Presenter & Topic
VMBA is excited to welcome a local panel of Insurance Agents as VMBA's September 2024 Breakfast Webinar guest speaker (please see topic and bio below)!
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*Please note that meeting login will be sent to registrants separately. Please make sure to check your junk email if you don't see this after registration. *
TOPIC
Join us for a panel discussion where we hear from four local agents on the current insurance landscape in VT. Our panel of experts will share their observations of the industry as well as any changes we can expect to see in the coming months. Knowing more about both industries is important to providing the best experience possible to a borrower!
Panelists:
- Karen Carey of Carey Insurance Agency
- Emma Carter of The Carter Agency
- Kaitlyn Raymond of Raymond Insurance
- Michael Barrett of Barrett Insurance Agency
***These are the sole opinions and experiences of our panelists, not to be construed as the opinion of VMBA or any of its’ members***
Summary – Talking Points
- Main Observations/changes in your industry over the last couple of years.
- How has the flooding we saw in July 2023 and continuing into this summer impacted the homeowner’s insurance industry in VT?
- Insurance availability and challenges for different property types such as seasonal or off-grid properties, manufactured homes, renovation loans, master policies for HOA’s.
- Any upcoming changes in the industry that could have an impact on potential homebuyers or current homeowners?
- What is your best piece of advice you would offer to a potential homebuyer as they shop for homeowner’s insurance?
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
Karen Carey of Carey Insurance Agency
Karen began working in the insurance industry in 2006 after graduating from Lyndon State College. She took a position as an office manager for a local MetLife agency. This is where Karen gained an understanding for insurance. She helped the agency become one of the top agencies in New England for MetLife. In 2011, Karen pursued her Property, Casualty and Life license and opened her own agency in her hometown, St. Johnsbury VT. She specializes in personal lines and life insurance. In 2021 MetLife was acquired by Farmers Insurance. Karen accepted the agency owner’s position keeping the same core value of putting the customer first. Karen was born and raised in Vermont. She lives in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom with her husband of 20-years Elmer and their 2 children. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching local sporting events, crafting, kayaking and traveling to new places.
Emma Carter of Carter Insurance Agency
Emma is an owner of Carter Insurance Agency alongside her father, Eric Carter. She has been licensed since 2019. She completed her undergraduate degree in Finance and Mathematical Modeling at Franklin Pierce University and went on to complete her master’s degree in business administration at Northern Illinois University, while also playing Division 1 and Division 2 college basketball. She started working full-time in the industry in March of 2023 and is proficient in all P&C lines of insurance but specializes in commercial insurances and crop insurance.
Kaitlyn Raymond - Raymond Insurance
Kaitlyn is the proud owner of Raymond Insurance State Farm agency located at 29 Upper Main Street in Essex Vermont. She has operated this agency since January of 2014 alongside her wonderful team, where taking care of her customers is her top priority.
She grew up in a small town in NH on the border of Vermont and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education at Champlain College. She was destined to use those skills to help educate her customers with their insurance needs. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching her two kids play sports, volunteering in the community and working out. She is also a super host and loves to cook and entertain friends and family.
Michael Barrett, Principal | Agent, Barrett Insurance Agency
Mike's journey into the insurance world is a testament to his commitment to family and community. When his parents ran the agency, a pivotal moment arose in 2007 when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Without hesitation, Mike stepped up and returned home to help run the family business. Since then, he has played a fundamental role in its growth and development.
Outside of the insurance world, Mike relishes spending quality time with his wife, Jenn, and their son, Ethan. Their yellow lab, Charley, completes their loving unit and even doubles as the office dog, bringing joy and comfort to clients and colleagues alike.
Mike's wife, Jenn, has lovingly informed him that his favorite sports team is indeed the New England Patriots, and he proudly cheers for the team with unwavering enthusiasm.
As for his sweet indulgence, Mike's candy of choice is Twix, savoring both the left and right bars equally. Mike is not only dedicated to his work but also actively contributes to his community and participates in various organizations and activities. He is a founding member and currently serves as the President of NEKCAN. Additionally, Mike has a significant presence in the insurance industry as a National Director and former President of the Vermont Insurance Agents Association (VIAA).
His commitment extends to his alma mater, St. Johnsbury Academy, where he is a member of the Alumni Council. In his local community, Mike has served on the Select Board for the town of Waterford and is also a valuable member of the Union Bank Advisory Board.
What Mike treasures most about working at Barrett Insurance Agency is the opportunity to help clients understand the intricacies of insurance. Whether it's demystifying policies or providing guidance during crucial moments, he takes pride in being a trusted resource for those he serves.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
*Please note that meeting login will be sent to registrants separately. Please make sure to check your junk email if you don't see this after registration. *
DON'T MISS OUT!
9/24/24
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
