Category Archives: Business

Press Releases from the Business World. Announcements, Product releases, Appointments.

IICF Unites Industry Response to COVID-19 Crisis with Children’s Relief Fund


The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities and enriching lives, has raised nearly $500,000 in just over 3 weeks through its national fundraising campaign, the COVID-19 Crisis: IICF Children’s Relief Fund. IICF is uniting the insurance industry in a collective effort designed to help vulnerable children and their families during the pandemic.

IICF’s crisis relief campaign enables donors to focus resources on children at risk of food insecurity, educational disruption, family homelessness and other issues exacerbated by COVID-19. With the support of insurance companies, associations and individual industry professionals, funds raised will benefit 14 nonprofit partners operating throughout IICF’s four U.S.-based divisions. The IICF UK Division is managing a similar fundraising campaign, IICF UK COVID-19 Crisis: Community Relief Fund, to reach communities in England and Scotland.

Using information collected by IICF, the Insurance Information Institute estimates U.S. insurers and their charitable foundations have also donated approximately $220 million in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, well in excess of $100 million has been contributed internationally.

“For more than 25 years IICF has marshaled the philanthropic will and resources of the insurance industry in support of communities,” said Bill Ross, CEO of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation. “By uniting philanthropically through the industrywide IICF Children’s Relief Fund, we’re able to help children across the country be safer and healthier.”

Insurance industry contributions have gone beyond financial donations, as tracked by IICF. These efforts include:

  • More than 400,000 masks donated to frontline healthcare workers
  • An industrywide commitment to deliver more than 1 million meals to families in need
  • Hosting blood drives
  • Purchasing and donating to healthcare workers gift cards from small businesses
  • Offering no-cost life insurance policies to frontline healthcare workers
  • Providing additional time off to volunteer in the community
  • Increased matching of employee donations to local charities

In addition, companies have made commitments not to furlough workers due to the pandemic. The Insurance Information Institute also estimates U.S. auto insurers will return more than $10.5 billion to their customers nationwide as part of their COVID-19 response.

To donate to the IICF Children’s Relief Fund, please visit the IICF website and designate the region of the country you’d like to support. Donations can also be made directly to IICF here to support the organization on a national level with its mission to help communities in need. To view a list of insurance organizations that have made philanthropic contributions related to COVID-19 please click here and view IICF Children’s Relief Fund contributors.

About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF has served as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry for more than twenty-five years, contributing nearly $39 million in community grants along with 300,000 volunteer hours by more than 110,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where funds are raised, serving hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations, for maximum community impact. IICF is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at http://www.iicf.org or follow us on Twitter @doubleicf.

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VA Claims Insider and Caritas of Austin Team Up To Help Veterans


VA Claims Insider Donates $10,000 for Veterans Care

VA Claims Insider (VACI) CEO Brian Reese and Caritas of Austin today announced a joint effort to provide expanded services for veterans who have been affected by COVID-19.

“We know veterans have a different set of needs during this COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we’re donating $10,000 and partnering with Caritas of Austin to make sure those who’ve served get the care they need,” Reese said.

“We are so grateful for the coordination and generosity of VA Claims Insider. Due to the unexpected crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic many of our veterans are at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness again. This donation will allow Caritas of Austin to keep veterans housed and provide continued rapid rehousing services,” said Jezzmen McPeters, Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program Manager at Caritas of Austin.

Caritas of Austin

Caritas of Austin’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness in Greater Austin. We believe that when people have a stable place to call home, they can reach their full potential and contribute to the community. Since 2011, Caritas of Austin has been a leader in the local efforts to end veteran homelessness that resulted in a system to end chronic homelessness for all veterans and to house veterans rapidly if they lose their housing. Caritas builds well-being for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness each year by making sure they have a stable home, healthy food, jobs, and the life skills to thrive.

Learn more at http://www.caritasofaustin.org.

