MAX Mindfulness: Slow Down To Speed Up

by Dave Wine, President & CEO

Several of our staff have mentioned at times to me that they would love to do more mindfulness pauses at MAX if they just had more time. In many ways mindfulness at work (or at home) does seem kind of counter-intuitive. Why would you want to take more time out of your busy schedule to try and save time when there are so many phone calls to answer and make; emails to write; conversations to have; lists to cross things off; etc.

Yet brain studies do show that by stopping or slowing down, we can become more efficient, productive, happy and healthy. Consider sleep. Most of us need at least seven hours of sleep a night to function effectively. By stopping and slowing down (sleeping) we increase our effectiveness. The same works for the mini-pauses we take during the day via mindful breathing or slowing down and moving our focus away from all our tasks and ‘to-do’s’. Our brains will become even more efficient, focused, effective at communicating with others and learning new skills.

Our pauses, studies show, are just as important to wellness as walking and exercising, maybe even more important. And they lead to us making better decisions and actions. They really do slow us down to speed up. A mindful way of working which creates benefits for everyone.


Dave WineDavid Wine

David is the President and CEO of the MAX enterprise, having served in that capacity since its formation in 2001.   He has forty plus years of  leadership experience in the business and faith-based worlds, being an ordained minister, having been elected to the highest position in his denomination,  and receiving numerous awards and recognition for his leadership in the insurance industry. He currently serves on numerous boards in the church and insurance sectors.  His hobbies include hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing as well as being an avid reader.  David and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, a son, and four grandchildren.

MAX Featured Agent: Tom Petti at InsureitOhio in Madison County, OH

Tom Petti
Tom Petti, InsureitOhio in Madison County, Ohio

We value our MAX Agency Partners and this month we would like to introduce you to one of them – Tom Petti at InsureitOhio in Madison County, Ohio.  Phil Blount, our Regional Sales Manager, asked Tom some questions about his agency and why they choose MAX for many of their clients.  Check it out:

Q:  What do you like about MAX?

A:  MAX is a great insurance company to place business with.  There are enough coverage options and products available to suit most risk profiles, and do it at a competitive price.  However, once you get passed the nuts and bolts of product and price, the people of MAX are what really make the company a joy to write for.  Over the years I have had one good experience after another whether it be billing, claims, underwriting, or simply a customer service call.

Q:  In what ways does your agency support your community?

A: Our agency believes that being involved in the local community is important.  It really sets the local agent apart from the large direct writers.  We participate in local Chambers of Commerce, COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises), and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association.  I also attend many community events in a more unofficial capacity. Sometimes it’s nice to just be out and seen in the community without always having to be there for business attracting purposes. My wife and I go to local fairs, school sporting events, and are members of some local clubs.

Q:  Why do you believe someone should use an Independent Agent?

A:  Placing business through an independent agent is not for everyone.  There is certainly a place for the large, impersonal direct writers and the customers they serve.  However, if an individual sees value in having a local person to person relationship with an insurance professional that is actually motivated to provide a proper insurance package for them, the independent agent is the way to go.

Q:  What are some coverage issues that you are seeing right now that you want your customers to be aware of?

A: One of our main jobs is to educate the customers we serve.  Water back up is many times one of those optional coverages that people don’t know they need until something bad happens.  Many times, after explaining what this coverage is for and why they really should have at least a modest amount, the customers are happy to add it to their policy.  Auto liability limits are also an issue.  For many agents, we’ve been writing 100/300 for a long time.  This may have been adequate ten or fifteen years ago, but with the ever increasing costs of medical care, it does not go as far as it used to.  We like to offer 250/500 along with an optional umbrella, at least for conversation and customer education.