting or Growing Your Business'. In it, he delves into the power of dreaming and working toward fulfilling those dreams.

The "Bring On Success" platform helps its listeners connect and share success stories with other people around the world. Barhorst is one of many from all parts of business to take to the airwaves to share business wisdom and help others live their dream. Hosted by Jim Klauck, the show runs every Sunday morning from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm CST.


KGCP Internet Radio
http://www.kgcpradio.com

Bring On Success Radio
Sunday mornings, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST

Podcasts are available for 24/7 listening:
http://www.kgcpradio.com/release/bringonsuccess/
http://www.kgcpradio.com/category/archives/bringonsuccessradio/

Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst to speak at Wofford College's Executive Speaker Series
Barhorst will travel to the South Carolina college to speak about the personal characteristics of a successful entrepreneur


Texas entrepreneur, Iscential CEO and past member of Texas A&M's famed 12th Man Kickoff team, Warren Barhorst, will speak to students and staff as part of Wofford College's Executive Speaker Series. A successful businessman in the insurance and risk management industry, Barhorst will focus on the personal characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.

"You only have to be just a little bit better than your competition, and you can start taking market share," Barhorst says. "That was my belief when I started out, and it's my belief today."

Barhorst is the founder and CEO of Iscential (formerly the Barhorst Insurance Group), a Texas-based risk management and insurance firm. In 20 years, Iscential has grown from zero clients to more than 60,000 lines in force, from two employees to over 100 employees, and from one location in Jersey Village to 24 across the state of Texas. Barhorst's passion for educating and mentoring frequently has him presenting from coast to coast: from fourth-grade classrooms to executive boardrooms, he is driven to educate others about how to make wise choices that will positively impact their financial future. In 2008, Barhorst penned a book on entrepreneurship titled 'Game Plan: The Definitive Playbook for Starting or Growing Your Business'. In it, he delves into the power of dreaming and working toward fulfilling those dreams.

Sponsored by The Space, the Executive Speaker Series brings successful business people, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to campus during the Institute, as well as monthly during the academic semesters, to talk about leadership and professional development.

Barhorst will speak for 30 minutes and host a Q&A session immediately following.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

11:15 am – 12:00 pm
The Space in The Mungo Center
The Michael S. Brown Village Center (#5 on the Wofford Campus map)
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Barhorst prefaced his visit with a short video (plus, what he would tell a college-aged Warren Barhorst knowing what he knows now): http://youtu.be/pNGnBp9ZiLw

About Wofford Wofford College was founded in 1854 with a bequest of $100,000 from the Rev. Benjamin Wofford. Still located on its original campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Wofford College has become nationally known for the strength of its academic programs, outstanding faculty, and commitment to providing its students a holistic liberal arts education.

www.wofford.edu

864.597.4000

Iscential Congratulates Client, Advocate and Iscential Family Member, Sean Goings

Goings at Iscential's 2012 Kick-off Meeting

"When our clients are successful, we are successful," says Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst. And success is abundant as Iscential client and advocate, Sean Goings, was recently awarded the Distinguished Executive Award from the Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Managers (TAHFM). An award typically given to an active member at the Director level in a healthcare facility, Goings (a Heathcare Strategic Account Manager with Schneider Electric) was selected for demonstrating outstanding leadership and achievements in the field.

"This award is a big deal in his industry, and we couldn't be happier for him," says Barhorst.

Goings isn't just a client, he's an Iscential family member (his wife, Angie Goings, serves as the company's Marketing Director). And, according to Barhorst, he's an indispensable resource to the company. "Sean truly exemplifies the 'serving mentality' I try to instill in all our team members," he says. 

"In addition to being supportive of all his wife does for our organization, he's right there too: loading ice chests, hauling tents, hanging signs. He's got that 'whatever-it-takes' attitude that's essential to success."

The entire Iscential team sends their congratulations to Sean on this tremendous honor.

