We had the good fortune of connecting with Arte Zimmerman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arte, what matters most to you?
Trust and Honesty: While I’m in a sales position, my job is protecting my clients’ assets from significant loss. I find many agents will do whatever it takes just to make the sale and not think about 1. the moral consequence of not doing what’s in the best interest of the client and 2. not thinking about the long-term investment in the power of your reputation as an honest broker. The trust and honesty factor along with experience and knowledge gives my clients a sense of security that they’re in good hands and that’s extremely important in a residual based industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
I work at IOA (Insurance Office Of America), we’re one the largest insurance agencies in the world and the largest private agency in Florida. I personally specialize in property & casualty insurance for commercial real estate, development, and hospitality. This includes but is not limited to Retail, Office, Hospitality (Hotels and Bar/Restaurants), Industrial, Multi-Family, Condominium Associations, and Ground-Up Development. Our industry is very cyclical with a high turn-over rate, so you must be persistent and emotionally even-keeled if you want to succeed.

I started in the industry shortly after the financial crisis and a series of 2005-2007 hurricanes, so many people were in financial pain as well as a hard insurance market. This was a very difficult time to build a book of business because the markets were very limited, and insureds were in crisis. I had a good mentor while being persistent which helped me gradually grow my book of business. After a few years the market turned, and the soft cycle began I was ready to jump and be a first mover to provide my clients and prospects the most competitive programs. Understanding the cyclical nature of this industry and knowing how to pivot is how you can continually grow your business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I get a chance to go out, I frequent Mizner Park and usually go to American Social. Also, I enjoy Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach where I enjoy Tin Roof and El Camino. Outside of restaurants, we like to go to the local beaches and lake Boca.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my wife and two children. They provide me a lot of joy and support in everything I do.

Website: www.ioausa.com

Linkedin: Arte Zimmerman

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