Vroom Vroom!

Thanks to the University of Houston Bauer College for posting this outstanding video on our visit. We had a great time and were thrilled to be able to give back to the students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOodkxQVxaQ

On your holiday list: a Home Inventory (what it is and why you need one)

(helpful tips from Iscential Managing Agent, Drew Stewart) 

The holidays are here and unfortunately this time of year is prime for theft and other crimes. Take some simple steps to help protect your home and belongings in case the unthinkable happens. Let’s start with a Home Inventory.


What is it?
A Home Inventory is simply a list of the items in your home: what you own, how much it's worth, and your ability to prove possession/ownership (receipts, photos, etc.).

What do I include?
EVERYTHING! The first items that come to mind are usually the most obvious: furniture, appliances, electronics, artwork, jewelry and treasured keepsakes. But don’t forget the occasionally overlooked draperies, carpets, toys, clothing, etc. Every item in your home needs to be documented. Video tapes, photographs and receipts are invaluable records in a home inventory as well.




Whew… everything?! This seems like way too much effort… when will I ever use this?
Sure, documenting the contents of your home may be a little time consuming, but having this information is critical when filing an insurance or police report. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did it if you ever need it.

If a natural disaster or burglary occurs, your insurance company will require documented proof of possessions that are stolen, damaged or destroyed. They will want an itemized list that is not easily created from memory, especially during or after a crisis. And they will ask for proof of your possessions. A Home Inventory will also help you determine the amount of insurance coverage you need.


How to Start
Take a blank sheet of paper and make a list of the contents in your favorite room from memory. When done go to the room and grade yourself. If you got more than 50% correct, then consider yourself better than most. Here’s a few ways to help you create a Home Inventory:

Pictures/Video:
The first thing a claims adjuster will ask you is what is missing. The second question might be can you prove it. Someone much wiser than I once said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I believe the easiest and best way to inventory your house is to take detailed pictures or a video. Not only can you tell what is missing but you also have proof that you had it.

Websites:
There are websites that allow you to enter your information and store it securely. The Insurance Information Institute has a good one, www.knowyourstuff.org.

Pad and Paper:
Nothing says your inventory has to be fancy. You can always do it the old-fashioned way on notebook paper.


Tips

1. Keep receipts/appraisals for expensive items

2. Keep your inventory in a safe location. E-mail a copy to yourself and your insurance agent, store it in a safe deposit box, at your office or another secure location.

3. Update your inventory every year and when you make a major purchase

4. Do it now, don’t wait till disaster strikes!



Drew Stewart manages Iscential’s Memorial location. He has more than 10 years with the firm, is a Certified Financial Planner and MCE instructor. To contact him, call 713.468.5331.


Information from Iscential Agent, Drew Stewart, The HBH Group (Keller Williams) http://homesbyhomer.yourkwagent.com and the Insurance Information Institute www.knowyourstuff.org.

Iscential Pulls in Awards for Being one of Houston's "Best (+ Brightest!) Places to Work"

We're clearing off some space to add two new awards for being top in places to work

HR Assistant, Elizabeth Olatunbosun

Iscential was recently honored by the Houston Business Journal as one of the 2012 Best Places to Work in Houston, and by the National Association for Business Resources as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For”.

"We've received hundreds of awards over the almost 20 years we've been in business," says Iscential CEO Warren Barhorst. "But these awards, the ones that come from employee input, are the ones that mean the most to us. To know that our employees think so highly of us, and really think of Iscential as a 'Best Place to Work', that is just priceless."

And in an economy where jobs are often few and far between, Barhorst says that Iscential is looking to hire.

"We're always looking for engaged employees to help us create a culture of excellence," continues Barhorst. "These employees make the most of every day, every opportunity, and truly make coming to work a pleasure for everyone.”

Based on survey results from current employees, the Houston Business Journal honored 78 companies this year. For the full list, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2012/10/15/hbj-reveals-2012-best-places-to-work.html

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. This program helps to create meaningful change in companies that improve costs, operations and efficiencies. For more information, visit: www.101bestandbrightest.com

Self-proclaimed "Insurance Nerd", Drew Stewart Celebrates 10 Years with Iscential

Drew Stewart runs Iscential's Memorial office in Houston and has built his career on his passion for helping and educating his clients.


Financial planner. Risk manager. Insurance agent. Successful business owner before age 35. Drew Stewart is all of these, and this year he celebrates 10 years with Iscential.

Stewart graduated from Texas A&M University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics. In 2000, he joined Houston financial advisory firm, Olde Brokers. 

