Any Experience with Sentry Insurance

[shawnpinion]

Good morning forum,
I just jointed yesterday, wished I would have found the forum sooner!!! I have recently moved to the central Ohio area from Alabama. I went to work for an independent agency working mainly in personal lines. I really liked having a number of companies to write, however it took me forever to learn the agency management system and all the ins and outs of each company(all on my own). After six months, the company decided to eliminate my position because they are $250k behind in year to date commission revenue.
I already have an interview with Sentry. It seems like they might be a good gig for someone like myself who has not established their roots yet in the area? I just don't know much about them.
I have a lot of sales and marketing background mainly in real estate, I've been in insurance now for two years. I had my own REMAX franchise for 10 years, sold it before the bottom dropped out. Someone was looking out for me!!!
Any insight on Sentry or for someone starting over in a new area would be greatly appreciated!

 

[xrac]

I posed this same question about a year ago and there was not much information.

Sentry Insurance

 

[Gulliver]

Sentry is a very stable company financially. I have a very good friend who has worked for them since 1997 in MO. When he first started they were very difficult to grow with, however, when they began closing offices and allowing agents to work out of their homes and provide company cars the agents who were picked to stay with the company did well in many cases.

My friend has been successful and has a six figure income as an employee agent. It was not overnight. I know before the changes back in 2002 he was barely making 40 grand a year without a car.

I question if the type of model they have put together will work long term but so far it seems to be working and they do not have agent retention issues like they did ten years ago.

FYI, I am speaking on experience only in MO. I would try to find someone in OH to see if they echo my comments. I would definitely consider them but keep in mind that most agree to go independent if possible.

Sentry has good benefits and still has a pension so that is worth a little.

Gulliver