Articles by Dave Thomas

Is Regional the Way to Go’

There is a question that goes back-and-forth when it comes to services. Do I get better service from a national company that has numerous products at its disposal nationwide or do I get better service from the local company who …

Agents Who Stick to a Plan Will Be Very Successful

In our continuing column on employee benefits, Insurance Journal senior writer Dave Thomas recently spoke with John Nelson, vice president of California-based Warner Pacific Insurance Services. John’s responses are based primarily on his experiences in the California small group marketplace. …

Is Regional the Way to Go’

There is a question that bounces back-and-forth when it comes to services: Do I get better service from a national company that has numerous products at its disposal nationwide or do I get better service from the local company who …

Legislation, Building Relationships Mark Year for TSLA Leader

Paula Burnes, CEO of the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA), recently sat down with Insurance Journal senior writer Dave Thomas to discuss the Association’s role in the industry, its plans for the future, and more. Dallas-based Burnes was recently promoted …

Living in Changing Times

Go on mass transit in California, walk into a store in Texas, step on a plane nationwide, and you will see two languages displayed in many instances. With an ever-growing Hispanic population across the country, this trend will likely grow. …

Living in Changing Times

Ride mass transit in California, walk into a store in Texas, step on a plane nationwide, and you will see two languages displayed in many instances. With an ever-growing Hispanic population across the country, this trend will likely grow. As …

Inside the Contractors Market

If you find placing contractors insurance these days almost as daunting as building the house, condo, apartment or other facility itself, you are not alone. A restrictive market, high minimum premiums and tighter underwriting conditions are just a few ways …

Inside the Contractors Market

If you find placing contractors insurance these days almost as daunting as building the house, condo, apartment or other facility itself, you are not alone. A restrictive market, high minimum premiums and tighter underwriting conditions are just a few ways …

Pickens Believes Competitive Market is Best Climate for Business

Mike Pickens Having served six years in his present office, Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Mike Pickens has had an opportunity to see a number of changes in his state over the years. Pickens recently sat down with Insurance Journal to discuss …

Burns & Wilcox Chairman Reflects on Decades of Business

Recently, Insurance Journal sat down with Alan Kaufman, chairman, president, and CEO of the H.W. Kaufman Financial Group and its subsidiary, Burns & Wilcox Ltd. As chairman, Kaufman has played an active role through a number of mergers and acquisitions …