NetVU  Stories

NetVU (Network of Vertafore users) is a vibrant community of insurance professionals who come together online, in local Chapters, PowerUsers and NetVU Conference. NetVU focuses on education (e.g., how to use your system), industry advocacy, and networking by organizing opportunities for users to connect, both virtually and face to face.

People are what make NetVU great. Here are their stories.

Michael Foy, president
Foy Insurance Group Inc.
Exeter, N.H.
Number of years in NetVU community: 24

Q:
Who Introduced you to NetVU?
A: I was introduced to NetVU by Jerry Fox (CoreLogic Insurance Solutions) while I was serving on a focus group for Savage rating that was purchased by AMS. Jerry was putting together a group from all the different personal lines rating groups as a formal R&D working group. This group evolved into QuoteWorks to SetWrite to the product today PL Rating.  

Q: What has been the greatest value you have found in being a part of NetVU?
A:
I have found the influence and connections NetVU has provided to our organization and the industry as the greatest value. Engagement in NetVU events, committees, and representing NetVU in the industry has provided friends and colleagues I can discuss business issues and industry enhancements to make the independent agent channel more efficient.  As a volunteer, I have made connections within Vertafore who are not only helpful in a time of need, but can be a resource for Vertafore, from R&D issues to helping a fellow agent.

Q: Can you share a story that illustrates your most memorable moment as a part of the community?
A:
There are lots of moments through the years.  The most memorable showed me the influence of the user group involved in a product called TowerStreet that was being developed in New Hampshire.  TowerStreet was hiring experienced insurance people from New Hampshire agencies and carriers, and had just taken my third employee in less than three months.

I reached out to Lorraine Plezia, who was a contact at the local user group. She got me in touch with Kip Nowlin, and by the end of the day I’d received a phone call from Loren Parsons, the president of AMS Services.  Many agents and carriers were upset with AMS, and Loren agreed not to hire any more employees that worked at agencies with AMS systems.  
In the end, it was the connections I had made and their influence that helped resolve a serious problem.  As Paul Harvey would say, “And now the rest of the story…” TowerSteet was gone six months later and there was a flood of insurance people looking for jobs.

Q: What have you learned from the NetVU community?
A:
The NetVU community is truly a community. Members are there to help each other, whether it’s an individual issue or for something for the greater good. I have also come to realize that there are many agencies and even agents that do not know NetVU exists.  As a community working together, we impact change and a small amount of engagement does make a difference.

Q: How do you see NetVU relating to your goals for the future?
A:
Our goals are to provide value − not only to our customers, but to our carrier partners. We see NetVU as the place for education today and tomorrow for all our employees, with the possibility beyond items relating only to Vertafore products. We want NetVU to help us provide value to our carriers for our industry and see the continued relationships we build in the NetVU community as being a valuable resource.

Do you have an interesting story to tell about your involvement with NetVU?
Contact Laura Mazzuca Toops at [email protected] to share!