About VA Claims Insider

VA Claims Insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. VA Claims Insider also connects veterans with vetted independent medical professionals in an independent referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible medical nexus letters for a wide range of disability conditions. VA Claims Insider currently serves more than 300,000 unique veterans per month across its websites and membership programs between Military Disability Made Easy and VA Claims Insider. VA Claims Insider, LLC is not an accredited agent, VSO, attorney, or entity recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is not affiliated with the VA in any way. VA Claims Insider, LLC does not assist veterans with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA disability claims for VA benefits. Veterans shall prepare and file their own claim or work with an accredited representative, many of which offer services for free. VA Claims Insider is headquartered in Austin, TX.

media@vaclaimsinsider.com

737-214-2140

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Car Insurance Guide for Drivers Affected by The Coronavirus Outbreak


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“The coronavirus outbreak has affected nearly every corner of American citizens’ lives. The car insurance companies and drivers are facing new realities and they need to adjust”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains how the current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the car insurance industry.

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-car-insurance-in-this-period-of-coronavirus-outbreak/

The effects of the coronavirus for the car insurance industry are already quite severe. Many drivers are quite concerned about their abilities to pay their next insurance bills. Fortunately, many providers have understood the severity of the current situation and are offering payment relief, halting insurance cancellations, and providing online claims processing. Some of them are even providing partial premium refunds because many consumers aren’t driving very much due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

No one could have anticipated the damages done by the current crisis. For his reason, the car insurance industry and the drivers are adapting and are making a few changes:

  • Failure to pay insurance premiums on time no longer leads to policy cancelation. Insurance providers and their regulators realize these aren’t normal times due to the coronavirus outbreak. Insurance companies are offering new programs and procedures to assist drivers who may have suffered a job loss, reduced hours, or medical issues. Drivers who need assistance should contact their insurers for help and guidance.
  • Car Insurance companies are offering extended grace periods. Given the current situation, most insurance providers are extending grace periods and halting cancellations for customers who can’t make their payments. Many car insurance providers have announced case-by-case programs to assist customers who have financial troubles.
  • Switching to a new insurer is not recommended. Drivers can’t just simply switch to a new insurer and obtain cheaper premiums. However, in this involuntarily pause caused by the coronavirus outbreak, drivers can research their insurance options and check if they need to make changes to their coverages, insurance company, or deductibles.
  • Drivers who are no longer using their cars to drive to work can get a discount. Drivers should contact their insurers to see if they can dial back the declared mileage until the crisis is over. Many insurance companies have already announced automatic premium rebate programs.
  • Canceling coverage during this time should be avoided. Most drivers still need to drive their cars to grocery stores or to medical appointments. Cars can still get stolen or damaged by natural events like storms, floods, or tornadoes. Also, insurance providers don’t like to see lapses in coverage, and they can raise their premiums after the crisis is over.
  • The current crisis doesn’t affect the ability to file a claim. While the coronavirus pandemic is no reason for affecting the driver’s ability to file a claim and get the car repaired, this crisis can cause some delays. Most insurance providers are offering online claims portals where drivers can upload documents, photos of the vehicle, and any property damage. Also, claims adjusters may ask drivers to shoot videos that highlight vehicle damages, so they can appraise the damages remotely.
  • Dealing with a collision or with a police stop has changed. Drivers should perform all of the duties that are required to do by law while trying to put as much distance between themselves and the other driver as possible. They can do that by placing their documents — driver’s licenses, registration, and insurance cards — on the hood of their cars, then letting the other party photograph them with their smartphone, then doing the same with their documents. While being stopped by the police, drivers should do exactly what they are told to do.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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Waggl Recognized as One of the Best Places to Work in the San Francisco Bay Area for the Third Consecutive Year


Waggl team photo

For the third consecutive year, Waggl has been honored by the San Francisco Business Times/Silicon Valley Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in the San Francisco Bay Area 2020.

“Waggl’s uniqueness lies in its ability to deliver action better than any other tool on the market by crowdsourcing information from employees. People know their work matters in shaping the future. This is the heart of Engagement 4.0,” said Josh Bersin, Global HR Technology Analyst.

Waggl today announced that it has received three major accolades for corporate culture and growth:

“Against the backdrop of the global Coronavirus pandemic, we are especially grateful for this good news, and we are honored to be recognized for our achievements at Waggl,” said Michael Papay, Co-founder and CEO, Waggl. “As businesses in the United States emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, we believe that maintaining an agile, engaged culture will be one of the most important predictors of continued business success. Organizations that commit to putting their people first by elevating Employee Voice will be on the right path to recovery.”

