Alan Schlaifer Insurance Services was founded by Alan Schlaifer in 2009 following a career in post-production, working in roles including assistant video editor, sound designer and music editor.
He also worked with the John Hart Agency, where he learned about production insurance, which eventually led Schlaifer to founding his own agency. The path to production insurance was greatly influenced by Schlaifer’s mother, a studio teacher who would bring him to set and expose him to the production business.
How long have you worked in the insurance industry, and what did you do before working at your current firm?
I started at NY Life as an agent and transitioned to entertainment insurance after my second year there. I started my entertainment insurance career at John Hart Insurance, and after another two years started my own agency. I am starting my 10th year in business with ASIS. Prior to insurance I was a sound designer/music editor for commercials, TV and film.
Tell me about your role at your firm. What are your main responsibilities?
I am everything: owner, sales, servicing, marketing and accounting. My closet is filled with many hats.
What is one of the most important professional lessons you’ve learned from your time in the industry?
Don’t let the little things stress you out. People make mistakes. As long as you are conscientious and remedy things in a practical way, everything works out fine.
What do people get wrong about the insurance industry?
That one claim will make your premium go up. This may depend on the claim, but I have seen rates stay level for many clients after a claim.
What is a trend in the insurance industry that more people should be paying attention to? Why is it important?
Cyber liability is becoming more and more important. It is no longer only a concern for the larger companies. The larger companies most likely already have better protections in place for their data, whereas a smaller company may be an easier target.
How can an insurance firm best empower their employees?
Be encouraging. Make them feel like they are part of a team.
What are some notable trends regarding one of your firm’s insurance specializations (e.g., home, auto, risk, etc.)?
I am focusing on letting people know about Indexed Universal Life Insurance to help protect families and provide tax-free retirement income.
What is next for your firm?
Hiring an office manager and additional producers.