Jamestown, NY, August 7, 2020 | Lawley’s Jamestown branch is proud to announce that their veteran associate, Debbie Gray, is the recipient of Safeco’s 2020 Award of Excellence. Due to her exceptional effort and devotion to her clients, Safeco recognized her with the most prestigious underwriting recognition they have to offer.

Safeco, one of Lawley’s insurance partners, otherwise known as carriers, originated in Seattle and soon became part of Liberty Mutual Insurance in 2008. As a branch of Liberty Mutual, Safeco was able to focus exclusively on personal insurance. This type of insurance includes cars, home, property, and more. Over the years, Safeco has built an esteemed reputation for itself and their annual Award of Excellence honors the brilliant people who have helped them to get to the place they are today. As Patricia Hoffman, a personal lines underwriter for Safeco said, “agents [are] nominated because they epitomize the definition of partnership. It is a relationship of mutual respect and professional expertise and [her] experience in working with these agents has been one of the highlights of [her] career as an underwriter.”

Twenty years ago, Debbie entered the insurance industry with background knowledge in medicine and a love for animals. After what felt like a leap of faith, Debbie’s passion for the insurance industry quickly grew, and she now works as a personal insurance account manager for Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson, a joint venture under the Lawley umbrella. Debbie not only provides top-notch services for her clients, but she also stands as a role model for the rest of her team members. Whether it is her mother, grandchildren or clients, Debbie truly knows how to care for people. 

“She just genuinely cares about people which is why she is so successful with her clients,” says Rhoe Henderson, Senior Insurance Advisor of Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson. Wally Gotowka, the managing Partner of Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson, added “I’ve only known Debbie for a year now, and in that short of a time period, I already know her as a kind person.” People throughout Lawley’s organization admire Debbie for her generosity and desire to educate her clients on why insurance is so important. “I will do anything just to help others sleep a little better at night,” Debbie said; and this statement alone goes to show the kind of person Debbie truly is – a woman of hard work, compassion, and loyalty. She not only exudes kindness with people, but she radiates love through her work every day.

When asked to describe Debbie in one word, Rhoe was quick to answer, “the best.” “She truly exemplifies everything we try to teach our staff and is always giving outstanding service to our clients.” It’s simple enough to say that Debbie Gray is a woman of grace and a true embodiment of Safeco’s Award of Excellence 2020. Lawley could not be more proud of Debbie and her accomplishments thus far. Lawley is excited to continue their ongoing partnership with Safeco and is proud to support Safeco’s effort with people like Debbie Gray.

About Lawley

Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty and personal insurance, employee benefits, and risk management consulting. Lawley is ranked among the 50 Largest Insurance Brokers in the U.S., according to Business Insurance magazine. For over 60 years, Lawley’s team of more than 400 associates have developed customized property, casualty, surety and benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families.

Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Lawley has branch offices across New York in Amherst, Batavia, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Mahopac, Plainview, Purchase and Rochester along with Darien, Connecticut and Florham Park, New Jersey. To find out more, visit lawleyinsurance.com.

About Safeco

Safeco is backed by the financial strength of Liberty Mutual Insurance, and ranked on the Fortune 100 list of the largest U.S. corporations. The company has financial strength ratings of A (Excellent) from the A.M. Best Company, A2 (Good) from Moody’s Investors Service, and A- (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s.

In September 2008, Safeco became part of Liberty Mutual Insurance. The financial strength of its parent company, combined with a national network of local independent agents, has enabled Safeco to focus exclusively on personal insurance. We continue to offer the comprehensive mix of coverage, pricing, and personalized service to individuals and families that’s kept us in business for over 90 years, and we’re looking forward with confidence to the future.

About Debbie Gray

Debbie joined the Rhoe B. Henderson Agency in 2000 as a Customer Service Representative. After a short time in the industry she found she enjoyed the challenges presented by the industry as well as the opportunity to help educate clients as to their need for insurance.

Now Debbie works for Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson, a joint venture under the Lawley umbrella.

About Rhoe B Henderson

Rhoe was born and raised in Jamestown, NY. After college, Rhoe followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a 3rd generation insurance agent. He became president of the Rhoe B. Henderson insurance agency in 1979 upon his father’s retirement. Joining Lawley in 2019, Rhoe brings his years of expertise helping families and businesses in Jamestown, NY, the Southern Tier and Northwest PA. Rhoe continues to be a student of the business, combining that with integrity and confidentiality which is vital to successfully meeting the expectation of his clients.

About Wally Gotowka

Wally is the Lawley partner responsible for the operation of the branch in Dunkirk, also known as Lawley Tradition. Wally has expertise in manufacturing, construction, service, non-profits and healthcare. His office is well-suited to manage insurance programs for Cattaraugus County, Dunkirk and Fredonia businesses and homeowners. Wally began his insurance career with Nationwide in 1981 and joined the Heppell-Robinson Agency 2 years later. He purchased that company, which evolved into the Tradition Agency. Wally joined Lawley in 1991.

 

Works Cited:
Award of Excellence 2017. August 4, 2020. http://www.safecoagentnews.com/articles/2017-award-of-excellence/

About Us| Safeco. August, 2020. https://www.safeco.com/about