For more information on Schneider Electric, visit: www.schneider-electric.com


The official Schneider Electric press release:

Schneider Electric Gains the Distinguished Executive Award at TAHFM

The Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Managers (TAHFM) presented an award that is typically given to an active member at the Director level in a healthcare facility, to Schneider Electric Healthcare Strategic Account Manager, Sean Goings. The award is given one TAHFM member to recognize them for demonstrating outstanding leadership and achievements in the field. These distinguished executives serve the association, contribute to other membership organizations, and participate in civic or community affairs. They exemplify the best in the field by continually bringing credit to the profession.

Tony Suarez, Director of Facilities Services, Midland Memorial Hospital and President of the Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Management, presented Sean Goings with the award at the Interlink 2013 Conference in Houston, Texas. Mr. Suarez spoke passionately to the audience about the work that Sean has done for the organization for many years. He said "Sean was working with us when times were bad (2007 - 2008) and when times were good, he has always been devoted to the industry and to the organization." 



Sean Goings is the Region 4 Representative for the Board of Directors of TAHFM and has been working for many years to help that organization in a number of ways. Most recently he has been working with TAHFM and the American Society for Healthcare Engineers, ASHE build a bench of facility managers that will be prepared to take over management of these complex facilities as those in place today begin to retire. He likewise initiated a program to assist those currently wanting to advance their careers, to develop themselves through educational programs like ASHE's use of Schneider Electric's www.MyEnergyUniversity.com. 



"Sean's long standing association with ASHE has demonstrated how the relationships developed thru this organization can led to growth opportunities for SE. Please join me in congratulating Sean on an award well deserved," stated James Winstead, Director of the Healthcare and Life Sciences.

Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst receives "Excellence in Mentoring" Award from the University of Houston's Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship

A Mentor with the program for three years, Barhorst is awarded for his commitment to giving back to the students of the University of Houston

The University of Houston's Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship recently awarded Warren E. Barhorst for "Excellence in Mentoring" at its Class of 2014 Induction and Mentor Ceremony. The awards program drew more than 270 mentors, students, faculty, staff and stakeholders and featured the Dean of the Business School, Latha Ramchand who made opening remarks for the evening.

Ranked as the best program in America by Princeton Review and Entrepreneurship magazine, each year the University educates thousands of students in entrepreneurship and, from this pool of talent, selects 40 students to participate in an elite, three-semester program. One of the most celebrated features of this educational experience is that each student is matched with a personal mentor who supports and inspires their student.

Periodically, the University selects one mentor who has exemplified the values and aspirations of the program. The award reads in part, "This award is bestowed in recognition of exceptional contributions in building and sustaining mentoring relationships with entrepreneurial students through selfless personal sacrifice. The extraordinary quality of his contributions has been demonstrated by the development of outstanding student entrepreneurs through a consistent and unwavering commitment to a deep caring personal interaction that has enriched the lives of these students." Barhorst has been involved in the program for several years and is the sixth person in the history of the program to receive this prestigious award.

"The truth is, I learn so much more from these students then they ever do from me," says Barhorst of his mentoring. "They have big dreams and it's so inspiring to be there from the beginning, to help them really understand what they're passionate about—what their dreams are—and help start them along the path to fulfilling them." 

"Required reading for the entrepreneurship mentoring program is a book entitled 'The Dream Manager'," continues Barhorst. "This book is everything I advocate to my employees: the key to success is (1) dreaming yourself and (2) teaching those around you to dream. The concepts may seem simple, but they are absolutely critical to professional and personal satisfaction and success. In fact, I implemented the program in my own business and we now have a part-time "Dream Manager" on staff."

Barhorst is the founder and CEO of Iscential (formerly the Barhorst Insurance Group), a Texas-based risk management and insurance firm. In 20 years, Iscential has grown from zero clients to more than 60,000 lines in force, from two employees to over 100 employees, and from one location in Jersey Village to 24 across the state of Texas. Barhorst's passion for educating and mentoring frequently has him presenting from coast to coast: from fourth-grade classrooms to executive boardrooms, he is driven to educate others about how to make wise choices that will positively impact their financial future. In 2008, Barhorst penned a book on entrepreneurship titled "Game Plan: The Definitive Playbook for Starting or Growing Your Business". In it, he delves into the power of dreaming and working toward fulfilling those dreams.

