 Brian Edgren President EHL Insurance |
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Welcome to edition #5 of our client newsletter. We live in an age where our unique characteristics are increasingly being offered cookie cutter “solutions”. In reality, our differences often generate the need for individualized treatment. Because we insure so many business owners and others who appreciate tailor made solutions, we have learned how to respond to exposures faced by high net worth individuals. Our lone insurance related article in this newsletter will highlight service offerings to this client segment. Sometimes our differences are evidenced by having family members with special needs. EHL is a small business, yet we are comprised of families dealing with quadriplegia, autism, Asparger’s Syndrome, oppositional defiant disorder, post traumatic stress syndrome, and other developmental challenges. It is our privilege to partner with our employees and others who are working to make our world better. It is our hope that as you read our client spotlight stories, that you are inspired to find new ways to become part of the solution.
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 Cooper, Hayley & Kelsey |
 By Jeff Ogard
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Thirty years ago, Al Michaels exclaimed “do you believe in miracles?” as the US Olympic amateur hockey team beat a team of USSR professionals in Lake Placid NY. As inspiring as that story was, the miracles in our families often have the most impact. In 1991, Rich Stoulil was diagnosed with two different cancers. His doctors recommended an aggressive treatment that while saving his life, would allegedly preclude having more children. At the time, Rich and Shelly’s daughter Kelsey was an only child. Two weeks after starting treatment, they learned that Shelley was already expecting their son Cooper. They referred to him as their “miracle baby”, yet had no idea the adventures their family would experience in subsequent years. In 1998, Shelley was expecting their third child, a daughter, Hayley. Tests disclosed a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. While they received good support from many family and friends, they also encountered those who assumed that all such pregnancies should be terminated. Fortunately, they listened to Shelley’s maternal instincts and the counsel of an occupational therapist who had much experience working with Down’s patients. She assured them that these children were a real joy. They have learned that a key to giving a Down’s baby the greatest ability to deal with their issues is to intervene early. Within her first four months, Hayley was receiving therapy to help her hold her head up and to eliminate tongue thrust. Speech therapy followed prior to entering school. Over the years she has worked with care givers from many disciplines. The Stoulils have high praise for these health care professionals, as well as the educators in the Bainbridge School District who help teach special needs children. Today, Hayley is an avid reader. She is really more like her peers than she is different. It just takes her a little longer to reach the milestones of other kids. Thanks to the determined nature that often accompanies people with Down Syndrome; she does get there. She enjoys playing little league baseball in the challenger division and is an enthusiastic soccer player. According to her parents, she is very good at it. One of the concerns her parents had, was the reaction of older siblings. Would they be embarrassed by having a little sister who was “different”? Instead, Kelsey and Cooper love their sister unconditionally. Rather than exclude her when friends visit, their friends have been very inclusive, and insist they cannot leave without first having a “Hayley hug”. Kelsey’s and Cooper’s relationship with their sister has also allayed fears regarding ongoing care once Rich and Shelley are no longer around to provide it. This is a reasonable concern as the life expectancy for children with Down Syndrome has risen dramatically in recent years. Sometimes a couple will choose not to embark on the journey when given this diagnosis. They fear the challenges are going to be too hard. Frankly, the challenges are real. In Hayley’s case, she has a dual diagnosis that includes ADHD. It can be frustrating for any parent to feel that they are not being listened to. There are the behavioral issues, periodic melt-downs, and the reality that it often takes more time and advance planning to get ready to go somewhere as a family. However, the Stoulils will tell you that this journey over the past 11 years has had surprising ramifications. They have learned new communication techniques. While the purpose of RDI therapy is to help Hayley cope with ADHD, they are benefiting as well. For example, an exasperated parent might issue a series of orders or questions toward a child who has just made a mess of a room. Rich has learned that saying, “Hayley, pick up that piece of paper” does not work. It shuts her down. However, by saying, “oh no, there’s a piece of paper on the floor. That isn’t right”; she is learning to process data, and to react well to circumstances around her. What a wonderful lesson in dealing effectively with all people, regardless of their strengths and challenges. The Stoulils embarked on this journey because they believed it was the right thing to do, and because Shelley did not want to deprive Hayley of the similar joys that her older siblings experienced. The love and affection that has been returned to all who interact with this incredible child is more than anyone could have expected. Sometimes Rich will be in a stressful meeting at work, and an instant message from his youngest daughter will appear, simply saying, “I love you, daddy”. They have learned to be more patient and less selfish than their original wiring might suggest. Isn’t it amazing, that when we seek to be helpful to others, especially those least able to defend themselves, that the greatest benefactor is often ourselves, and most typically in terms of our own character? |
