Big Field Man on Campus

At a time when people are skittish on the economy, it’s great to hang out with folks who are bullish.

One of my favorites is Charlie McShane, and his company is State Auto, based out of Columbus, Ohio.

Recently Maureen Wall Bentley, our executive vice president of brand strategy, and I attended Charlie’s grand opening of State Auto’s new Hunt Valley, Maryland offices, just north of Baltimore. Charlie is the company’s eastern regional president—he actually founded the region for State Auto and was the only employee there a few years ago. (In case you don’t recognize Charlie, he’s the big man on campus in the center of the photo.)

Charlie and staff were joined at the opening by State Auto’s senior leadership team, including CEO Bob Restrepo. The firm is an Aartrijk client, and this beautiful new office is yet another sign of how this super-regional company is optimistically positioning for growth.

Office openings are a milestone, sure. But for me, this one is more about people than real estate. I’ve known Charlie for 20 years. He has moved around in that time as P-C carriers consolidated and evolved. When I first met him, he evoked the quintessential “company field man,” working with independent agents on their local level. As I got to know him, I saw all his qualities—honesty, professionalism, knowledgeable, caring, and a great sense of humor—are why folks such as Charlie are not only incredibly valuable in leadership roles, they are rare people, period.

On behalf of Aartrijk, I’d like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to my friend Charlie, the folks working in the new eastern regional offices, and all our friends at State Auto. Good luck, guys!

Peter van Aartrijk

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