Maximizing Service Provider Partnerships for Networks

Networks Panel
January 26 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM

With the proliferation of technology and service provider opportunities available to improve operations, the responsibility for Networks to assist their agents with these decisions has never been greater.

Developing a strategy to review service provider opportunities can be a key differentiator and critical factor in an agent’s search for a best fit Network to join.

Come listen to a panel of your peers discuss best practices for this important aspect of network administration, and what steps your network should consider to move in that direction. Attendees can expect to hear about:

  • Determining the viability of a service for your agent population
  • Pros and Cons of product endorsement
  • The vetting process, product history, reputation and testing
  • Contract considerations, agent discounts, network compensation and marketing fee opportunities
  • Setting expectations for mutual success
  • Criteria to determine a successful product offering to your agents
  • Ongoing management of service provider relationships
Monika Aguirre, Vice President at United Valley Insurance Services

Monika joined United Valley in 2018 as a Member Relationship Manager and became Assistant Vice President in 2020. She has over 30 years of relationship management experience with insurance carriers and third-party administrators. Monika is a graduate of Charter Oak State College and holds certifications in leadership management and group insurance. She earned her Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) designation in 2020. Monika is United Valley’s Assistant Vice President, Member Services. She leads the Member Services Department, which includes marketing, service and concierge staff. Monika serves as a relationship manager to members as well as for United Valley’s personal lines carriers and several preferred vendors. She oversees review and selection of United Valley’s preferred vendors and leads member onboardings and separations.

Joe Fisher, Executive Vice President, Strategic Alliances at Smart Choice

Joe Fisher has been Executive Vice President of Strategic Alliances since December 2014. He manages Smart Choice’s financial services division and other strategic business partnerships. From January 2010 to December 2014, he served as President of Smart Choice® Franchise Corporation, and Executive Vice President of Business Development. He joined the company in February 2006 as Director of Strategic Alliances.

Elizabeth Schenk, Chief Executive Officer at Agency Network Exchange (ANE)

Elizabeth Schenk was appointed CEO of ANE in 2019. She previously spent several years as a producer and agency manager at an independent agency before moving to the insurer side as an underwriter, and so enjoyed working with agents that eventually she took a job as a production underwriter with Berkley, a territory manager for Liberty Mutual and a position with the national network ANE. She makes a point of paying forward the knowledge she’s acquired from industry associations and mentors by being an active participant in associations and mentoring young women entering the industry.

AJ Lovitt, Chief Executive Officer at Combined Agents of America

AJ Lovitt is the CEO of Combined Agents of America the 6th largest insurance network as ranked by the Insurance Journal for P/C revenue. Previously, AJ held several executive leadership roles at Nationwide Insurance for over 15 years and was honored with Sales Associate of the Year honors. AJ’s focus on strengthening the relationships with CAA member agencies and carrier partners through common goals and accountability is the driving force behind their continued high level of performance. AJ is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Finance.

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