Odell Studner kicked off Superbowl weekend with “Dollar Dog Day for Gracie,” last Friday. In support of a long-time employee and her granddaughter, who has epilepsy, all employees were encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey and donate during a company lunch. Over $500 was raised just by the employees alone, and with a company match, OSG was able to give over $1,000 to this cause.

“Dollar Dog Day for Gracie” was the first of many events planned for 2012 by the “Best Places to Work” committee. An ongoing focus on wellness was also incorporated, as employees were shown the leaner options they could choose from at the lunch.

Before we get too far into 2012, we would like to look back at our company’s highlights for 2011. We have a lot to be grateful for and are happy to report that it was certainly a year of continued growth and success!

Highlighted by being named the 14th fastest-growing company in the region by the Philadelphia 100® on our first shot, we owe our success to the important contributions of our skilled and dedicated staff and the support that we receive on a daily basis from our clients, business partners and friends. Our vision for Odell Studner is an insurance firm built upon the idea that our professionals should be trusted advisors and strategic partners to the business that they serve, In 2011, we moved even closer to achieving this vision by developing lasting relationships with our clients by always keeping their best interests in mind.

Our other successes in 2011 went beyond the growth of our company. It included community support, such as donating 3,450 pounds of non-perishable food in support of WMMR’s Camp Out for Hunger campaign benefiting Philabundance and raising money to support the Schreffler Family Education Trust through a successful Odell Studner Foundation Golf Outing last October.

New relationships were at the top of our list, internally and externally, with new hires and new openings for our growing company, continued relationship building with our carrier partners, a focus on social media and outstanding client service that we hope continues to meet and exceed their expectations.

Lastly, we took a look inside the agency and asked ourselves, ” How can we make sure our employees are productive in their roles and enjoy coming to work everyday?” We started an internal committee, “Best Place to Work,” which will continue on to focus on wellness initiatives, employee retention and overall fun things we can do as a company and as a part of our community.

So as you can see, we were happily busy last year. 2012 has already begun with a bang and from time to time expect us to update you with other highlights throughout the year!

Czerwonka, who had been Director of Business Development at Business Clubs America Philadelphia (BCAP) for six years, will be the creative mind behind all things dealing with the Odell Studner brand, including social media, advertising and integrating their sales and marketing efforts.

“As we continue to grow and expand our business, having someone with Chrissie’s contacts and skill set will be critical for our future success,” said Steve Odell, Odell Studner’s chief executive officer. “It’s yet another differentiator for Odell Studner in an industry devoid of bridging the gap between marketing, social media and public relations. This will help us find clients who fit our mission statement and core values.”

Before coming to Odell Studner, Czerwonka helped establish and build BCAP’s membership organization. Prior to BCAP, Czerwonka was with several of the National Basketball Association’s major and minor league teams in sales & marketing.

Czerwonka has an MBA in International Business from Arcadia University, and a BA in Broadcast Communications & Journalism from Elon Unversity.

She and her husband Scott and daughter Grace live in Wilmington, DE.

Reports to:                 CEO/COO

FLSA Code:              E

SUMMARY:

This individual will have the skills to analyze alternative approaches, communicate with our clients, and manage the design, development and implementation of benefit programs for our existing and prospective clients. The Benefits Account Executive will work with our principals, senior management and sales team, as well as initiate their own new business opportunities.

Will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that the Benefits Division’s goals and objectives will be consistent with our company vision, long term strategy and culture.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer and will be fully accountable for all client’s corporate benefit plans; there will also be reporting responsibility to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Generate leads from both existing and new clients to market employee benefits products.
• Develop and maintain the book of business of the benefits department.
• Prepare reports and analysis of company plans for the executive management team.
• Attend, participate and represent the company in industry meetings, seminars and conferences pertaining to benefit programs to improve overall job expertise and product knowledge.
• Maintain high degree of familiarity and working relationship with various insurance companies.
• Provide guidance, counsel and technical knowledge to the benefits Account Manager on insurance products.
• Develop and implement benefits department procedures, workflows and proposals.
• Prepare illustrations and work with Sales Account Executives on presentations to existing and prospective clients.
• Advise benefits clients on new, improved products, revisions, etc. with our insurance carriers and with the benefits insurance market.
• Responsible for compliance with governmental regulations related to corporate benefit plans.
• Responsible for monitoring market conditions, developing trends and regulatory proposals to insure all plans are competitively positioned, cost effective and strategically sound.
• Provides recommendations to our client’s executive management for changes to existing programs and proposals for new benefit offerings.
• Report any customer problems, complaints and/or potential errors and omissions to the CEO.
• Abide by and maintain all licensing requirements including continuing education.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of all facets of employee benefit plans.
• Ability to determine cost impact of specific benefit plan changes and the subsequent impact on corporate financials.

• In-depth knowledge of benefit policies, practices, common exclusions/limitations and applicable laws.
• Strong networking and sales skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong mathematical, financial, problem solving, analysis and negotiating skills.
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, (CEBS) certification required.
• Strong technical skills including knowledge of Coverage terms and conditions and Market familiarity.
• Able to travel on an as needed basis
• Knowledge of MS Office Products, (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Strong organizational skills.
• Bachelors’ degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Human Resources or Communications.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in benefit design with advanced level of knowledge and expertise in current benefit laws and regulations.
• 5+ years experience in a Benefits Insurance Brokerage in Marketing and/or Account Management

Reports to:               Director of Claims and Risk Control

FLSA Code:              E

SUMMARY

To act as Client Advocate and Risk Management Resource to ensure exceptional risk management service to our Clients while promoting our corporate new business, retention, and profitability initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide risk assessments for prospects and Clients.
• Develop and maintain Service Plans tailored to Client need.
• Provide hazard assessment solutions as determined by risk assessments/audits.
• Conduct educational training workshops, seminars, and webinars.
• Develop policies and procedures designed to reduce/eliminate loss frequency and severity and assure compliance with governmental statutes and mandates.
• Conduct on-site inspections as required.
• Provide consultative insight and direction.
• Act as liaison between Client and carriers.
• Monitor loss trending with an eye towards reducing cost of risk

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years risk management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self directed and motivated.
• Able to travel on an as-needed basis.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable automobile.
• Knowledge of MS Word (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Producer’s license required.

