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Protection Team News WHAT AN INCREDIBLE YEAR SO FAR! AND IT’S ALL THANKS TO THE AMAZING PEOPLE AROUND ME
Vermost Insurance Wins Agency of the Month for February! Page 1 VOL 17, ISSUE 3
This year has been nothing short of amazing for me and my team. We were just named the February Agency of the Month by Rough Notes magazine, the leading publication for insurance agents. What an unbelievable honor and surprise after all these years in the industry! Of course, we have known for a little while, as we had to coordinate interviews and a photoshoot. Rough Notes flew in a professional photographer who spent half a day with us, capturing moments as we worked and met
with clients. We were incredibly fortunate that two of our long- time clients graciously allowed us to take photos at their locations. A huge thank you to Abe Moussa, Proprietor of Abe’s Place; and Nicholas J. Grimaudo, Partner at Johnson, Pope, Ruppel & Burns, LLP, for making that possible. While I’m handing out thanks, I can’t forget Jenny Oxendine from Liberty Mutual Surety, who joined in on the fun during the photo shoot — adding to the professionalism and goofiness of the day. I also want to
Joyce Vermost, whose generosity allowed me to join the family business and move to Florida, a place I now proudly call home. None of this would have been possible without them. Most importantly, I want to thank my incredible team. They are the heart of this agency, working tirelessly every day to serve our clients with dedication, expertise, and care. This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine — I am beyond grateful to work alongside such a remarkable group of people. Finally, thank you to each and every one of you — our wonderful clients — for being part of this journey. Your trust and support mean the world to us. If you would like to read the full article, you can find it at RoughNotes.com or visit our social media, website, or Facebook page for the link. Thank you for letting me deviate from my usual monthly ramblings. Until next month!
A Chef’s Truest Triumph Page 2
Great Employees Deserve Great
Benefits Page 2
Unwind in No Time Page 3
Rigging the Coin Toss Page 3
Referral Winner Page 4
SPECIALTY LINES: CANNABIS INSURANCE PERSONAL LINES: JEWELRY APPRAISALS AND COVERAGES BENEFITS FOCUS: MEDICAL STOP LOSS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: THRIVING IN A HARD MARKET
express my deepest gratitude to my amazing wife, Melanie, whose unwavering support has been a constant in this journey, and to our daughters, Noelle and Ainsley, who have graced the front page for years — you’ve watched them grow up right before your eyes! And to my parents, Ron and
Wacky March Holidays Page 5
INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS
MARKETING • PRODUCTS • MANAGEMENT • COVERAGES • MARKETS
FEBRUARY 2025
Puzzle Time! Page 5
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage Page 5
AGENCY OF THE MONTH:
January Referrals and February Puzzle
–Darren
MIDWEST TRANSPLANT LEADS FLORIDA AGENCY TO SUCCESS
Winner! Page 6
ALSO: FOCUS ON AGENCY PERPETUATION
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 101 WHY OFFERING THE RIGHT PERKS BOOSTS RETENTION AND PRODUCTIVITY If you’re an employer or planning to become one soon, you’re likely exploring options for insurance and group benefits for your team. Vermost Insurance Agency offers comprehensive solutions to help you attract top talent and, more importantly, retain them. After all, no employer wants to invest time and resources into building the perfect team only to see them leave for companies offering more and better benefits. Providing competitive employee benefits goes beyond staying ahead of the competition. It’s about showing your team you genuinely care about their well-being and future. A strong benefits package can make all the difference in keeping high- performing employees engaged and committed to your business for the long term. That’s where we come in. We’ll help you create a customized benefits program tailored to your company’s needs, ensuring you’re set up for long-term success. We offer a wide range of options, including:
Michelin Magic
The Mark of Culinary Mastery
For culinary creators worldwide, earning a Michelin star is like winning an Olympic gold medal. Chefs with excellent kitchen skills and outstanding customer service receive the honor. Late French chef Joël Robuchon holds the world record with 31, while TV star Gordon Ramsay rose to international fame and marked his hot-tempered journey to TV stardom by achieving 17 stars for his many restaurants. But how did this legendary distinction in the cooking world begin? If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at a Michelin-honored establishment, you have the automotive industry to thank. As its name implies, the star system was the brainchild of the Michelin tire company. To help inspire consumers to drive more — and increase the demand for tire purchases — it began publishing “The Michelin Guide” in France in 1900. The publication included maps, tips on tire care, and recommendations for hotels and restaurants along popular French travel routes. As the guide grew in popularity, the company expanded its content to include anonymous restaurant reviews. In 1926, it introduced “the Michelin star” to recognize the eateries it considered the best in the country. Today, the bestselling publication reviews more than 40,000 restaurants across three continents. Only 146 restaurants worldwide — or less than 1% of those rated by the guide — have received three Michelin stars. In Ramsay’s mind, receiving that rare level remains the ultimate benchmark in his profession. As he stated in a 2024 article in Parade, “As a soccer player, I wanted an FA Cup winner’s medal. As an actor, you want an Oscar. As a chef, it’s three Michelin stars; there’s no greater than that.”
