Advanced LUTCF Training: Life Insurance

Several times a year, Don Swanson makes his Platinum Elite Classroom available for use to teach LUTCF classes through the American College.  In April 2012, another class concluded.

Many agents with Farmers Insurance and other insurance professional attend these classes on their way to achieving their advanced life insurance designation.  This degree shows their clients that they took the time to study their profession more than the average insurance agent in a belief their clients deserve superior service and the best advice. 

This series on Retirement Planning was attended by: Rick Felix, David Wu, Amber Ramirez, Roxy Chappelle, Mark Ross, Lorena de la Huerta, Esteban Carbajal, Vina Gan, Kris Avram, Kevin Tuckey (moderator), Travis George, Nolan Richardson, Kevin Putrus, Tony Wright, & Ernesto Valdez.

Click HERE to e-mail us about future classes in the San Diego Area, or to arrange classes for your agency.

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

First Annual Platinum Elite March of Dimes Golf Tournament a Success

Originally published on Why Platinum?

Bob Yarbrough, Julia Hayes, Don Swanson, & Kris Avram.

The March of Dimes is a cause near and dear to the hearts of many members of the Platinum Elite Group. Many of the Farmers agents within the team were either premature themselves, or had a child of their own born with health challenges.

I was born early and spent the first 13 days of my life in two hospitals. Shortly after my birth I was rushed to a Los Angeles area childrens' hospital since the regular hospital wasn't capable of handling my delicate condition. In the end they sent me home. "Not much we can do. Take him home and watch his fluid intake and outflow.  Pray for him and we'll see."

The medical technology wasn't that advanced. Better than it used to be, but not as good as it is now, thirty-eight years later. Often just waiting is all parents could do. But thanks to research and education organizations like the March of Dimes hospitals can now do much more to help preemies survive and thrive.

Parents still have to do a lot of waiting and praying, but now they have much more support.

In a related story, check out our blog on various volunteer preemie cuddler programs.

On Friday, July 22nd, 2011, the Platinum Elite Group held its First Annual Golf Tournament at the Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley, San Diego. The proceeds from the event benefited the March of Dimes.

The event was created by Donald Swanson, President of Farmers Agency Operations, and President of Platinum Elite Marketing.

Dozens of golfers enjoyed a Friday afternoon away from work, golfing a full round, and then gathered for an excellent dinner afterwards to share their best, and maybe worst, holes of the day.

We're waiting for the final tally, but several thousand dollars was raised thanks to the golfers, our sponsors, and the hard work of various members of the Platinum Elite Group.  In total, Farmers Insurance has raised over $2.75 Million nationwide year to date.  We're more than happy and proud to add to that amazing contribution.

Sponsors: Marvin K. Brown Auto Center, and
Greg Carter's Fix Auto Santee.

The dinner was sponsored by Greg Carter of Fix Auto Santee (formerly Carter Collision).

The Marvin K. Brown Auto Center of Mission Valley was also a sponsor and they had one of their vehicles there on display for everyone to view. Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Mitsubishi, Saab, Fisker.

Jim Power & Safelite AutoGlass, also  stepped up to sponsor a hole.

Look below for the names of the Platinum Elite Team Members who made the event a success. Each contributed in their own way.

Click to see other March of Dimes Fundraisers the Platinum Elite Group has held recently:

January's Farmers Pre-Open featuring the Farmers Hot Air Balloon and the San Diego Charger Girls.

Mike Clinkenbeard's Santee Softball Closing Ceremony benefiting them and the March of Dimes.

Luis Carbajal's Ramona Pony League Celebration benefiting them and the March of Dimes.

Platinum Elite Training: Caliber Collision Center Auto Body Shop Tour

Reserved parking for Farmers Clients.

Re-print from Why Farmers Platinum?

A part of being a good insurance agent is helping a client understand each step in a process, especially during tense times such as processing a claim. An agent knows the theory and can explain the basics, but if they can get out in the field, and see it for themselves, they can give better assurances to their client on what to expect.

On Thursday, June 9th, 2011, several Farmers Agents who are members of the Platinum Elite Team visited a Caliber Collision body shop. Caliber is one of the specialists who helps our clients restore their vehicle after an accident. The one branch in La Mesa repairs over 120 vehicles a month, many of those are clients of Farmers, or our sister companies, Foremost and 21st Century.

Susanne Romo organized the event, and agents including Joaquin Lopez, Jerry Cunningham, and their staff attended the event.

See previous blog about our relationship with Caliber Collision.

Caliber Collision Cemter,
La Mesa, Ca

We wanted to thank Matt Albright, Field Account Executive for Caliber Collision Centers, for arranging the tour and adding to our overall training. The day was very informative. We can now tell our clients what to expect from personal experience, not just "textbook" theory.

The Caliber Collision Center we visited can be found at 8310 Center Drive in La Mesa, Ca  91942.  (619) 337-8260.  Location Manager, Trevor Horton.

One of the fun thing we got to do at the end of the tour was set off an old car air bag, something you don't want to see close up.  See quick video of the detonation.

We got to examine how the air bag quickly inflates, but immediately starts to deflate (large holes in the underside) so that it cradles the face and gives with the impact. Hitting a solid air bag can be just as bad as hitting the steering wheel.