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Deal with Difficult Clients

How To: Deal with Difficult Clients

  • Post author By PMC Insurance Group
  • Categories | PMC News
  • Post date | April 4, 2016

We all have difficult clients, so we should all know how to deal with them! This guide can help.

Is there a certain phone number that makes you cringe when it shows up on your caller ID? Or an email address that sends you into a mild panic when it arrives in your inbox? You’re not alone; nearly all businesses have difficult clients. The problem is that not all businesses know what to do with them. Here are some tips to help you deal with your difficult clients in a way that keeps them satisfied and you sane.

  • Slow down. So often, we become frustrated with a client because they present us a problem that doesn’t have a quick solution. They then become frustrated with us, and the cycle continues. Take the time to slow down and really listen to your client. Even if you can’t present an immediate fix, feeling heard will let your client know he or she is valued.
  • Put yourself in their shoes. Difficult clients probably aren’t trying to mess up your day; they usually have a good reason for being difficult. Maybe they’re stressed about their bottom line. Maybe they’ve got bosses breathing down their neck. Try to have some empathy, and even if your client is still disgruntled you’ll likely feel more patient during the process.
  • Show respect. Even if your client tells you something hard to believe, respect his or her view of the world. Be respectful of this person, not as revenue potential but as a fellow human being! Offering respect will invite your client to respect you in return.

This guide will help you deal with hard-to-please clients, but what about your hard-to-place ones? Whether you have a small business or a large account that is tough to insure, we can help! In fact, that’s our expertise. Contact PMC Insurance Group so we can offer you solutions for all of your difficult clients.

  • Tags clients, difficult clients, empathy, large account, listen, PMC Insurance Group, respect, solutions, tough to insure

By PMC Insurance Group

Since 1996, PMC Insurance Group has worked to help independent agents grow their client base by offering workers' compensation solutions for a wide array of businesses. As one of the most distinguished workers' compensation wholesalers in the country, we have the tools and resources to help you create coverage programs for both small businesses and large accounts.

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PMC Insurance Group – Acquisition Announcement

We at PMC Insurance Group are excited to share that we have joined One80 Intermediaries.

One80 is a privately held wholesaler and program manager based in Boston, MA. With over 35 offices throughout the US and Canada, One80 offers placement services and binding authority for property & casualty, financial lines, personal lines, cannabis, life insurance, medical stop loss, alternative risk, warranty, lender-based insurance, travel/accident and health risks. One80 serves commercial companies, non-profits, public entities, and individuals, and has access to all major insurance markets in the US, Canada and UK.

We have a longstanding relationship with the One80 team and have been extremely impressed with the culture and opportunities available throughout the organization. The One80 partnership will allow us to expand our expertise, offerings and capacity for casualty, professional lines, personal lines, travel/accident, health and more.

With that said, the leadership team and employees at PMC will remain unchanged; and we will continue to provide you with the same customized, market-leading Workers’ Compensation products and services as we have for over 25 years.

We plan to announce this transaction in the next coming weeks. At that time, you will find that our branding will be updated to include the One80 logo. However, the team remains committed to providing you with our outstanding level of service and market leading expertise as we grow together.

Should you have any questions please contact the PMC team directly. We thank you for entrusting us with your business and look forward to supporting you and your clients, helping your business grow in the coming years!

Kind Regards,

David Malloy and Andrew Shaw

Managing Directors

PMC Insurance Group, a division of One80 Intermediaries

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Mendy Cox
Senior Broker - Central

With more than 20 years of experience in the Workers’ Compensation space, Mendy Cox brings deep expertise and a genuine passion for helping agents place challenging risks. Based in the Central, Mendy has built a reputation for her responsive service, market knowledge, and ability to find creative solutions that deliver results. Previously, Mendy was with Jencap Insurance, brokering Workers’ Compensation business and supporting agents nationwide. She thrives on collaboration and enjoys being a trusted resource for agents looking to grow their Workers’ Compensation books across the region.

When she’s not working, Mendy enjoys traveling, live music, cheering on Kansas City’s sports teams, and getting lost in a great book.