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 Michelle Moss Personal Risk Advisor |
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Michelle Moss, of our Poulsbo office, is a Personal Risk Advisor with over 20 years of industry experience. She has been with EHL since 2006. Michelle is a graduate of Olympic High School in Bremerton. She holds a license to serve clients needing help with Property and Casualty insurance, and holds designations as a CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) and ACSR (Accredited Customer Service Representative). Michelle recently accepted a position within EHL where in she is partnering with Jeff Ogard in the delivery of services to our high net worth clients. An active member of our community, Michelle seeks out volunteer opportunities through her church. She lives in Kitsap County with her husband Ron, daughter Isabella and dog Rascal. In her free time she enjoys baking, reading, movies, exercising and spending time with her family. |
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 Autism Speaks |
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Many of us take for granted the ability to speak, show emotions and to eat ‘everyday foods’. Imagine a world void of these and you are left with the way some with Autism live. Autism affects 1 out of every 110 American children which is a dramatic 600% increase over the past 20 years. Its cause is unknown, controversial, and highly complex. While the ranges in symptoms vary dramatically, the impact can be life altering for the families affected. Individuals with Autism are unique. Many require special care, but much can be learned from their perspective. They are very concrete thinkers, visually oriented, and often have exceptional memories. They have strengths to leverage, and challenges requiring coping skills. “Autism Speaks” is an agency that has raised $131 million to fund 773 research projects and fellowships throughout the world. Their largest fundraiser is the Autism Walk. They also provide families with information on how to better care for a family member with autism. For more information on the walk, check out www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/pugetsound. Additional information such as the downloadable 100-Day Kit and School Kit, can be accessed at www.autismspeaks.org. Forthcoming are an online video glossary of therapies, Asparger’s Kit, and Young Adult Transition Kit. The Seattle Walk is on October 3rd, and EHL employees have formed a team for this event. Please email Laura Ahlstrom or contact at 800-929-1669 if you would like to form your own team, join ours, or help in any way. |
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A cookie cutter approach to financial services makes no sense for people with widely different needs. EHL has trademarked our approach to high net worth individuals given that our plan is as unique as the clients we serve. Some of the features of this important program include: Risk Identification – On site inspections reveal inordinate loss exposures requiring special treatment that are not always discernable without a hands on approach. Client Interview – Understanding our client’s “top end” loss exposure as well as their risk tolerance for self insuring smaller losses, helps us tailor individualized programs. Risk Management Tools – We discuss avoidance, retention, loss control and contractual transfers in addition to insurance. Sometimes people can save significant premiums by using techniques other than insurance Survey of Insurance Companies – We determine value by finding the company that does the best job of insuring the client’s unique exposures; has the necessary underwriting appetite; and competitive rates. Program Structure – We will construct programs that assimilate the right company, client desired non-insurance risk treatment tools; and coverage limits/deductibles that reflects both top end exposures and low end risk tolerance. The result is often significantly greater coverage for less premium. Income Replacement Analysis - For clients who have yet to accumulate all the assets they will need to retire, we interview our clients to ensure that the goals they have for their program are being met by their existing program. Modifications are recommended to fill any gaps. Coordination of Services – We work with our client’s estate planning attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors and other trusted advisors to ensure that all are working together in the maintenance of a holistic plan. Please email Jeff Ogard or Michelle Moss or contact at 800-929-1669 for more information. |
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Your referrals are our company’s life blood. We work hard to earn each referral with great service every day. You have introduced your friends to us for over 70 years, and we are pleased to say thank you in a tangible way. Refer someone to EHL Insurance and you get a $5 gas card. (A referral is when we get a call for a quote from someone saying you referred them to us.) You will also be entered into our monthly drawings for prizes. We draw for a $100 gift card from everyone who referred someone to us. Refer two people and receive $10 plus two entries into the drawing. We are pleased to announce this month’s winners. Heather Beckmann’s name was drawn from all clients and other friends who referred someone to us. And, Autism Speaks is also receiving a $100 contribution from EHL on behalf of our clients for the great work they are doing in our communities. |
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