Hello and welcome to my world. My name is Pete Laudenback, Insurance Specialist from Otterstedt Insurance Agency and LeTip of Paramus President. I have been in the insurance industry as a Producer for the past 15 years, specializing in Personal Insurance (Auto, Home, Umbrella, Jewelry, Flood, Renters, Boats, Motorcycles, Classic Cars, and ATV’s). I started my career as a captive agent with Liberty Mutual which means only working with one company and for the past 7 years I have been working as an Independent Agent which means I have partnerships with 20-25 different insurance companies to find the right insurance for my clients. My philosophy, when speaking with my clients, is to find the right insurance for the right price. For example, anyone can get lower prices when coverage is reduced or missing. I take great pride in knowing that my clients will always feel comfortable from the time they purchase their policies to the time they lay their head down on their pillow, knowing that they have the right coverage in place. I take the time to review their current policies, gather additional information as needed and advise what coverage my clients should have to protect their biggest assets, their family, home, or business. One of the things I’m most often commended for is when a client reaches out to me because they believe they are paying too much for their current insurance and when I complete my review and quoting process my clients normally receive better coverage overall with some savings. My clients may vary from million-dollar homes to small little capes, I am always willing to help when I can.
When I joined LeTip in 2012 my chapter was called LeTip of Rochelle Park, and we averaged around 15 members. My first year was a little challenging due to the number of members and lack of referrals received because of the lack of power partners. I knew my category was very popular and very hard to find an open chapter for this category, so I was compelled to contribute and make the best out of our chapter. My second year, I joined the board as Vice President and assisted with running the meetings and always looking for ways to grow and to improve our chapter. By the time my third year rolled around, we decided to move our chapter to a more popular town for more exposure. We quickly became LeTip of Paramus and met at the Fire Place which was a well-known restaurant and centrally located in Paramus. As the years went on, I became President of LeTip of Paramus in 2016 to continue to grow the chapter and lead by example. I have always used the philosophy, “the more you put into our chapter the more you will get out of it.” LeTip of
Paramus contributes to 40% of my business, helping members with their insurance, referrals from their families and friends are the biggest compliment I can receive. When I look back at my career and those who I have helped over the years a constant statement continues to be brought up, “ Pete, you are always available”. Because I believe it’s important to focus on the little things, I always give my clients my cell phone and if my customers ever needed me, they know I will pick up their call or I will get back to them asap. You would be amazed how the little things about answering the phone and assisting my clients on a timely manner goes a long way.
I like to say that our chapter is a little different than most chapters. Besides starting at 8am, our chapter is made up of the best of the best, we strive to find new members that fit the mold (vibe, energy, and character) of our group. We are a fun group of people who look out for each other and help promote each other’s business like no other. Our chapter currently consists of 42 members which has been an all-time high and a goal for our chapter for the past 2 years. The relationships that I have developed over the years with my members have turned into friendships that will last a lifetime. I consider my LeTip members part of my extended family, and they know I would do anything for them, and I believe they would do the same for me and our fellow members.
The key to having a successful chapter in this day and age is surrounding yourself with good people who believe in the same values and goals as you do. Over the years we are constantly evolving to improve our chapter from simple procedures to bolder ideas. When we have a board meeting, we take the time to share our thoughts and are constantly looking for ways to improve. Being the President you have to understand it’s not your way or highway it’s a team collaboration in order to be successful. I believe that everyone has their part and by working together you would be amazed of how successful our chapter has become. Having a marketing team of 42 members does take time out of your day to manage. I do treat LeTip of
Paramus as a business, sometimes you have successful days and sometimes you will have those difficult days. It’s all about how you react to those difficult days that will keep you going. 12 Years later and joining LeTip International was the best decision of my insurance career.
