As agents face an increasingly tough market, it will be essential to embrace change and adapt to survive and thrive in a progressively competitive industry. Join fellow agents, colleagues, and industry experts as we discuss ways agents can pivot to gain resiliency and success.

When: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Where: Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel and Conference Center
1001 E McCarty Ln
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 392-6450
View on Google Maps

< Back to Main Page


2024 PIA TEXAS CONVENTION SPEAKERS


Keynote Luncheon
Unveiling the Current Landscape + What's Coming Next: Insurance Industry Trends for 2024 and Beyond
Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Veramendi GH


Andrew Katz
Senior Vice President - Business Growth & Strategy, FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company

Andrew is a staunch believer in agency distribution and is passionate about helping agencies maximize their success and exceed their goals. Andrew uses his sales leadership and consulting experience to develop new relationships and enhance value for existing clients.

Andrew has over 30 years of agency, carrier, and aggregator experience. He began his carrier as an agent in an ‘M Financial’ member office, then continued to grow his experience with various broker and consulting positions. Andrew spent over 13 years with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company as a sales leader in Ohio, Texas, and Arizona. Prior to joining MarshBerry, he was a Vice President for ISU Agency Network.

Andrew is a University of Florida graduate with a degree in Marketing specializing in consumer behavior. He holds both a Property & Casualty and Life & Health license. In addition, he currently maintains the Series 6, 63, & 26 FINRA registrations. Andrew enjoys learning, meeting new people, spirited conversations, travel, food, and ultimately time with his family including his two rescue poodles.



Presentation
Thriving in a Hard Market: Empowering Insurance Professionals with Strategies for Success
Wednesday, 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Veramendi IJ


Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA
Director at RGS Limited, Cyber Program Managers
President-Elect, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)

Ariel Rivera began his insurance journey in 2004, following his graduation with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico. He furthered his education with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico in 2007.

Rivera's diverse career includes his current role as a Cyber Insurance Program Manager for carriers and MGAs, insurance continuing education instructor, keynote speaker, Risk Purchasing Group integrator, agency owner's advisor, podcast host, and industry author. In 2007, he founded his first independent insurance agency, Ariel Rivera & Associates, Inc., in San Juan, Puerto Rico, specializing in commercial insurance. His success led him to establish Deer Insurance Agency, LLC, in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2019, focusing on home, auto, flood, and small business insurance.

In 2020, Rivera launched Fun Insurance Solutions, LLC, offering product integration, M&A advisory, and marketing services to the insurance sector. Today, Ariel serves as the Director of Business Development at RGS Limited, a Cyber Program Management & Risk Purchasing Group Agency.

Rivera’s leadership was recognized when he was elected to the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) Executive Committee in 2021, where he currently serves as President-Elect. In 2022, Rivera testified before Congress on behalf of PIA National, advocating for the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). His passion for helping others drives his commitment to the industry, reflecting his belief that "Helping others is my passion; insurance is just ONE way of doing it."



Continuing Education Class
Exploring Ethical Principles and Practices
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Veramendi J

E&O: Cleaning Up the Neighborhood
Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Veramendi J

Panel Discussion
The Hard Market Playbook: Insights and Strategies from Industry Experts
Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Veramendi IJ



Heath W. Shearon
Mayor/Host, Insurance Town Podcast

Heath Shearon, widely known as “The Mayor of Insurance Town,” is a veteran in the insurance industry with a rich background that spans multiple facets of the business. With over [insert years of experience] years of experience, Heath has successfully navigated the roles of producer, agency owner, and carrier representative.

Starting as a producer, Heath quickly made a name for himself through his ability to build strong client relationships and develop niche markets. His success as a producer led him to open his own agency, where he implemented innovative strategies to drive growth and provide unparalleled service to his clients. As an agency owner, Heath gained firsthand experience in the challenges and rewards of running an insurance business, honing his skills in leadership, sales, and customer service.