By enabling a shared real-time, crowdsourced dialogue around critical questions, Waggl rapidly surfaces and prioritizes insights, ideas, and information to help organizations maintain connection and reinforce a sense of community in the midst of rapid change. The User Interface is simple, intuitive, and game-like. It is supported by a proven cycle of inquiry, dialogue and team-derived action that encourages shared ownership and built-in accountability.

“Waggl’s uniqueness lies in its ability to deliver action better than any other tool on the market by crowdsourcing information from employees,” said Josh Bersin, Global HR Technology Analyst. “People know their work matters in shaping the future. This is the heart of Engagement 4.0.”

In 2019, Waggl placed #15 on the San Francisco Business Times Fast 100 list and ranked 151 on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, with three-year revenue growth of 2482 percent, placing 26 within California-based companies, 19 within software companies, and 10 within San Francisco companies. The company was named as “Employee Engagement Vendor of the Year” by the 2019 North American Employee Engagement Awards, recognized as a Top Workplace of 2019 by the Bay Area Newsgroup, and by San Francisco Business Times/Silicon Valley Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work, earning the #2 ranking for wellness and the #10 spot for smallest companies. Waggl was also recognized by the 9th Annual Best in Biz Awards as “Best Local Company of the Year” for the San Francisco Bay Area. Co-founder and CEO Michael Papay was named as a recipient of the “2019 Founders to Watch” award by The Startup Weekly, a leading independent source of news and insights for business builders.

To learn more about Waggl, please visit https://www.waggl.com/.

About Waggl

For HR leaders who need to measure, and truly improve engagement, Waggl is an Employee Voice platform that crowdsources real-time insight to drive faster action and alignment around critical business topics. Inspired by the waggle dance honey bees do to communicate vital information, Waggl believes every voice matters. Unlike heavy surveys or basic pulse tools, Waggl is a dialogue-first approach to engagement that creates shared ownership through inclusive team-based action planning.

With a seasoned Executive Team and premiere customers including Freddie Mac, Paychex, HEINEKEN, 3M, Mastercard, UCHealth, McGraw Hill, and Parsons, Waggl partners with leading enterprises to harness the collective intelligence of their people. For more information and an expanded customer list, please visit https://www.waggl.com.

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Car Insurance Info Drivers Need to Know During the Coronavirus Outbreak


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“The coronavirus outbreak has radically changed the car insurance industry. Fortunately, many insurance providers have already adapted and can solve their customers’ problems regarding their insurance policies”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Car insurance is essential financial protection for drivers in case they get into a car accident that makes them liable for damage, or in case their vehicles get stolen or damaged. As long as the premium is paid, the insurance is active and the drivers are protected. However, given the COVID-19 pandemic, many drivers are wondering how their car insurance policies will be affected or if they should drop some of the coverage.

When dealing with car insurance and with car insurance companies, drivers should know that many things have already changed. The most important things that drivers need to know are the following:


  • How car insurance policies have changed during the coronavirus outbreak. Most of them haven’t changed at all. However, many drivers can expect to get refunds or paybacks from their insurers given the fact that there are fewer cars on the roads and there is a decreasing number of accidents. Even though drivers are likely to travel less miles in this period, they are advised to keep their policies and do not make any changes in their coverages.
  • How to contact the insurance provider. In order to keep customers and employees safe during this uncertain time, many providers are enforcing new work from home policies. Depending on the insurance company, drivers have several options to contact them. Most insurers offer a 24/7 emergency hotline, or they can be contacted through their websites, mobile apps, email, and live chat.
  • How insurers are responding to the current crisis. Most insurance companies have already taken several measures to deal with this pandemic. Many of them are offering paybacks to their customers. Other measures include billing support, temporary payment extensions, decreased insurance rates, suspension of policy cancelation or text message only claims.
  • How to handle the current policy. Given the current coronavirus outbreak, most drivers are keeping their cars in a garage and they can be tempted to drop optional coverages like comprehensive or collision. However, drivers who still need to drive should consider that their cars could be damaged, stolen, or totaled in an accident, even if there are fewer cars on the road due to COVID-19 outbreak. Drivers who are planning on not driving at all for a long time, can put their vehicles in storage and keep only comprehensive insurance.
  • How to file a claim. Depending on the insurance provider, drivers can file a claim via the insurer’s website, over the phone, or by using a mobile app. Once a claims adjuster is assigned, the drivers can work with them virtually. Usually, the adjuster will request a video call to survey the damage.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/.

