A new IAA partnership is forged.
On September 30 2011 two 30 something kids from The Manning Valley kick started their own business. It was a simple little day which involved sitting in our dining room with the sounds of Dora the Explorer in the background and a highlight being getting the head shots taken. 3 years on I don't think we've changed much aside from a few more grey streaks that seem to be permanently etched into the side of my head.

How time has flown. From our dining room we moved to the formal lounge room and set it up as a separate business centre. Then some 12 months later our first major step when we opened our first physical office above the RTA in Macquarie Street Taree. We have been in this location for just on 2 years now and love meeting with clients in our informal meeting room or putting together green slips for the community.
So as we celebrate our 3rd birthday today we are pleased to announce the next chapter in our business. Effective tomorrow October 1st 2014 we take possession of Bowen Insurance Brokers of Stroud in The beautiful Upper Hunter Valley.
This business is one we made contact with when we first commenced in 2011. Part of our long term business planning involved a number of possible strategic acquisitions and this was a key one for us. Bowens has been run from Stroud since - wait for it - 1958!! Ted & Gwen Bowen have provided General Insurance advice and protection to the areas of Gloucester, Dungog, Raymond Terrace, Port Stevens and surrounds for 56 years. This is an achievement that has to be applauded. They have run as an independent brokerage for the entire period which again in this era of compliance and legislation is an amazing feat.

For them to have run such a strong family oriented business for 56 years and then entrust it to us is something we are extremely humbled by. The business will remain based in Stroud with local employees Bruce Bowen & Paula Tolhurst joining our team. The experience of these 2 is vital to the long term success of the company and they should also be applauded for their role in Bowen IB. Whilst Ted & Gwen have had some health issues over the past few years it has been Bruce & Paula who picked up the ball and ran with it. They enabled the business to continue whilst also assisting in the care and well being of Ted & Gwen. We congratulate all from Bowen IB on 56 years and thank you for entrusting the business with us.

Like all businesses you have to have a plan. Theres no point putting yourself out there without a clear road map of where you want to be. Our first 5 year plan is well on track. For our clients this will mean we have more resources and can work closer with you as required. Presently much of the workload falls on one person but this can now be spread and new people can work closer with our clients and ensure our service standards are adhered to. Make no bones about it the Service Standards we put in place 3 years ago were paramount to the businesses long term viability. The more we grew the greater strain this put on us to keep these standards in place. One bad client experience can be damaging nowadays so we have been very diligent in this area. With a team of 4 and maybe a 5th we can now spread the load and really focus on specific projects and clients.
We have done this via this blog on many an occasion but we have also taken to public speaking and promoting what the role is at Business functions. We are proud of our role in the community but it is still misunderstood. If your primary position with Insurance is to find the cheapest price then you've missed the whole point.

So 3 years on and still going strong. We are so excited to now have Bowen IB as partners. Please join us in welcoming them to the Insurance Advisernet Family. Bruce & Paula bring the Bowen legacy to our business which is one we cherish and will work hard to keep in place. One things for sure in business, you cant stand still and we always have ants in our pants so keep an eye on our next move. If we can partner with you or someone you know please get them in touch with us. Our webpage is www.iaamidnorthcoast.com.au plus they can find us on Facebook, Google + and Linkedin.
Happy Birthday to us....... (And thanks to The Mighty Hawks for the early Birthday present.)
** Advice is General in its nature and may not be right for you. Please consider your own business objectives, requirements and needs before purchasing any insurance product.
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