• Group Life Insurance • Group Vision Insurance • Group Health Insurance • Group Dental Insurance • Group Disability Insurance • Group Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance • 401(k) Retirement Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) • Health Reimbursement Arrangements
A well-structured benefits package doesn’t just help with employee retention — it also boosts morale, increases productivity, and enhances your company’s overall appeal to prospective hires. When employees feel valued and secure, they’re more motivated and loyal to their workplace. If you’re ready to build a benefits package that minimizes turnover, attracts top talent, and keeps your team happy and productive, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your options and create a plan that works best for your business. Let’s set your company and employees up for success!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
WITH THE FLIP OF A COIN
Feeling tense? Life’s twists and turns can cause your stress levels to skyrocket, leading to various health problems. But relief may be easier and quicker than you think. According to recent studies, just 10 minutes of massage can work wonders on your mood, activating your body’s system for overcoming stress. A quick massage is like hitting the reset button on your day, turning your anxiety into a sense of balance and calm. Let’s explore how you can transform tension into tranquility in just 10 minutes. UNKNOT AND UNWIND A short massage prompts your body to slow down. Your body responds strongly to touch, and the kneading motion of massages helps release tension. When stressed, our bodies naturally tense up, which can cause pain and discomfort. Massage can increase the elasticity of tissues, warm your muscles, and work to relax the nerves associated with stress. When your muscles and joints are at ease, your body produces feel-good hormones like serotonin. DREAMY KNEADS When you can’t catch enough z’s, it significantly impacts your stress levels. Massages encourage deeper sleep by helping increase serotonin and melatonin, the sleep hormone. Direct pressure on muscles increases the production of comfy hormones and reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for anxiety. A quick rub down before bed can ease you into a calm state, coaxing you to drift off to dreamland. 10 MINUTES TO BLISS If you want to experience the stress-melting benefits of a short massage, you don’t need to book an appointment with a professional. You can give yourself several massages, like a shoulder massage, using circular motions on each side. If you’re facing a stress headache, glide your hands across your forehead, applying a small amount of pressure. Start at your ears and massage each side of your head with your fingertips. Do this several times and finish with a scalp massage. So, the next time you feel anxious, get comfortable and take a few minutes for a massage. These small moments of relaxation can roll you into the day more calm and balanced. Knead a Break? 10 Minutes of Massage Can Reset Your Day
Our Favorite Decision-Making Tool May Not Be as Fair as We Think
“Movies or bowling?” “Pizza or burgers?” Long before Rock, Paper, Scissors and Magic 8 Balls helped us make major life decisions, people dating all the way back to the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages were flipping coins to make hard choices or gamble. COIN TOSS ORIGINS
The Romans used coin tossing to settle personal disputes, calling it “heads or ships.” The coins depicted Janus, the two- faced Roman god of doorways and change, on one side and the prow of a ship on the other side. In the Middle Ages, they called coin tossing “cross and pile,” a game of chance among children. What we know as “heads” was the cross, and “tails” was the pile. THE PURPOSE OF FLIPPING A COIN In theory, when people need to make a decision between two equally viable options, and they can’t reach a decision, tossing a coin is usually the “fair” way to decide — or is it? A 2023 study by the University of Amsterdam sheds light on how the time-honored decision-making tool may not be as unbiased as we think. THE ‘RANDOMNESS’ OF A COIN TOSS The study flipped more than 350,000 coins across 46 different currencies and found that a flipped coin returned to its starting position 50.8% of the time. So, if a coin starts at tails, it will likely land on tails. This test was based on a 2004 theory that argued coin tosses land as they start 51% of the time. What’s more alarming is that a 2009 study revealed that coin tosses are easily manipulated. How is that possible if coin tosses are supposed to be random? The study showed that with a few minutes of practice, the tosses could be manipulated with sleight-of-hand to land in favor of whoever makes the toss. CHOOSE YOUR TOSSERS WISELY While debate continues over the fairness of a coin toss, there’s not enough evidence to sway arguing siblings or the NFL to shy away from continuing the tradition. But if you ever find yourself in a coin toss situation with someone, it might be wise to choose a neutral party to flip the coin for you!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com
newsletter@vermost.com
BE A LIFESAVER We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2024. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into 2024 REFERRAL WINNER! 2025 REFERRAL PROGRAM
monthly and annual drawings for additional, even bigger prizes. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we want to reward you for helping us grow our Vermost Insurance family. The annual grand prize winner of our 2024 referral program was Jene Cook. He received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to the charity of his choice. If you want a shot at the 2025 prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!