Heath later transitioned to the carrier side of the industry, where he worked closely with agencies to help them optimize their operations and maximize their potential. His unique perspective from both the agency and carrier sides has made him a valuable resource in the industry, known for his practical advice and strategic insights. He affectionately became known as the Mayor of Insurance, due to his networking ability and his energy and passion for improving the industry.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Heath is the host of the popular "Insurance Town" podcast, where he shares stories, tips, and advice from industry leaders. His engaging style and deep industry knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and events across the country.

Heath is passionate about helping others succeed and is dedicated to the growth and development of the insurance industry. When he's not working, he enjoys grilling out, coaching basketball, and spending time with his family in Little Rock, Arkansas.



Continuing Education Class
Workers' Compensation 101
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Veramendi I



Tai Jenkins Williams, M.Ed., MS, ITP, MCCT®
Senior Customer Engagement Training Consultant, Texas Mutual Insurance Company

Tai Jenkins Williams is a Senior Customer Engagement Training Consultant at Texas Mutual Insurance Company. Since joining the company in 2015, she has traveled across the state delivering engaging presentations for agents and Texas Mutual policyholders on workers' compensation topics.

Tai is a North Carolina native who began her insurance career as a commercial underwriter in Virginia over 17 years ago. During that time, she held a variety of positions training agents, service center representatives and underwriters in Iowa, Arizona and Texas.

Tai is a licensed P&C agent and holds a Master of Education degree and Master of Science degree. Tai is a mom of a two year old who enjoys traveling, being a foodie with her husband and adding to her eyewear collection.



Continuing Education Class
Life Insurance
Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Veramendi J



Charlie Matejowsky, CIC, LUTCF
Vice President, Van Dyke, Rankin & Co.

Charlie Matejowsky, CIC, LUTCF is vice president of financial services for Van Dyke, Rankin & Co. Inc., in Brenham, Texas. He joined the firm in June 1982, as a personal and commercial lines producer. Since March 1990, he has served in his current position and works almost exclusively on the life and financial services side of the business. As a "Retirement Repairman" he serves both individual and group clients.

Prior to joining Van Dyke, Rankin & Co., he served 15 years as a classroom teacher and coach in several Texas Cities. Matejowsky is a 35-year member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and is a charter member of the American Health Insurance Association. He has served in numerous leadership roles at both local NAIFA-Central Texas and NAIDA-Texas. In 2016, he was awarded the Bruce Murry Tall Texas Award based on his association involvement, community service and education. Recently, Charlie was awarded the 2019 NAIFA -Texas Lifetime Achievement Award.

He earned his CIC designation in 1986 and has been a National Faculty member for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research for 20 years and instructs both basic and advanced classes all over the United States. He also served as a moderator for the American College of Financial Services' Life Underwriter Training Council for 20 years.

Charlie prides himself in being an A B C (Aggie-Bohemian-Coach) kind of guy. His goal is to educate clients and prospects and help them make those very important lifetime and retirement decisions.



Continuing Education Class
Business Owner's Policy
Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Veramendi I

Commercial General Liability
Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Veramendi I

Bonds
Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Veramendi I

Cyber and ELSI
Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Veramendi I



Tim O'Neill, CPCU, CLU, AIC
Founder, Test Crushers

Tim has been in the insurance industry since 1992. Starting as a P&C field adjuster with State Farm in The Woodlands Texas claims office. He spent many years on the Catastrophe Team as a lead adjuster and re-inspector/trainer. By 2000, Tim had made the jump to the Agency force and has been an independent contractor agent now for 24 years.

The founding of Test Crushers Exam Prep is the culmination of a long career. The focus is now on passing on the lifetime of knowledge and mentorship to students seeking to get licensed for P&C and Life/Health. Test Crushers has helped 1000's of people pass their exams and will be doing so for many years to come. Please visit testcrushers.com/agency for more information.

At the recent request of several local MGAs in Houston, Test Crushers is now offering on-site CE courses, which can be booked by contacting Tim at 713-588-6503.


A special thank you to our 2024 Partners for their support