Q Park Insurance Company has projected a 20% year growth for the year ahead.

Please explain to our readers how you will accomplish increasing your book of business over the year ahead.

A Here’s how, plain and simple, in bullet points:

• Cultivating our existing base of brokers.

• Increasing our marketing efforts to attract new business.

• Proactive with new marketing channels and willing to take some chances.

• Exploring options/alliances that will give us access to new markets.

• Increasing staff to decrease our customer service response times.

• Investing in technology to make the boarding /policy writing more efficient for brokers.

• You’ve heard the phrase about the best real estate is about three things…location, location, location. We’ll we feel that the best phrase about being an Insurance company is all about…service, service, service. Q Park Insurance has undertaken to write business in a difficult part of the market, that is, commercial auto. At a time when many people are shying away from “wheels” explain your strategy in this area.

A I view the economy as a perfect time for a company like Park. We are focusing on niche markets within the category, such as ready mix, tow trucks, ambulettes and other specialized risks. The team works very closely with our risk folks; we monitor the markets and analyze our data on a daily basis. The flatness of our organizational structure allows Park to be flexible in our response to this very dynamic market. Since we have been around for 3 years (and growing), we do not carry the typical baggage that many of competitors do which also enable us to enter new markets with a clean slate. Q Do you believe that the insurance marketplace in New York is getting better or worse? what is affecting it?

A The economy is still rough, however there are many opportunities around if you know where to look and focus your energies. Difficult times may force certain players out of specialized markets leaving many opportunities for up and coming firms such as Park Insurance Co.

Q You have been hiring staff lately; how do you find the marketplace for attracting talent?

A I truly feel that if you are a good company like Park, the right people are always available. Park has been very fortunate to attract people who share my vision and passion for this industry.

Q You have an ideal agency profile in mind when you promote your company; please give our readers an understanding of that ideal agency.

A I am a strong believer in the virtual office and a flat organizational structure. And, with the right people and technology in place, Park Insurance Co. will be more efficient/effective than our competition.

The ideal insurance company is also very responsive and listens to the needs of it’s brokers. The brokers are vital to our success and provide a constant stream of relevant information to the business.

Always on the look-out for new opportunities.

Q How many hours a week are you working these days?

A I am sure that my family would say “too many”. However, I find it very exciting to build a company from the ground up and watch/help it grow. As you know Steve, having the passion to undertake a venture like Park really helps in making the time fly by.

Q Where do you see the company going over the long term?

A Over the long-term, I know Park will continue to expand and become a much more dominant force in the market… perhaps a $50M business. I know we will face certain challenges as we grow, however, with the right talent in place, the right business model and of course the right brokers, I know we will be able to overcome many of those challenges and become something truly special in the market place.