As I wrap up our 100th-anniversary celebration at Graf Insurance, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for everyone who has supported us along the way. From the kind notes and congratulations we received over the past year to the shared memories of how insurance has made a difference, this milestone has been a wonderful reminder of why I love what I do.
A Year of Reflection and Change
Reaching a century in business naturally sparks reminiscence. Over the past year, I found myself sorting through our agency’s archives—those early, bulky “computer” forms with holes on the sides that once seemed so cutting-edge—and marveling at how rapidly our world has evolved. We’ve come a long way from manual typewriters to sophisticated management systems and virtual platforms like Microsoft Teams.
This past year, I embraced many new technologies and incorporated additional digital tools into our workflows. While these updates may seem small, they represent a significant shift in how we connect with and serve our clients. Change can be daunting, but it’s also essential for staying true to our core mission: providing personalized guidance that helps protect your business, your loved ones, and your dreams.
Cherishing Personal Connections
Of course, with every stride forward, there’s a touch of nostalgia for what we’ve left behind. It wasn’t long ago that folks would pop into our storefront just to say hello. The warmth of those face-to-face interactions will always hold a special place in my heart. Today, many of those conversations happen over Zoom or a quick Teams chat. Yet I’ve realized that the essence remains the same: whether we’re meeting in person or virtually, my primary goal is still to “talk people off cliffs” when they’re overwhelmed—reassuring and guiding them through the complexities of insurance.
Supporting Small Businesses in a Changing World
Many of my clients are small business owners, and I see firsthand the pressures they face to keep up with ever-evolving technology—especially when it involves hiring consultants, IT-managed service providers, or working with remote teams. Just as I’ve adapted Graf Insurance to our new technology landscape, my clients, too, are finding ways to navigate these shifts, often asking how to protect themselves in this new environment.
Insurance Considerations for Remote Teams
Remote or hybrid work has become more common, but with it comes unique insurance needs. Businesses should consider several coverage areas for remote or hybrid employees:
- General Liability and Professional Liability (also known as Errors & Omissions): These policies help protect you if a client alleges negligence or if there’s damage related to your professional services.
- Workers’ Compensation: Even when employees work from home, most states still require some form of workers’ compensation coverage. The specific requirements may vary by state, so it’s crucial to check local regulations.
- Cyber Liability Insurance: With laptops and data shared across various locations, cyber threats are a real concern. Cyber liability coverage helps mitigate the costs if a data breach or cyberattack occurs.
Helping You Protect What Matters
One of the greatest joys of my work is helping clients navigate these complexities, whether they’re entrepreneurs hiring a single consultant or established companies with a growing roster of remote employees. From deciding whether to keep a physical office space to selecting the right coverage for an IT-managed services provider, I’ve faced similar crossroads in my own business. This shared experience fosters camaraderie and mutual understanding, reminding me again of the value of personal relationships in a highly digital era.
Gratitude for Our Community
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the multitude of kind notes and thoughtful gestures that arrived in honor of our centennial celebration. Whether in the form of thank-you cards, congratulatory emails, or comments on our new sign, these messages reinforced something I’ve known for a long time: our success is built on relationships. We’ve spent 100 years growing and adapting so that we could keep our promise of protection—and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Looking Ahead
As we conclude our 100th-anniversary festivities, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you, to each of you—our loyal clients, community members, and colleagues—who have trusted us to safeguard what matters most. Looking ahead, change is inevitable. The ways we work will continue to evolve, and new insurance considerations will emerge. But rest assured: Graf Insurance will always stand by your side, helping you chart a safe path forward.
Here’s to embracing new horizons while honoring the foundation that brought us here. Thank you for the privilege of celebrating with you this past year, and for allowing me to continue doing what I love. I look forward to guiding you through the twists and turns of the future—no matter where your team is located, or how your business grows.
