AGENCY SPOTLIGHT: Chris Venters
During this more than unique year, Chris took on the role of President of the PIA-the Professional Insurance Agents of Indiana. There are many things that our insureds don’t know about Chris. He has four children, he is ½ Hispanic, he loves the outdoors unless he has to be outside when it’s raining, he eats, sleeps, and studies Jiu-Jitsu. Another thing about Chris that is known by only a few, is his great depth of information and knowledge regarding insurance. He learned a lot of his knowledge by wanting and pushing himself to learn as much as he could, while working under his father-in-law who was 40+ years in the insurance business. Chris took on this challenge after stepping away the career he loved and hoped to have for life.
Most of you know Chris as the guy who is always dressed nicely, someone who is all business. It is true while in the office with our insureds. His number one priority is the well-being of each of you- the agency’s insureds, keeping on the lights, and providing a paycheck for those who work here. It is a fine line, and sometimes misunderstood by others, his want and need and intense feeling of obligation to these entities. Being asked to be the President of PIA only increased his wherewithal to serve others to an even higher level. His ability to think as if there is no box is intimidating, eye-opening, and a wonderfully fresh take on insurance and life. He does not think of himself first, but how, and in what way, he can be the best for others. Just yesterday I heard a speaker use the phrase, “It is not that I was not moved, it was that I didn’t move enough”. Chris is not just a person to be moved, but moves.
For those who only see within the box, they find it hard to understand or see the blank canvas of what if’s-again seeing Chris only for his strong business sense. Chris helped to lead the PIA with just this mindset. His take is always one of “it is not about me, or this group or that group, but for the best for everyone, fairly (even though fair does not always mean equal)”. I can only bet that the staff of the PIA (Scott, Libby, Laura, Bill) never knew what Chris was going to bring to the table. I think they would whole heartedly agrees with me that his professionalism does not interrupt his ability to have fun: sorry Libby (and maybe Laura too) for the few heart-attacks he gave you! Chris is the first one to want to have fun once the work is done, and done correctly.
Chris’s presidency was one for the books just because it occurred during the worst times of COVID. I don’t even think that our staff has an idea of the time he invested, nor the esteem and respect others have for Chris across the state of Indiana. Chris would humbly would say that he was the one who has benefitted from being a part of the PIA, being on the board of directors, and then the President. He holds in his heart the need to serve others in all capacities of life. Those on the PIA he knows share that same mindset- to help other independent insurance agents and their clients. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have”, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth”.
Congratulations Chris. We are so proud of you.
