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Some families hand down their vocations like they hand down their grandmother’s tea service. Others, like my own, are case studies for diversity. We count artists, educators, roofers, truckers, nurses, nutritionists, acupuncturists, computer programmers, and of course insurance people! Quite a cast of characters! My guess though is that we somehow inherited the DNA that gives us all plenty of ‘ego-strength’ and assertiveness. In other words we all like to run the show! I am proud of the fact that many in my family have become small business owners. Small business is good business! I am proud to stand alongside you, my family, and many friends who are helping to build a better America.

What got me thinking about all of this was the recent graduation of my niece Evangeline from law school, which I was lucky enough to attend. I keep kidding her that now she can be our corporate attorney, but she just laughs and kindly tells me she has bigger things to do. Evangeline’s story, like that of several of my nieces and nephews, is impressive. She is the first in our family to earn a law degree in five generations. For the past 10 years she has poured her energies into advocating for women and victims of sexual violence. It will be exciting to watch her make a difference in our world.

The gentleman who delivered the commencement address mentioned that throughout history there have been three great healing vocations: Medical Doctor, Doctor of Divinity, and Juris Doctor. I never thought of lawyers as healers (and I am sure many of you haven’t either), but I confess to still be mulling this over a great deal. A great society needs healers to attend to the body, the soul, and the community. A dedicated legal professional should heal disputes and defend the law. I think I can live with that professional standard.

What better segue into insurance than a lawyer story! Yes, we do have great markets for Lawyer’s Professional Liability; we have even been able to compete with Bar Association programs. We can help you with a large firm or a sole proprietor, a new attorney (even as new as Evangeline), or someone who has been around a while and maybe even has a few claims. If you think this is difficult business to write, think again. The TuscanoPro team can walk you through the process and help you sell your quote. In fact, I can almost guarantee they will have you thinking about how you can market for this business. And yes, we can even help you do that! Give Tim Hoelle a call if you have a risk in mind.

Things have also been hopping in the Transportation Department lately. It seems like the business is as competitive as it has ever been. One thing we have always been very good at is the small 1-5 unit operation, so please keep us in mind for this business. We have also been seeing a lot of success with garbage haulers, water haulers, and construction operations. Long haul, business auto, or public auto – if it has wheels it is business we love to write!

Speaking of graduations, my little Gracie is not so little anymore – she’ll be graduating from the ninth grade this week – a milestone I hope to get through with dignity.

Best wishes to graduates - and their parents, everywhere.