Friday, September 27, 2013

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.


Friday, September 20, 2013

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."

Friday, August 9, 2013

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.


Saturday, July 20, 2013

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



Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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/

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

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.