Iscential Celebrates a Successful Year and Sets High Goals for 2013 at 18th Annual Meeting and Awards in Houston

"Delivering Our Promise" was the theme of the event as the Iscential team set off to provide "Trusted Advice and Peace of Mind" in 2013

Iscential hosted its 18th Annual Kick-off Meeting and Agency Awards on February 8, 2013 at the Omni Houston Hotel in Houston's Galleria area.

"All of our dedication and hard work the last few years: restructuring the company, changing the brand, and improving our distribution efficiency is really beginning to pay off with our firm topping the $75 million mark in 2012,"  states CEO Warren Barhorst. "This is proof that being patient, aggregating our talents, and centralizing support is a proven formula for success.”

More than 120 team members attended the one-day event that included presentations by Barhorst and multiple break-out sessions by corporate partners. Barhorst delivered a "State of the Company" presentation at the morning session, and wrapped up with a motivating call to action along the theme of the event: "Delivering Our Promise".

"In 2012 we introduced the brand concept of 'I am Iscential'; bringing focus to the fact that our clients, our partners and our teammates—everyone is Iscential," states Barhorst. "We spent most of 2012 working on this concept and we must continue to do so to be successful in the future. As this develops further, we must begin to consistently deliver on our promise of 'Trusted Advice and Peace of Mind'. I am counting on each of [Iscential team members] to step up and do your part and make the delivery of 'Trusted Advice and Peace of Mind' actionable to each and every client you come in contact with."

One of the most anticipated highlights of the event was the annual agency awards dinner and ceremony. Team members who were awarded for raising the bar in 2012 included:


Individual Awards

Most At Bats: Bobby Talbott

Most Premium Booked: Phuc Dang

Total Lives Insured: Mark Farris

Commercial Leader: Jacob Jones

Cross-Sell Leader: Karen Kominczak



Agency Awards

Agency Commercial Leader: D/FW Office

Agency Life & Financial Leader: Bobby Talbott

Agency Account Relationship Leader: Eugene Pryor

Agency Retention Leader: Eugene Pryor

Agency Sales Leader: Agency Yu

Iscential Agency of the Year: Agency Yu



Iscential Pay-Off

Commercial Producer of the Year: Jacob Jones

Nationwide P&C Total DWP Growth Producer of the Year: Bobby Talbott

Nationwide New Personal Lines DWP Producer of the Year: Leash Yu

Support Associate of the Year: Stephanie Kleinhenz

Account Management Associate of the Year: Krystal Livingston



"We hope the event energized our team for a successful new year," says Barhorst. "We absolutely could not be successful without our employees and partners. If they take away anything from this, I want them to remember that they are a part of something great, and that they are appreciated. We've come a long way and have an exciting future ahead, and they are a huge part of that."

Iscential's partners and event sponsors included: Nationwide Insurance, Nationwide Financial, National Flood Services, Insurance Intermediaries, Inc. (III), Alliance Benefit Group, BenefitMall, Crump, Service King Collision Repair Centers, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, PURE Insurance, USLI, and ServPro Industries, Inc.

The Iscential team will celebrate one year under the new brand and honor team members who raised the bar in 2012 and its annual Kick-Off Meeting and Awards

Iscential is planning its 18th Annual Kick-off Meeting and Agency Awards for February 8, 2013. The much-anticipated event will be held at the Omni Houston Hotel in Houston's Galleria area.

"We're coming off our first year as the new brand: Iscential," says CEO Warren Barhorst. "It's taken a lot of work from every person on our team to make the transition. Maintaining our high level of service while also pushing out the new brand has been everyone's role this past year. I think we've done a tremendous job."

Barhorst will present to his team a message crafted under the event's theme "Delivering Our Promise".

"Our tagline is 'Trusted Advice, Peace of Mind'," Barhorst begins. "That's the core of our promise, doing whatever we can to provide this for our customers. Our mission for 2013 is to make sure we're living it every day, and in every way."

Iscential will use social media throughout the event and urges its friends and customers to follow along via Facebook and Twitter: #livingthepromise.