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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Driven Brands Announces Acquisition of Fix Auto USA and Auto Center Auto Body, Inc.


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“We are thrilled to add the Fix team to Driven Brands despite the current business climate. Our word and reputation for being good partners are incredibly important to us. We have never been more optimistic about the long-term prospects for FUSA and the Driven Brands portfolio overall.”

Driven Brands, North America’s largest automotive services company, today announced its acquisition of Fix Auto USA (FUSA) and Auto Center Auto Body, Inc. (ACAB). The addition adds nearly 150 franchised and ten company collision repair locations to the Paint, Collision & Glass segment of Driven Brands.

The acquisition of FUSA and ACAB continues Driven Brands’ growth in the collision repair space. All locations will retain their current Fix branding and join the Paint, Collision & Glass segment, which includes the CARSTAR, Maaco, ABRA and Uniban brands. Driven Brands will continue to grow in the collision space leveraging its great franchisees, insurance carrier relationships, proven leadership, and recognized operational platforms.

“We are thrilled to add the Fix team to Driven Brands despite the current business climate. Our word and reputation for being good partners are incredibly important to us,” said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, CEO of Driven Brands. “We have never been more optimistic about the long-term prospects for Fix Auto USA, all of our businesses in the paint, collision and glass segment, and the Driven Brands portfolio overall.”

Michael Macaluso, Group President of Paint, Collision & Glass, will oversee FUSA and ACAB. Paul Gange will join the Driven Brands team and remain as President of FUSA, managing the franchise business. Erick and Shelly Bickett will also join Driven as operating partners for the company-owned ACAB locations.

“After years of growing Fix Auto USA, we are thrilled to be part of Driven Brands, who completed the acquisition despite the tumultuous business climate,” said Paul Gange, president and CEO of Fix Auto USA. “We are excited to continue building our organization with the strength and support of Driven Brands behind us.”

“Driven Brands’ mission and unwavering commitment to its consumers, franchisees, employees, and industry partners align with our vision,” added Shelly and Erick Bickett, owners of Auto Center Auto Body, Incorporated. “We look forward to the many benefits that our two organizations and our franchisees will gain from one another, including industry-leading solutions tailored for our customers. There is exciting growth ahead. We look forward to working with Driven Brands as leaders in the collision repair industry.”

Since affiliates of Roark Capital acquired Driven Brands in 2015, it has executed 38 acquisitions, including Fix Auto USA and Auto Center Auto Body, Inc. Fueled by these acquisitions and strong organic growth, Driven Brands continues to expand across its automotive segments, increasing the brands’ footprint to over 3,250 locations across North America.

About Driven Brands

Driven Brands™, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is the parent company of some of North America’s leading automotive service brands including Take 5 Oil Change®, Meineke Car Care Centers®, Automotive Training Institute™, Maaco®, CARSTAR®, ABRA®, Uniban™, 1-800-Radiator & A/C® and PH Vitres d’Autos™. Driven Brands has over 3,250 centers across the United States and Canada, and combined, all businesses generate more than $3.4 billion in system sales and service approximately 9 million vehicles annually. For more information, visit drivenbrands.com.

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How to Compare Homeowners Insurance in Florida to Save Money and Get The Right Coverage


“Consumers also need to know they no longer have to wait for their insurance renewal to shop around so they can save now. So being able to shop when you want and getting quotes that work for the individual will help save money and add a secure feeling that your home is adequately covered, said Gudas

As the nation and Floridians see a shred of light at the end of this pandemic tunnel and as the hurricane season quickly approaches, the need to get the most out of every dollar spent remains as critical as ever. And, when it comes to comparing homeowners insurance that’s not an easy task. Simply put, things are confusing.

