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.

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.