Veteran's Day

I received a great email this morning from one of our general agents.  I thought it was worth sharing with you...


Dear Agent,

It is Veteran's Day.  The bank next door to our office is closed.  It strikes me as odd that banking institutions - that industry segment who did the most to cripple life as we know it in the U.S. - is taking a holiday on the very date we should be celebrating those active and former members of our Armed Forces - especially those who were themselves crippled or killed or lost loved ones in the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation strong. 

Texas All Risk is a small company, with just over 30 employees; and like most insurance organizations, mostly women.  Yet, of our 5 male employees, 3 of us are Viet-Nam era Vets - 2 saw combat. My step-son is an Army Ranger Combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.  One of our UW assistants' husband is a Combat Veteran having served a year in Iraq.  Another UW has 3 brothers who served - 2 in Viet-Nam and 1 in the current conflict.  Our Claims Assistant husband served and 2 of our employees have sons on active duty right now, both having served in the Middle East.  And still 3 more have husbands or brothers who fought in Viet-Nam. 

And as it turns out, ALL of these people who are still alive are working today while banking institutions go on holiday.

As a veteran I can tell you this; every vet holds their service experience in a separate place - a compartment - inside their mind.   And every vet deeply appreciates an unbidden "Thanks for your service", especially when it comes from people outside their family.  They may not light up with emotion on the outside, but inwardly your thanks is tremendously rewarding.  It allows us to feel a certain gratification for the memories we keep tucked away.

Thank a vet today.  And if you served, I Salute You.

David Day

Owner

I agree with David 100%.  The very industries that have screwed our country are enjoying a day off, at our expense.  

I'm sure that David isn't the only person that feels this way.  We do, and I'm sure the majority of Americans feel the same way too. 

Thank you to my uncle, General Juan Ayala, for your service.  And, thank you to all of those who have served past and present, so that we may have our freedoms that we take for granted so often.

Dire Straits and The Wall Street Protesters: My 2 cents

I can't help but think of what my grandfather, Victor Ayala, would have thought.  Well actually, I know exactly what he would say:  Estos hijos de sus p- m- deberian trabajar en vez de quejar!!  (These sons of b's should get a job instead of waste their time in the streets complaining)  Now calm down all my liberal friends.  I know that you think they're protesting about lack of jobs, wallstreet greed, yada yada, yada, etc etc.  99 percent of them don't even know why they're there.  I saw quite a bit of the crowd, and I couldn't help but notice the plethora of facial piercings, mohawks, and other oddities.  Yeah guys, great way to go to an interview too!!

Back to my story now.  My grandfather was a very hard working man.  He came over illegally and started his career in El Paso as a cook.  He eventually saved up enough to open his own food stand.  Demand eventually pushed him to open up his own restaurant, Victor's Cafe.  Now remember, this was in the 1940's and 50's when Mexicans weren't exactly greeted with open arms and given a chance.  At the end of his life, he had 3 restaurants, and gave all of my 8 aunts and uncles an opportunity to attent college if they wanted, paid for.  He didn't speak English.  He didn't ask for a handout.  Really, he didn't ask for anything.  He worked very hard for what he had and gave it all away.  I would love to see and hear his reaction to the kids on Wallstreet, protesting.

I can't help but think of that Dire Straits song, money for nothing, chicks for free, I want my MTV.  Great song too, by the way.

Tony Soprano

Recently, we happened upon a gentleman that was having an incredible time insuring a commercial property downtown.  He had been dropped by his company, and all of the other quotes he had been getting were out of his budget.  We shopped it for him.  We negotiated.  We threatened insurance companies.  Our Tony Soprano came out, and we got his building insured for less than 1k a year with higher limits than what he had.  IF your agent won't go out of his way to get your business, how will they be when you file a claim??

I also love the Sopranos.  Sometimes, I fantasize about being a mobster and wacking people.  Sometimes.....and it's just a fantasy......maybe.......

Bud Light

I couldn't think of a better or more fitting title for this blog.  Bud Light.
It's kinda funny when I think about it.  Years ago, my brother and I were discussing where we would go watch the fights one Saturday night.  The conversation went like this:  Hey bro, let's go to (insert sportsbar name) and see the fights.... Me:  Na bro, there's a bunch of idiots there drinking bud light, wearing Affliction shirts that are too tight, screaming at the TV.  Him: Where else can we go?  Me:  I don't know....I think a friend of mine is having them.  Since that day, we have coined the term bud lights for any group of people who drink and yell at the TV.  It just so happens, that 99 times out of 100, they are drinking Bud Light.  We also call anyone that is overly compensating for something or an obnoxious drunk, a bud light.  It just seems fitting. 