The insurance industry continues to rapidly move online and that’s good news for consumers because it will result in a streamlined buying experience and saving money. Florida-based Nsure.com, http://www.nsure.com, America’s first digital insurance agency®, is helping lead the way. Using artificial intelligence, Nsure.com mines multiple data sources and auto-fills complicated insurance applications that are sent to over 40 top-rated insurers. That allows consumers to compare the best coverage and quotes side by side, apples to apples as they say. Thanks to Nsure.com’s real-time connection with insurance companies, consumers can instantly and transparently compare real, not estimated, quotes from multiple insurers.

“If you’ve ever shopped for homeowners insurance, you know it can be complicated. Dealing with offline agents and online lead generators can limit your choices and bombard you with offers that aren’t real. Besides not getting real quotes, you only get offered a group of limited insurers that are being pushed or sold and they may not be the best available for your needs,” said Wojtek Gudaszewski, CEO of Nsure.com. “As an online digital agency, we can help consumers see, from the comfort of their home or office, exact comparisons among multiple insurers, calculate their average savings for your policy needs and help them feel confident they are getting the correct level of insurance for their home. And, in doing so, customers can feel confident they are receiving actionable quotes from the nation’s highest rated insurers as graded by independent organizations such as A.M. Best http://www.ambest.com, and DemoTech, http://www.demotech.com/.”

In considering an insurer, Nsure.com also recommends considering the following criteria:


  • Financial strength ratings from independent rating agencies like AM Best, DemoTech.
  • Level/Amount of Coverage Needed (most American’s are under-insured)
  • Online Reviews of Insurer, especially as it relates to handling claims
  • Know that you don’t have to wait for your policy to renew, you can review anytime online and it’s simple to make a change
  • Needless to say, price is critical so make sure you are getting real numbers that you can act on immediately

“Consumers also need to know they no longer have to wait for their insurance renewal to shop around so they can save now. So being able to shop when you want and getting quotes that work for the individual will help save money and add a secure feeling that your home is adequately covered,” said Gudaszewski.

    Nsure.com is a licensed online insurance agency that utilizes state of the art digital technology and represents over 40 top-rated insurance companies. Nsure.com’s mission is to empower insurance consumers by helping them choose the best carriers and policies for less, period. Nsure.com currently operates within the state of Florida with plans to expand nationwide thanks to recent strategic investment with the well-respected Reliance Global Group– RELI. Key benefits of the Nsure.com platform include:

  • Simplified application process – Nsure.com uses artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to mine multiple data sources and auto-fill complicated insurance applications, e.g. home characteristics: construction type, roof shape, roof covering, foundation type, flood zone, etc.
  • Real-time connection with over 40 top-rated insurers allows consumers to transparently compare real, not estimated, quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side.
  • Instant accurate coverage recommendations for home and auto insurance, providing consumers confidence they are not under or over-insured.
  • In-house insurance buying/policy binding capabilities means no redirection to other websites and ability to finalize purchases on Nsure.com in as little as five minutes.
  • Free and secure account enables 24/7 access to quotes, policies and other documents.
  • When it’s time for a policy renewal, Nsure.com automatically informs customers about the best offers in the market before their policy expires.
  • Nsure.com offers a number of Supplemental Insurance options such as Hurricane Deductible Insurance that can help save money in case of an event and provide additional savings should homeowners qualify

Nsure.com has a team of licensed insurance agents available to answer any questions, and guide clients through the claims process. These agents are not salespeople, but rather licensed specialists trained to help customers with any insurance question.

About Nsure.com

Based in Florida, Nsure.com is the first all-digital licensed insurance agency that provides auto and home insurance via its secure website. Employing the most advanced data technology to track up-to-the-minute, real, not estimated, quotes from more than two dozen insurance carriers, Nsure.com enables customers to take complete control of the insurance buying process on their smartphones, tablets and computers. The company’s platform delivers a hassle-free experience, from a streamlined application process and instant quotes to no sales pitches and a simple renewal process that automatically updates quotes just prior to expiration so that customers can take advantage of the best rates and coverage possible.

Contact:

Shep Doniger

Black Dog Communications Group, Inc.

561-637-5750—sdoniger@bdcginc.com

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Linda Mack participated as a panelist for a webinar held April 1, hosted by the Family Office Association addressing Family Office challenges during the COVID-19 crisis


“Best practices are the same, however, their value is more deeply appreciated during a crisis.”

