AGREEMENT made this ____ day of __________, 19__, by and among PURCHASER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC., a Massachusetts corporation having a principal place of business in Boston, Massachusetts, hereinafter referred to as the "Buyer," ROGER A. ABLE of Lexington, Massachusetts, hereinafter referred to individually as "Able," and JOHN B. BAKER of Newton, Massachusetts, hereinafter referred to individually as "Baker"; both Able and Baker being referred to hereinafter jointly as the "Sellers."

STRATCH THEIR I.T.C.H. - WATCH PEOPLE BEAT A PATH TO YOUR DOOR! by Mitch Axelrod What business are you in? Today, you, I, and everyone else is in the I.T.C.H. business! ...

In a recent edition of The National Underwriter, Editor Sam Friedman recommended that risk managers begin to explore the capabilities of sophisticated regional and local brokerages. This recommendation was based on recent broker megamergers and the growing lack of choice available to buyers.

For an independent agency or brokerage to take advantage of this opportunity, it should adopt the consultative brokerage style. In particular, its managers must learn the techniques that these sophisticated buyers have come to expect. The stewardship report and the executive summary are two techniques that firms must master to be successful in large accounts.

SUPER SERVICE: A PROCESS, NOT A PROJECT by George Nordhaus We often see 'service' as a magic word-the 'open sesame' that will somehow ensure customer retention and build bottom-line profits....

It's easy to lose sight of the fact that agencies are in the service business. But consider that all agents sell the same product-insurance. Why do some agencies blossom while others wilt? Service and marketing are keys. Too often, getting new customers (through marketing) is emphasized at the expense of keeping customers (through service). You have to do a first-rate job at both to have first-rate growth and to control expenses

SURVEYS: THE RUBIK'S CUBE CHALLENGE by Mike Manes This is the latest in a series of articles on organizational management and leaders...

The purpose of a suspense system is to call an item to your attention that requires that action be quickly taken. Your suspense system must be regarded as a priority procedure in your office. The system must be accurate, infallible, and easy to use.

SUSPENSE SYSTEM CONTROL by Mary Beth Bolen A well-run suspense system means better customer service, more cost-effective operation, and a stronger bottom line. When clients call with ...

SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF: SUCCEEDING BY SERVING THE CUSTOMER by Jack Burke The top-selling book Don't Sweat The Small Stuff gave me pause to think. Many businesses today aren't sweating the...

The virtual office concept, also known as telecommuting or a mobile office, emerged as the American work force shifted from physical labor to knowledge-based work. Workers who create or manipulate information can generally perform anywhere there is a telephone, desk, chair, and computer. Technology enables the knowledge-based worker's office to be portable.