What type of business are you in? How did you get started in this business? How long have you been in this business?
I’m in the risk management, commercial casualty insurance provider business. I just always wanted to be in the insurance business, based on family and friends that were in the industry – not in the commercial casualty, but in the personal insurance business. I’ve been in the insurance business for over 33 years. In fact, I’ve been working for the perpetuation of the same company for that long.
How long have you been a member of the LMTA? What do you see as the highest value you/your company bring to the LMTA?
I went back and looked it up, based on who was president when I joined the LMTA. I’ve been a member for 27 years, as best as I can tell. What Regions brings to the table as an LMTA member is a sophisticated skill set when it comes to risk management.
What do you see as the greatest value you/your company receive as an LMTA member?
Personally, what I’ve received are just lifelong friendships we’ve created together. It’s been wonderful. The next thing would be the networking opportunities that I’ve had to meet with individuals, to problem solve with them. I’ve been able to provide different insurance risk management products and services to their companies and to their families to deal with different situations that have arisen in their businesses’ lifespan. I’ve insured some people through three different U.S. presidents. It’s been good.
What do you predict for the future of the trucking industry within your type of business?
From a pure opportunity standpoint, I think that there are blossoming opportunities when it comes to delivering goods and services to the people of this state. I think it has become more and more challenging to attempt to do that cost-effectively because of the litigious nature of our society. Subsequently, the prices have gone up from a fixed base cost for that trucker and his margins continue to get thinner and thinner. But I just think that it’s a great time to be in the trucking business. With the electronic onboard recorders coming online you’re going to have a lot of the older generation of truckers call it a day and say: “We’re not going to go down that road,” when we’re already down that road. There’s going to be a lot more opportunity for a younger generation of truckers.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of in your relationship with the LMTA and the trucking industry in Louisiana?
I’m proud just being an advocate for the trucking industry. It’s an industry that’s an authentic blue-collar, grassroots organization. I’m proud to support the people that own the companies that have created this industry. Without this industry, you can’t get the goods and have the services we need to succeed. Without the products and services provided by the trucking industry, our nation can’t survive, let alone grow and compete with the rest of the world.
