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.
Kevin Wheeler, owner
Cardinal Insurance Services Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Number of years involved in NetVU: 26
Q: Who introduced you to NetVU?
A: A local AMS sales rep had urged us to take a look at the local Chapter to network and get additional real-time input on how other agents were using the PathFinder system. After attending the first local Chapter meeting, I was hooked. The president of our local Chapter urged me to go to Dallas for a Chapter meeting to learn what NetVU could offer our Chapter on a local level. From there I got hooked on doing more nationally and got involved in attending the National Conference.
Q: What has been the greatest value you have found in being a part of NetVU?
A: Agents that may be competitors on insurance accounts are open to sharing their concerns and solutions on making their automation, their agency and their staff more productive. Automation is a huge investment for an agency, so we continue to try and get everything out of the system that we can. Maximizing our usage also has equated to increased productivity and greater profit margins.
Q: Can you share a story that illustrates your most memorable moment as a part of the community?
A: I have a ton of absolutely great memories from the local Chapter, and national committees, board and Conference. The friends I have met have been more than close friends, but mentors that have helped me shape our agency and our successes.
My first experience on a national level is still probably my favorite. It was my first national Chapter meeting in Dallas, a newly formed program led by Gary West and Bill Travaille to help strengthen the Chapters. At the first general session, Gary asked if a Kevin Wheeler was in the audience. I stood up, and he read a letter from our Chapter president, who asked the NetVU group to be nice to Kevin so I would be involved and she could step down as president.
Q: What have you learned from the NetVU community?
A: The biggest lesson was that on both the local and national level, I have never attended a program where I didn’t learn something that helped me be a better agent or help our agency to get more from our investment. Even when I’m fortunate enough to present at meetings, the interaction with other agents is priceless.
Q: How do you see NetVU relating to your goals for the future?
A: As long as I am involved in the industry, the returns on my time from my involvement with NetVU have proven to provide a lot more bang for my buck (or time) than any other insurance group I have been involved in. Each meeting, I walk away with instant ideas and solutions that have immediate impact on my agency.
Do you have an interesting story to tell about your involvement with NetVU?
Contact Laura Mazzuca Toops at
[email protected] to share!