I too see the same issues of late. They have had a RIF, along with the demoralization that follows, I guess this is to be expected. Don't get me wrong, I have little sympathy for many public workers who have taken advantage of the system in CA, but the reality is what it is. Without a profit incenti...

Hi Nick,

We are in California. It would be a huge help if you had any further info about this venture, specifically the capital requirements.

Thanks!

Paul

Thanks so much for the info and advice... we do use Bliss quite a bit actually. Do you know about the capital requirements, if any? Are you aware of any such thing as the first person who replied stated? That $1M is required for a start-up wholesaler? Thanks again.

PB

Thanks LadyBroker. I do currently work with many GA's. That is good advice and we will look into finding niches that may be currently underserved. We are located (or will be, hopefully) in Fremont, just North of San Jose, CA for those unfamiliar with the Bay Area. I know there is a dearth of GA's in...

Thanks Nick. I appreciate the input.

I am surprised by the $1M capital requirement for a GA. So all these small mom & pop GA's have that much money sitting in the bank? Or am I missing your meaning? I would appreciate any clarification.

Thanks,

Paul

Hi all, I am hoping to get your opinion on the difficulty in getting carriers to work with a new GA. Is it difficult to get appointments? More so than a retail agent would have? I currently work in retail and getting appointments has been relatively easy. I am also curious about capital requirements...

Normally, I would agree. I had the same dilemma and went with the CPCU after getting advice on these boards and from various people I know in the industry. However, since you are working the finance side and not UW or sales or claims, it might make sense to get the Masters: 1. Finance is flexible an...

Thanks DM. I actually called around and got a quote for about $5,000, which is MP I was told. I was expecting that.

Thanks all. I really appreciate all the comments and help. This is such a useful forum.

Ron, I emailed your company earlier today about your software solutions and hopefully we can discuss them soon.

Thanks Mike. That website is really a nice resource. I will be contacting your company to learn more about the system you have.

I really appreciate everyone's input so far.

Thank all. LadyBroker, thanks for making that distinction. I had no idea about the distinction between MGA and GA. OF course, I know about "having the pen" for certain carriers, I just didn't know that MGA specifically pertained to that. Our plan is to ultimately having binding authority s...

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone here had any ideas, opinions or advice they could offer about starting a GA. Specifically, I am wondering about two things: 1. How difficult is it to get appointed with the E&S carriers? (obviously, this is the most important question!) 2. What software options ...

I asked a similar question earlier. I have also spoke with various other people I know in the industry. All answers point to the fact that it is definitely worth it. It is the most prestigious insurance designation you can get. Not that many people have it. Wikipedia says about 65000 people. I calle...

Hi All: Thank you for the thoughtful replies. You are both in line with what everyone else has said thus far. I have 5 courses finished and plan to have it completed by June or July. I have already applied to a few u/w jobs but haven't heard anything yet but I know it is a matter of time and persist...

Hi all, I was wondering what those of you in hiring positions or with relevant experience in the industry think about the advantages of having a CPCU. Is it as advantageous as The Institutes proclaims it to be? Would you consider a CPCU or an MBA to be more advantageous in the industry? For perspect...