Today brought back memories of that, as my wife and I walked in to a restaurant and heard screaming and cheers like we were in a stadium.  We walked out.  I couldn't help but notice the sea of bud light bottles I saw on the tables......

LOCAL El Paso Heroes

Yeah, that's right.  I said it.  That's what my business is.  That's what we are. 

Last year, I happened upon a large manufacturing company that was paying over 200k in insurance premiums and had let their policy lapse.  I wonder why??  WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY THOSE KINDS OF PREMIUMS IN THIS ECONOMY?  (Unless of course you've got ties to the white house i.e Solyndra)  After some hard shopping and negotiating with several companies, we've saved them over 40k!!  That's a TON OF SAVINGS!  They could hire an additional employee or two with that savings.

We also have the BEST FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET TODAY!!  We recently took an account from (Insert any bank that thinks they're an insurance co here) simply because we were able to offer better financing options for them!  Did you hear that??  We have better financing options than banks!!

We have stories like that to tell all day long.  We'd love to be your savior and help you by reducing your costs by thousands!!  The next time someone from a "BIG" insurance agency comes through your door, slaps a huge premium on your desk, and asks for a check, tell them that it's "TU BUKU" and give us a call!!

And remember, abe just doesn't insure some folks.......abe insures El Paso!!!  http://www.abeinsureselpaso.com/ or our sister site http://www.elpasosr22insurance.com/! 

Get some, get some!

One of the more disturbing parts of the movie 'Full Metal Jacket', as an American soldier is shooting at scurrying VC's from a helicopter.  This also came to mind  because that's what the folks in New York did do the democratically held seat.....Get some, get some!  Not only was Weiner a 7 term senator, but that seat had never been held by a republican.  Get some.

Get some!

The tides are turning, just hope for the better.

Macanudo Millionaire

http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/mm2011/


I've already registered 3 times!!  It would be nice...

Unbelievable.

I opened my email this morning, and I had this fwd from a friend of mine.  I read it.  It made an impression. 

~AP

I challenge you to read this and NOT have the will to pass it on to your 20…

 

No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay. While Politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any sense.       Monday we learned that the staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back student loans. This will get national attention if news networks will broadcast it. When you add this to the below, just where will all of it stop?    This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on. This is an idea that we should address. For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.  Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ."

Get pinched?

You can see all of the arrests of the weekend here :Busted. 

Years ago, I was faced with the decision of being a "captive" agent with a pansa, combover, and poor golfing skills, or going independent.  I chose the latter for several reasons, but the main reason for going independent was that captive agents can't help you the way I can.  If you get a DUI, your insurance company is going to drop you!  I won't.  You've got me for as long as you want me.  Another reason: Captive agents can only sell their product.  One product.  It's like going to a shoe store that only sells a size 9 brown shoe.  Why would you do that?  Yes, they have great marketing and yes, they make all of these false claims of saving 1 million percent.  The truth is, no one is really looking out for you.  We are.  WE have companies that don't market as aggressively and reinvest their money in their company instead of horrible commercials. 

The next time you need insurance, think about what a local, INDEPENDENT agent can do for you!  And, if you or someone you know gets busted with a dui/dwi, have them call me or visit http://www.elpasosr22insurance.com/ 

~AP

Labor Day: The Beginning of an Entitlement Era

Read about the origin of Labor Day here: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm.  Undoubtedly, this was a huge victory for labor unions and the like.   Maybe this was the beginning of the "Entitlement Era"?  In a previous post, I mentioned that it seems that my generation feels like it's entitled to a great job, a free education, a higher wage, a 4 day work week, etc etc.  Well, it seems like the seeds of entitlement were planted a long time ago and they are starting to bare their fruits.  Have a wonderful day off!

Do you want a job??

Well tough. You're not going to get one.   According to this NY Times article Jobs (Yobs), we can expect more of the same or worse.