Linda Mack of Mack International participated as a panelist for a webinar held April 1, hosted by the Family Office Association entitled, Family Office Compensation and Recruiting Challenges During this Unique Time. The webinar was moderated by Angelo Robles, Founder, and Chairman of the Family Office Association (FOA). Linda was joined by Trish Botoff, Founder of Botoff Consulting along with Ron Botoff and Hunter Guice, Principal Consultants with the firm.

The purpose of the webinar was to recognize how the current health crisis has altered the way families do business, but also to provide family offices with a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships between their teams and family members served—facilitating family offices as they proactively navigate today’s challenging environment. Mack International and Botoff Consulting—both considered industry experts—shared ideas about how family offices can successfully adapt their human capital practices including communications, recruiting, and compensation during the current situation and beyond.

Linda spoke about the impact of the pandemic on family office executive searches. “While corporate searches have come to a halt in many cases and hiring freezes are common, we continue to be busy. It’s almost a business-as-usual situation for many families despite the negative impact and uncertainty that exists. First-generation entrepreneurs who are setting up offices for the first time continue to look for key leaders for their office. Succession searches are actively going forward to replace those who have retired or left a position. On the candidate side, everyone is home and accessible.”

Linda on how hiring has been affected: “With in-person meetings temporarily suspended, technology and videoconferencing play an important role. Some families are more comfortable than others hiring without meeting a candidate in person—and the reverse is also true. There are some high urgency situations due to a critical vacancy or successor. It also depends upon the level of the position. If it is a national search, the issue of relocation will add complexity to the equation. Virtual tours and other creative approaches have become a valuable communication tool. The key is for both parties to be flexible, adaptable and creative. Not everyone has a comfort level with making a decision now, and that is understandable. Others seize the day.”

How does the COVID pandemic compare with 2008? “The primary difference was the financial crisis of 2008 didn’t affect meeting in person or require remote operations. Like 2008, many investment portfolios were hit hard very quickly, and a Family Office without a strong CIO at the helm are experiencing a lot of uneasiness. When heavy turbulence hits, you want an experienced pilot at the controls. We are seeing families appreciate the value of the emphasis they placed on hiring a strong Chief Investment Officer to both protect their portfolios and to help identify attractive investment opportunities as the cycle evolves.”

Linda talked about how Best Practices have changed. “Best practices are the same, however, their value is more deeply appreciated during a crisis. Family Offices that have not focused on succession planning, contingency planning, and business continuity planning are vulnerable. If the head of the family gets COVID 19, is there enough bench strength to take over until his or her return? Are leaders cross-training teams for back up and to more effectively work remotely? What are advisors’ plans? Contingency planning is vital. In times like this, there is a re-emphasis on leadership characteristics and attributes: flexibility, adaptability, creativity, resourcefulness and resiliency. Family Offices may look back on this crisis as their wake-up call to consider what type of leaders they need in an uncertain world.”

The webinar was recorded and is available on the FOA website.

About Mack International LLC

Mack International is the premier, a boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise, and the wealth management industries on a national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge, and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360© and is credited for having coined the term “expert generalist” in the industry.

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Larry Feinstein joining Synergi Partners, an industry leader in hiring credits and tax incentives


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To be reunited with this talented team of industry leaders is an honor. My team and I will concentrate on the great opportunity businesses have with the CARES Act Credits by helping companies keep employees and begin recovery and growth, says Larry Feinstein.

Synergi Partners is focused on providing solutions for companies to help build productivity and profitability. Larry Feinstein will specifically focus on the CARES Act, a policy implemented to protect businesses from natural disasters and managing employee retention rates. In Mr. Feinstein’s new position, he will offer an innovative approach for businesses to regain productivity, retain employees and focus on growth for the future.

Jim Brown, CEO of Synergi Partners gives us his thought on Mr. Feinstein’s joining Synergi Partners;

“Synergi Partners is very excited to have Larry join our team. The culture and rapid growth of Tax Credit Services at ADP was a great journey for Larry and me. His leadership and vast experience will add to our very deep and talented organization. Larry will play a vital role in this company’s ongoing commitment to our clients”

Previously, Larry was the CEO of Hire Dynamics, an award-winning staffing company. Mr. Feinstein’s passion for people development and innovation helped Hire Dynamics transform from an Atlanta leader to a Southeast and industry Top 50 Staffing Company. During Mr. Feinstein’s time there, Hire Dynamics was awarded Best Places to Work in all markets they served and Best of Staffing for achieving top 1% NPS scores for Clients and Talent.

