Thirty years ago, Broker World’s second issue was being distributed, and the publisher’s column talked about attending the National Association of Life Underwriters meeting (now NAIFA). Here is what that convention looked like through the eyes of a tireless advocate of brokerage:
“There were no commercial exhibits this year and only a handful of brokerage companies were in evidence. Most brokerage marketers and general agents in attendance were there strictly (well, mostly) in the capacity of delegates from their state associations. [WSH]”
It’s hard to believe that a magazine with broker in its title was covering an association primarily made up of captive agents, but the brokerage community did not have a national forum for expressing their point of view in 1980. However, one year later (at the National Association of Life Underwriters meeting), a group of brokerage general agents did get together to discuss what might be done to strengthen the position of independent life brokerage general agencies.
The three members from SUB-Centers, Inc., three members from LIFE, Inc., and one other general agent, who made up the committee, came to the conclusion that by forming a national association, brokerage general agents would have strength in numbers as well as a central forum for expressing their point of view. By November 1982, NAILBA had been formed and was hosting its first convention in Chicago.
Today NAILBA is one of the most influential national associations in the life insurance industry, and we at Broker World are proud to say that our magazine has been distributed at every annual convention since the beginning—and plan on continuing that tradition for decades to come. From time to time during the coming year, we will be discussing the evolution of the brokerage business in this column—“As seen on the pages of Broker World.”
This month let’s look at the first study group that existed before NAILBA—SUB-Centers, Inc., which was founded in 1961 “to foster an interchange of ideas that might benefit each member and better serve the life insurance industry through the collective talents of all.”
Did you know that SUB is an acronym for Society of Underwriting Brokers? In the early years of brokerage, most general agencies survived by selling SUBstandard business.
There were many very astute businessmen in the group, with some very strong opinions, which made for some interesting meetings. Many of the first generation of members have passed away, are retired, or passed the agency ownership on to their children. (Go to this month’s Online edition of Broker World to see more about SUB-Centers.)
SUB-Centers, Inc., is still going strong today; in fact, Broker World just attended their fall meeting in New Orleans. One of the highlights of the meeting was a dinner in honor of founding member George Williams.
George A. Williams has led a fulfilling life! Growing up in Memphis, TN, he was a three-sport athlete in high school, involved in baseball, basketball and track. He went on to become a first lieutenant and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, holding the highest physical athletic score among his peers.
George graduated from Southern Law College and continued on to Shelby County Bar Associates as a licensed attorney. He began his insurance career as a claims adjuster for American Fore Insurance Group (which became The Continental Insurance Group).
George entered the brokerage business when he joined Executive Underwriters and became partners with Jack Gillespie, a childhood friend. When Jack moved to Denver, George continued to lead the Memphis office. Executive Underwriters was sold to John Dewald, Agency Services, Inc., in 1987, and George continued as president for five more years before retiring.
George was a founding member and organizer of SUB-Centers, Inc., and has served as secretary and public relations officer since his retirement. He was also a founding board member of The Marketing Alliance.
A true southern gentleman, George Williams has always given 100 percent to his profession, his family, and his God. He has long been a member and a benefactor of the YMCA and has volunteered his time to various service organizations. He established the inaugural golf tournament for Ave Maria Home and Assisted Living Facility, Memphis, TN, which has become a vital annual fundraiser. George is still an avid golfer, runner and handball player, constantly showing up the 20-something hotshots.
Broker World salutes George Williams for his professionalism and dedication to the brokerage community. Without trailblazers like him, brokerage would not have survived.
