Remembering Dick and Myra Larkin - National Association of ...

An animated Dirk Beamer emphasizesa pointBob Isacsen kicks off 2009 NAPAAConference with opening remarks.George and NeBrazy Adams enjoy aquiet moment.Lynn McDonald chats with vendorCheryl Carson at the vendor fair.NAPAA even exists at all. From Jim andNancy Fish, to the selfless board members,to the officers and legal staff thatwork so tirelessly, and to the individualmembers themselves, it is because it is anorganization made up of people whoseonly interest is to see its members succeed.Think about it! NAPAA’s only purposeis to see its members succeed! Thereare no hidden agendas. NAPAA isn’t afront for some secret society. NAPAAisn’t running some illegal ponzi scheme.NAPAA only exists because where therewas a need, a void was filled. Wherethere was a problem, a solution wasfound. Where there was a cry for help, ahelping hand was extended. NAPAA didwhat Allstate could not or did not wantto do. NAPAA does what Allstate doesnot want to do.I was beginning to revaluate and recalculatemy return on my investment forgoing to Savannah.The Best is Yet to ComeAs I drifted out of the meeting Thursdaynight, I mingled with a group ofagents looking for a place to go for dinner.Forgetting my aversion to hanging outwith strangers, I suddenly realized thatthe people standing next to me weren’t reallystrangers at all. Not only did we sharethe exact same goals for our businesses,but we weren’t all that much different inour personal beliefs either. Initially, aboutten of us decided on going to the hotel’srestaurant. Then during, and shortly afterdinner, about 50 of my closest new friendstrickled in to share the ambience of thewonderful old hotel.Food and atmosphere aside, I wastruly amazed at the openness expressedby each person I talked to. There wasmostly talk of a love for job and career.Almost to a person, I heard stories ofhow each was driven to succeed but thatthe element of “partnership” was missingfrom our relationship with Allstate Corporation.More to the point, many feltAllstate could not be trusted as a businesspartner at all anymore. And it wasthis same group that expressed unflinchingadmiration for the efforts of NAPAAand appreciation for their willingness tobe that “missing” partner. If Thursdaywas any indication of NAPAA’s commitmentto our success, I couldn’t wait to seewhat Friday had in store.More Meat, Extra PotatoesNAPAA president Bob Isacsen kickedoff Friday’s agenda. His heartfelt welcomewas especially inspiring because he is noteven an active agent. Taking on the dutiesof president, means a lot of travelingand frequent meetings. Bob spent a lifetimedevoted to building his own Allstateagency, and now he wants to help each ofus succeed. He is a realist and understandsthe challenges each of us faces. He knowswe are hurting financially and strugglingwith the yoke of employee controlswhile working as independent contractors.Bob is committed to working withthe NAPAA Board of Directors to help40 — Exclusivefocus Summer 2009