Many of you may find this disheartening, but I actually think of it as inspiring!!  Inspiring??  Yes, this is downright inspirational.  Out of the great depression of the 30's, many titans of industry of industry  were born, products created, and people got their fight back.  I am of the belief that we have become WAY TOO dependent on others for work or necessities......dependent on our bosses, parents, friends, and the government.  What happened to the days when folks got up and went out like hunters for their next deal, job, or opportunity?  Those days are gone.  We think that we're owed something.....a job, a raise, a paid vacation, an opportunity, a new car, health care, a meal, etc etc.  The truth is, no one owes us anything!  We live in the greatest country on earth!  We live in a country where a "Peter Pan" with soaring rhetoric, NO EXPERIENCE, and smooth demeanor can be PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!  THIS SHOULD BE THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL FACT OF ALL TO YOU!!!!  That's right, even you could be president. 

I'm done ranting.  Be a hunter.  Be a champion.  Be something. 

No Codes outside city limits smart?

You can read some of the story here : Codes outside city limits

It seems that the city of El Paso has an issue with builders going outside the city limits to build homes for our rapidly expanding city.  According to the story, as long as there is potable water and sewage, you can build anywhere outside the limits. 

What this story totally misses is the second reason why builders are going outside the city limits: Smart Code.  It's as simple as this.  Let's say you have an elote en vaso stand (corn in a cup).  We'll call this business Chuco's Elotes.  Chucos Elotes is located on the north side of mesa.  There is another elote stand on the opposite side of the street called Cheapos Elotes.  Same corn.  Same spices.  Same amount of margarine oozing out of it.  Same everything, but the cup.  Chuco's Elotes has to use a "special cup" that makes the city of El Paso feel warm and fuzzy.  Cheapos Elotes can use any cup he wants, because he's outside the city limits.  In fact, he can give you more corn for your money since he doesn't have those nebulous and trivial city restrictions on his cup!!  SO, where are you going to get your elote fix?  Chuco's or Cheapos?  The answer was clear to my five year old niece, so why isn't it clear to the scholars downtown?  Beats me......

BEWARE OF THE CHIHUA PLATES!!!!!

A few months ago, a friend of mine went to ask Ann Lilly if she would introduce a bill on council that would require all foreign drivers to purchase liability insurance from an American insurance company.  It went nowhere (In typical El Chuco city council fashion).

As an insurance agent, I can tell you that El Paso and the rest of Texas has the highest number of uninsured people in the US.  Why?  There are a couple of reasons: La Raza doesn't think they need it, no ay money, insurance is for nice cars, etc etc.  The truth is, the reason insurance rates are higher in TX is because of the high number of uninsured people driving on our streets.

I know that you have insurance, but the next time you get a quote or renew your policy, consider adding uninsured motorist to your policy.  Yes, it is more money, but you'll have coverage when you get backdoored by a chihua who was screaming at their kids, applying makeup, talking on their cell phone........all while driving like they were in CDJ. 

Are you a Virgo?

Virgo?  Check out this link for your horoscope!  I don't buy this stuff for a second, but I find them amusing nonetheless.  Stay tuned this weekend on 1150 am and listen for my buddy Ben Ritter and I as we discuss current events, insurance, fitness, and whatever else comes to mind. 

Small business owners unsure about economy, insurance agents perspective

As a small business owner myself, I see the ramifications of our poor policy making on a daily basis.  I'm not going to get political on here (although those of you who know me know where I stand), but it is a fact that the uncertainty in the economy has lead to a stale and stagnant outlook. 

The million dollar question?  How do I stay relevant in this economy to a starving or flat business owner?  That's the issue.  The solution?  Offer yourself, services, or products in an attempt to either create extreme value, or slash their prices so drastically that they are happy with the savings, even if they have a slightly inferior product.   

That's my two-cents.  What's yours?

The article below is a great perspective on the economy from an agents point of view.  Many business owners should be able to relate to it.  Happy reading!

http://www.mynewmarkets.com/articles/180948/agents-see-carriers-out-of-touch-with-small-business-needs

Insurance Talk and our first Blog!!

Hello my friends!  As we embark on our very first journey in the blogoshpere, we'd love to hear what you want to know about insurance or anything pertaining to insurance.

Today's Topic?  SR22s.  What are they and why do you need one?

A great resource for this is http://www.elpasosr22insurance.com/.  There, they are explained and the situations in which one is required is layed out as well.  In short, it is liability insurance that is sent to the state from your insurer as proof of insurance.

Stay tuned for more posts and please let us know what YOU want to know about!!  Stay protected my friends!!