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Title: Senior* Account Manager / Account Manager

*Note: “Senior” is reflective of enhanced level of responsibility, greater years of experience, the size of books of business, etc.

SUMMARY

A member of the Commercial Lines Division team providing customer service for commercial lines clients. Gathers data, organizes data, and prepares quotations for new customers. Maintains database of clients. Presents quotes to prospective clients and renewal quotes to existing clients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Service assigned customer accounts including obtaining rates from carriers and providing quotes and illustrations for new and renewal risks.
• Prepare spreadsheets used for new customer quotes and renewal meetings.
• Review policy and endorsements for accuracy; report errors to insurance company for correction.
• Answer customer and carrier phone calls fielding/answering questions.
• Interface with others to obtain and deliver information, quotations, policy changes, etc.
• Input and update customer and policy information in account management system.
• Obtain customer information and prepare data for policy quote illustration.
• Prepare presentations for Account Executive meetings.
• Prepare all correspondence and proposals.
• Handle confidential and non-routine information.
• Work independently and within a team on special and nonrecurring and ongoing projects.
• Assist in cross-selling accounts.
• Keep Account Executives fully informed of all important activities on their accounts including being sensitive to potential problems.
• Present quotes to clients.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent phone etiquette, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work with minimum supervision; able to accept direction on given assignments
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure document accuracy.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment with strong customer service skills.
• Experience with a broker/agent, including marketing large middle market accounts to carriers; excellent knowledge of the markets.
• Strong knowledge of all basic P&C coverage’s to include workers compensation, general liability and auto.
• Experience with loss sensitive workers compensation programs.
• Captive insurance experience a plus.
• Demonstrated superior presentation or relationship skills to present proposals to customers and prospects in this highly Client interactive role.
• Minimum 5 years relevant Commercial Lines experience required.
• High school diploma required and College degree preferred.
• Licensed in property and casualty insurance.

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Title: Associate Sales Executive

SUMMARY

Provides support to Sales and Service teams in marketing property & casualty insurance programs on prospective clients.  The Sales Associate is responsible for producer support services on prospective accounts including meeting with prospects, collecting and processing of information, and assistance in presentations to prospective clients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze insurance policies and contracts and make recommendations for improvements where possible
• Attend prospect meetings with producers to assist with data gathering, application completion, etc.
• Work with others to prepare property and casualty insurance submissions for new business prospects including but not limited to: Acord applications, Insurance specifications for each line of coverage, exposure schedules, prospect profile, etc.
• Prepare excel spreadsheets for analysis of prospective client exposure and/or loss data
• Work with others to obtain and deliver information, quotations, proposals, etc as necessary
• Participate in presentations to prospective clients
• Answer prospect and carrier phone calls
• Coordinate loss control inspections with prospect and carrier(s)
• Handle confidential and non-routine information
• Prioritize workload and/or request for assistance as required.
• Assist Department Manager on an as needed basis
• Manage Property and Casualty Pipeline Report for Marketing Department
• Maintain accurate and updated suspense file in Agency Management System
• Attend seminars, carrier meetings and educational activities needed to improve overall job expertise and product knowledge
• Abide by and maintain all licensing requirements, including continuing education

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Licensed in Property & Casualty Insurance
• Strong Technical skills including understanding of coverage terms and conditions, market familiarity and knowledge of rules and regulations
• Excellent verbal,  interpersonal and public communications skills
• Ability to maintain a positive outlook
• Able to travel on an as needed basis
• Able to work with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of MS Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong organizational skills
• 5+ years experience in Property & Casualty insurance brokerage in Marketing, Sales and/or Account Management Role
• Four year college degree or comparative on the job experience within Insurance/business Industries
• Pursuit of a professional designation (CIC, AAI, ARM, CPCU) preferred

Odell Studner spearheaded an effort this holiday season to collect non-perishables and canned goods in support of Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger campaign benefiting Philabundance. Thanks to the collective efforts of Odell Studner employees, clients, insurance partners and friends, we were able to donate 3,450 pounds of non-perishable food to Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization.

Visit our Facebook page to view more photos from the donation campaign.

A list of most-needed, non-perishable foods includes:

• Canned/Shelf-stable Tuna
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Canned Pasta
• Canned Beef Stew
• Canned Chili
• Creamy Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Canned Green Beans
• Canned Corn
• Canned Fruit
• Breakfast Cereal and Hot Cereal

Additionally, Odell Studner will donate $1 towards the purchase of canned goods for every new ‘Like’ we receive on our Facebook page and for every new member that joins our Constant Coverage group on LinkedIn through November 29. Please help us to spread the word.

We are proud to be in the company of so many innovative, fast-growing companies on the Philadelphia 100 list. To put it in perspective, the median three-year growth in annual sales for Philadelphia 100 companies was 92.9 percent between 2008 and 2010.

Thank you to our incredible team and to our loyal clients for helping us to achieve this growth and realize our vision of being the pre-eminent independently owned insurance firm in the region.