National Underwriter Profiles PIA's Andrew C. Harris in Cover Article

PIA National Immediate Past President Andrew C. Harris is the subject of a major cover article and profile in the September 2014 issue of the National Underwriter.

The profile of Harris looks at how he decided to get into the insurance business 38 years ago (after majoring in biology and chemistry in college), and why he has never regretted his decision. It traces his path from working commercial accounts for Liberty Mutual to his decision to start an independent insurance agency, and the resulting success he has achieved. Harris also shares his views on the challenges facing the agency distribution system. "Our challenge is to show our customers that the money they are paying is well spent, and that the value they're getting is worth it," he says.

The article details Harris' decades-long involvement in PIA, at both the national level and with PIA of New Jersey. He also talks about the need for young agents "to become truly independent and not just join a direct writer," observing that PIA is "uniquely positioned to help brand-new agents starting in the business."

"In my entire insurance history, I have never asked another agent for help on anything and been rejected or denied," Harris said. "As an industry, we are the most incredible, benevolent competitors you can imagine."

Read the full National Underwriter profile of Andy Harris here.

Andrew C. Harris – The Player (National Underwriter September 2014)