Insurance: ‘Seeing is Believing’

Olympic Insurance Agency is owned by Donald S. Barberie and his sons Donald S. Barberie II and Robert Barberie. Together, the three hold the title of principal. The elder Barberie worked for the agency before purchasing it in 1975. Olympic’s insurance services range from ocean marine and cyber liability to pollution liability and product liability. Founded in 1947, Olympic is one of the Valley region’s oldest insurance agencies. Donald Barberie II has been a principal of the firm since 1991. He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, the University of Southern California and College of The Canyons.

How long have you worked in the insurance industry and what did you do before working at your current firm? 

I have been a part of the Olympic Insurance Agency most of my life, as my father worked for and then purchased the agency in 1975. I started as a personal lines rater using manuals to come up with home and auto premium and eventually got my insurance license and began working full-time as an agent in 1990.

Tell me about your role at your firm. What are your main responsibilities? 

I am a principal of the agency along with my brother Bob, and I handle the insurance company relationships and part of the administration of the agency. But really, my leading role is bringing in new customers and servicing my existing client base.  

What is one of the most important professional lessons you’ve learned from your time in the industry? 

The most important lesson I learned early in my career was never to insure something that you have not seen. It is vitally important to know your customer’s business and their exposure to loss.  

What do people get wrong about the insurance industry? 

People think the insurance industry is boring, but meeting business owners and learning about different industries and how certain products are made is rather exciting. If you like to interact with people and find solutions to problems, then insurance would suit you.    

How can an insurance firm best empower their employees? 

We empower our employees by providing them with the education and tools to work directly with our customers and insurance companies on the placement and ongoing service of those customers’ insurance needs. We allow our employees to work autonomously on most of the accounts they manage and are only involved when they have questions.

What are some notable trends regarding one of your firm’s insurance specializations? 

The most notable trend in the industry is the exceedingly difficult property insurance market for older buildings and homes, especially if they are located anywhere near brush. It is the most difficult time in my 33 years.  

What is next for your firm? 

We are looking to grow our construction industry book and expertise through a merger with an agency whose specialty is contractors. In addition, we are always looking for young people willing to learn the business and see if insurance is something they will enjoy.