"I likened it to a black hole," he says of the office following the post-9/11 market collapse. "The staff went from 20 to only 4 or 5 people. I knew I had to find something else, and quickly."

He laughs reminiscing that this was the first time he ever looked for a job online, but Stewart came across an interesting opportunity on Monster.com: an opening at a local Nationwide Insurance agency.

"Insurance sales to me was an old dude in a bad polyester suit," Stewart jokes. "Until I met Warren and he made it look cool." 

Warren Barhorst currently runs the largest Nationwide Insurance agency in the United States. He started his own firm (then known as the Barhorst Insurance Agency) in 1993 and built it from 2 employees to more than 100 and from one location in Jersey Village to 26 across the state. Barhorst brought Stewart on board in 2002 as a Certified Financial Planner. Stewart quickly found adding insurance products and risk management services were ways to diversify. And diversification was crucial to someday owning his own business.

"Becoming a business owner was never part of the plan, but neither was selling insurance," Stewart says. "But being your own boss and having an unlimited income potential… I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

Stewart runs on an intense passion for the business, and for helping others. He still remembers his first claim: a call that his client's home had burned-down home just after midnight on New Year's Eve. 

"It was a terrible situation, but I felt like I was part of the most noble profession in the world when we were able to show up with a check, even before daylight. We told them we'd make things right and we did."

Stewart's love for "all things insurance" has gained him the nickname, "Insurance Nerd", and it's evident that he wears it with pride. 

"I just love to talk about insurance!" he says with a huge grin. Stewart views his job as not just selling products, but educating his clients. "It's exciting meeting new people and working together to make sure they have the coverage they need," he says. "My clients leave my office knowing more about insurance than when they came in. They know what they need, what they don't need, and most importantly, why. That's part of the job I love the most.”

Stewart also teaches Continuing Education classes to local Realtors, including courses on homeowners, flood insurance, investment homes and more. 

"Warren [Barhorst] taught me a lot about the importance of educating outward and earning the role of a trusted advisor. I want to be a resource to my clients, not just an agent they talk to maybe once a year. I'm here for them whenever they have questions, and I make sure they know that."

Stewart's office is located at:

Iscential Memorial
9225 Katy Freeway, Suite 112
Houston, TX 77024
713.468.5331

Congrats Drew - thanks for all you do!

Iscential & Nationwide Insurance to Sponsor Vic Schaefer’s Coaches of Character Golf Classic in College Station, Texas

Iscential and Nationwide are title sponsors of annual golf tournament to benefit the Hope Pregnancy Center, a ministry near and dear to Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst’s heart.

Hope Pregnancy Center of Brazos Valley and Vic Schaefer are announcing today the companies Nationwide and Iscential as “Partners with Hope” sponsors for the Vic Schaefer’s ‘Coaches of Character’ Golf Classic.

“We are truly honored to sponsor this year's Coaches of Character Golf Classic, benefiting the Hope Pregnancy Center”, said Iscential CEO, Warren Barhorst. “This is a tremendous ministry that gives women an opportunity to discuss both sides, to see the alternatives and how it will impact their future. They receive education, guidance and support that they might not otherwise have.”

“My son was born while my wife and I were still students at A&M [Barhorst also played football for the University]. Coach Sherrill actually had to cut me some slack for most of the off-season workouts because I was busy with ultrasounds and doctor’s appointments. Instead of heading out with the team after practice, I had to run to Lamaze classes. It was hard, no doubt about it—but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I look into all three of my kids’ eyes and can’t imagine what my world would be like without them. My family is blessed because of the decisions we made.”

Executive Director Tracy Frank commented on Warren Barhorst’s statement by saying, “Mr. Barhorst volunteered to be part of something very special when he tried out for the 12th Man Kick Off Team. The volunteers of Hope Pregnancy Center embody that same spirit. No experience is required to serve, just the drive, motivation and perseverance to be a part of a very special team. We are thankful for his support.”

Coach Schaefer has selected Jackie Sherrill for this year’s honoree. Sherrill is a legend in the college football coaching ranks. Last August he was inducted into the Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame to go along with his inclusion in the Texas A&M and University of Pittsburgh shrines. He has also been selected to the Cotton, Gator and Independence Bowl halls of fame. Coach Sherrill created the 12th Man Kick Off team whose story is documented in the book “No Experience Required”.

The tournament will be held on Monday, October 1 at the Pebble Creek Country Club in College Station, Texas.

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."