Jene Cook was our 2024 referral winner of the 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice.
Be Entered in MONTHLY Drawings for • A $50 GIFT CARD • PLUS...ANNUAL Drawing for a
• EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Boys & Girls Club of Tampa
$500 Amazon Gift Card plus a $250 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice
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1200 Belcher Rd. S. Suite 1 ● Largo, FL 33771-3315 ● Phone: (727) 748-2886 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886 1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
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Wacky March Holidays
• March 1 — National Peanut Butter Lovers Day • March 2 — National Banana Cream Pie Day • March 3 — National I Want You to Be Happy Day • March 4 — National Pancake Day • March 5 — National Cheese Doodle Day • March 6 — National Oreo Cookie Day • March 7 — National Cereal Day • March 8 — National Peanut Cluster Day • March 9 — National Get Over It Day • March 10 — National Pack Your Lunch Day • March 11 — National Worship of Tools Day • March 12 — National Plant a Flower Day • March 13 — National Coconut Torte Day • March 14 — National Children’s Craft Day • March 15 — Everything You Think Is Wrong Day
• March 16 — National Artichoke Hearts Day • March 17 — National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day • March 18 — National Sloppy Joe Day • March 19 — National Let’s Laugh Day • March 20 — National Ravioli Day • March 21 — National French Bread Day • March 22 — National Goof Off Day • March 23 — National Chia Day • March 24 — National Cheesesteak Day • March 26 — National Spinach Day • March 27 — National Scribble Day • March 28 — National Something on a Stick Day • March 29 — National Pita Day • March 30 — National I Am in Control Day • March 31 — National Crayon Day
NOT YOUR MOM’S CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE
SUDOKU
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1 (4 lb) corned beef
• 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 tsp salt • 2 lbs red potatoes, halved • 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
brisket with spice packet
• 3 qts water • 1 onion, quartered • 3 carrots, cut into large chunks
Directions 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes. 5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
SOLUTION ON PG. 6
You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991 www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 www.vermost.com (727) 748-2886
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
You Make Us Happy
We Insure More Than Just Cars and Homes Here’s a list of some of our lines of protection:
People who referred clients to us in January: • Nancy Guinup • Ericka Fitch • Scott Stacey & Grace Muphy
› Antique vehicles › Annuities › Auto › Boat/RV › Bonds › Builder’s risk › Commercial auto › Commercial property › Condo › Disability
› Flood › General liability › Home › ID theft › Life › Mobile home › Motorcycle/Jet Ski › Notary public
• Peter Musante • John Romano & Kathy Van Oeveren • J. Allison Archbold/
February Puzzle Winner: Catherine DeHaan
• Cathy Flynn • Bob Grimes
› Umbrella › Workers’
Archbold Law Firm
January Referral Winner: Nancy Guinup
compensation
... and more!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
Referral Rewards Program! A REFERRAL IS THE HIGHEST COMPLIMENT YOU CAN GIVE US... AND TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION, WE'LL GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO YOU AND OUR CHARITY OF THE QUARTER! 3 Easy STEPS! Tell your friends, family & coworkers about Vermost Insurance. When they contact our office for their free quote, make sure they mention Your Name. You automatically WIN a Starbucks gift card, scratch off tickets & raffle ticket.
Plus, with every referral you earn entry into our Monthly and Grand Prize Drawings!!!
There is NO LIMIT to the number of entries you may earn. The more people that call and mention your name, the more chances you have to WIN. (727) 748-2886 YOU can WIN a $50 Gift Card Every Month... A Chance to Win Our GRAND PRIZE of a $500 Amazon Gift Card... AND A Donation of $250 to the Charity of YOUR Choice!
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