Don Owens

Mr Rooter is a Poor Choice for Plumbing

I had an emergency and called Mr. Rooter after googling a plumber in the DFW area. A man named Frank came out and spent the day. He said he had all kinds of different tests he needed to run, and I needed to understand that each costs a fee and he would cover those with me when done. After four hours on a Saturday he ran a camera in the pipe and asked me to look at it with him. He advised that there must be a break in the line because the water was not going anywhere. He stated we would need to go under the foundaton and repair the pipe. He went to his truck to write a bid. He cam back with a $8,000.00 bid, but it would only be $7,400 if I joined their program and he would fix the washer under my sink for free. I advised I was going to get a second opinion. He went to his truck and came back and said his manager told him he could do it for $5,000.00. I advised him at this point I was really going to get someone else to come out. I was out of town when a new plumber came to the house to meet with my wife. She advised him of the events from two days ago. He ran a camera and said, "You've got egg shells blocking the way. He ran a snake a cleared them out for $200.00. Done Mr Rooter is a franchised group of plumbrs that don't know what they are doing. Had I not been cautious, like some old folks, I would have had people under our foundation doing $8,000.00 worth of work for nothing. Do not use Mr Rooter. You will pay. Please repost and help others avoid this company. Don

Market Chats & Cafe Mochas

The Spring weather and flying always make for a trial in patience.  As I have sat for numerous hours in airports waiting for storms to pass I watched The Weather Channel looking for reports of hail.  I always have my fingers crossed this time of year, but it is the business we're in. 

Abilene had a decent hail event in May.  I was proud of our Empower Claims Department and their fast response.  We had appraisers on the ground in hours and almost all claims were closed within two weeks.  Thanks to our claims manager, Larry Bishop and his team.

As I write this I am receiving updates concerning losses is Irving and Sherman, Texas which has had a significant event as well.

I added a new feature to my travels about the state over the past two months that you may have seen promoted, "Market Chats".

After a series of trips I would usually get an e-mail or call from an agent asking why I didn't stop by their office.  This is hard to do with over 2,000 locations representing our product, but I'm trying.

The Market Chats were in the evenings at Starbucks locations from 6pm - 7pm in the markets I visited.  I wanted to make myself available to those that wanted to share with me some thoughts on the market, industry and Empower.

We sent an email and then advised of events on Facebook. 

The first event was in Austin and a couple of agents showed up.  I was glad to see them as I was thinking I might be alone with my coffee.    The conversation was interesting and informative for me, so I called it a success, but I wasn't sure if the effort of chats was wise if the turn out was going to be so light.  I pressed on with the second event in San Antonio and I was completely taken. 

San Antonio had a dozen agents and a conversation that lasted until 9pm I was now excited about the idea.  We covered topics from rate making, marketing and Empower coming changes.  I was so humbled and elated by the attendance and input.  I also learned, you've got to work hard to secure enough space and chairs at Starbucks for a large group.

McAllen, Corpus Christi, Houston and El Paso were all well attended and encouraging events.  The El Paso turnout was incredible!

After 118 days of no rain in El Paso, it arrived as we sat outside.   We moved things indoors.

I am grateful to everyone who took time in their evening to come and share your thoughts, ideas and market concerns with me. 

Many agents shared concerns about the market and consumers limited resources in this economy.  It would appear that the tail of the recession has swung around on Texas.  We have been fairly insulated from the rest of the country over the last two years.  

We recently completed a study of auto insurance quoting through Texas quoting engines.  New auto quotes are down over 50% through independent agents over this time last year.  This is a clear indicator of the concerns stressed by many agents.

The first question I am hit with is, " Do you think on-line companies are taking the business?" 

Yes and No.  For non-standard auto there is no doubt a slow move toward these competitors, but I do not think it is happening at an alarming rate.  50% of those getting quotes from independents last year did not just decide to go direct on-line in a flash.  We will continue to see a slow degradation to on-line companies, but the real issue currently is the market conditions. 

I have many friends in construction and things have been rough for them over the last two years, and currently, they feel deeper in a crisis situation. In addition, our Texas teachers are losing jobs, as well as government employees.

So how should we feel?  Optimistic I think.  There are opportunities in all environments and while it will take time for the economy to make it's turn, it will.  The great gift of the independent is the ability to assist insurers in finding best and competitive alternatives.  This is the time our story rings through loud and clear.

Let me again say how much the time with many of you has meant to me,  I have enacted some of your suggestions and I am reviewing others.

I am elated to learn of the numerous "fans" Empower has.  Thank you!

In service, Don Owens