Prior to his position at Hire Dynamics, Larry was Senior Vice President of ADP’s Human Resource Outsourcing (HRO). Mr. Feinstein was responsible for a global business serving over 8,000 clients and 800,000 employees. Larry also was responsible for the integration and rapid growth of ADP’s Tax Credit Services business. In his award-winning 26-year career at ADP, he also held sales leadership positions in small, major and national accounts, driving high growth through attracting and developing leading talent. Mr. Feinstein’s passion for developing people and building a winning work culture has been the foundation for his success.

“To be reunited with this talented team of industry leaders is an honor; we have had much success working together in the past. Synergi Partners will continue to be the industry leader in disaster credits. My team and I will concentrate on the great opportunity businesses have with the CARES Act Credits (ERTC and FFCRA) by helping companies keep their employees and get on a path to recovery and growth,” says Larry Feinstein.

Mr. Feinstein is also the founder of Spectrum Careers, helping Autistic adults find meaningful employment. When not building culture and camaraderie at work, Larry enjoys spending time with his wife, Mindy, and two children, Sam and Leah.

Headquartered in South Carolina, Synergi Partners is the leading provider of tax credit and incentives. Their team of experts consults companies throughout the nation for federal and state tax incentives, as well as disaster relief. They have experience serving clients of all sizes in industries such as hospitality, retail, financial services, healthcare, food services and temporary staffing.

Please visit http://www.synergipartners.com for more information about this company and the CARES act.

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Sureify Partner Seeks “New Age Solutions to an Age-Old Problem”


Customer expectations are pretty clear, and the right technology is more important than ever. Carriers are looking for new tools to deliver real “wow” moments for their customers, and Sureify brings an amazing set of “ready to use” customer engagement tools to the market.

With the insurance industry reacting to the new environment, Sureify, an established leader in technology solutions, is partnering with Jim Kerley, Managing Partner of Clearview Partners.

Kerley formed Clearview Partners to deliver strategic insights and solutions to insurance carriers redefining the future of work. According to Sureify Senior Vice President of Sales, Bryan Padgette, Jim is a perfect strategic partner.

“Jim is a valuable resource for Sureify on many levels,” Padgette explained. “Jim understands the unique challenges executives are confronting today. He recognizes the importance of using technology to create positive customer experiences.”

According to Kerley, “Customer expectations are pretty clear, and the right technology is more important than ever. Carriers are looking for new tools to deliver real “wow” moments for their customers, and Sureify brings an amazing set of “ready to use” customer engagement tools to the market.”

Kerley is a well-known figure in the industry, recently serving as the Chief Membership Officer with LIMRA and LOMA. While he brings more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry, his focus is the future transformation of the industry. Jim is recognized as a thought leader, advisor, and solutions provider to the industry. His firm, Clearview Partners, is engaged with leading insurance carriers worldwide.

About Sureify

Sureify’s mission is to modernize the life insurance and annuity industry by helping carriers acquire, service, and engage their customers with one enterprise platform: Lifetime. We enable omnichannel sales with LifetimeAcquire, a product that drives placement rates via quoting, e-application, automated underwriting, and new business transmission. With LifetimeService, insurers are offering their in-force customers comprehensive self-service portals and native applications. Lastly, the product that started it all, LifetimeEngage, fosters a lifelong relationship between carriers and their policyholders with multifaceted engagement programs and analytics, leading to greater lifetime value of each policyholder. Learn more at https://sureify.com/

About Clearview Partners

Clearview Partners was founded to serve the business transformation requirements of the global life insurance and financial services industry. By bringing together professional partners and leading specialty firms, Clearview Partners offers wide-ranging resources focused on both strategic and tactical planning for the new business environment. The firm provides our clients with high-impact consulting, coaching, ideas and technology that generate measurable results. Find us at http://clearviewpartnersusa.com.

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