[email protected]
(508) 365-5434
Kelly Scarberry
Broker - West

Kelly is an experienced insurance professional with over 12 years in the industry and a strong background in Workers’ Compensation underwriting, most recently at a leading MGA. Kelly brings strong communication skills, a sense of urgency, and a collaborative approach to her agency partners. With deep expertise in risk assessment, coverage structuring, and underwriting strategy, Kelly excels at navigating complex risks and securing favorable terms for clients. She is dedicated to building lasting relationships and delivering tailored insurance solutions with clarity, value, and exceptional service.

Outside the office, Kelly is an avid world traveler who enjoys Pilates and competitive sports.

[email protected]
(619) 374-2852
Melissa Long
Senior Account Manager - StaffPRO3
Melissa joined PMC as a Senior Account Manager on the StaffPRO3 team. She has over 20 years of insurance experience, with more than 10 years focused on Workers' Compensation for Temp Staffing. Melissa has held carrier, agency, and wholesale roles, with most of her time spent at a large MGA where she worked as an underwriter. She has always enjoyed working in specialty programs and found a true passion for the challenges and complexities of the Temp Staffing industry.

In her spare time Melissa loves a challenging puzzle. She is a fierce competitor during family game nights, and when she is not catching up on true crime shows, she is hiking or taking photos as a hobbyist photographer.

[email protected]
(781) 552-5551
HEATHER GROFF
Account Manager (Specialty)
Heather is working as an account manager, supporting PMC clients with their Workers’ Compensation needs. Spanning more than 15 years, Heather’s diverse background in Workers’ Compensation includes work at both retail agencies and an insurance carrier. Heather works from her home office in Minnesota. In her free time she enjoys time with her family, landscaping, traveling and water sports on the lake, and reading.
[email protected]
(781) 202-1711 ext 8380
Jolene Paxson
Associate Broker
With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Jolene brings deep expertise in Workers' Compensation. Her career has been focused on serving as a production underwriter, where she specialized in placing complex Workers’ Compensation risks across a wide range of industries. Jolene combines her technical knowledge with a solution-oriented approach to help our agent partners and their clients find the right coverage for their needs.

In her spare time, Jolene embraces life under the Big Sky—skiing & boating with her family, gardening, and discovering new culinary delights.

[email protected]
(781) 825-8325
Janet Elliott
Transportation Broker

As a Transportation Broker for PMC’s Transportation Workers’ Compensation Division, Janet Elliott provides expertise, guidance, and customized Workers’ Compensation solutions to PMC’s agency partners. She brings more than 30 years of experience in Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Accident wholesale brokering, underwriting, management, premium auditing, and marketing. Janet specializes in placing coverage for all types of transportation risks including long and short-haul trucking, last mile, busing, waste hauling, limousine service, towing and many more. She offers guaranteed cost, loss sensitive, PEO, and Workers’ Compensation package programs nationwide.

Janet’s experience began as a retail agent and she later worked in underwriting and field premium auditing specializing in high-risk Workers’ Compensation with a focus on Trucking/Transportation, USL&H, the oil and gas industry, and commercial construction. In 2012, she joined the Winter Group a wholesale insurance broker, now a division of One80, where she has worked for over 10 years, delivering Workers’ Compensation and Trucker’s Occupational Accident solutions to her trucking agency partners.

Janet holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Professional Insurance Woman (CPIW) designations, both with 25+ years tenure. During her time spent at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, studying business and law, she began forming the foundation of her insurance career. In her spare time Janet is a volunteer wrangler at a horse and cattle ranch in Arizona working with OCJ Kids and Hope Kids organizations

[email protected]
(781) 825-8054
Tara Ouk
Small Business Broker

Tara is a Small Business Broker for PMC, assisting our internal brokers and retail agent partners with new business placements. Prior to joining PMC, Tara was a pharmacy technician at PillPack by Amazon aiding in account management.

In her spare time, she loves going for walks and hikes with her dog, Kale, and watching movies on the couch with her cat, Nellie.

[email protected]
(781) 552-5540
ROSE FREEMAN
Sales Assistant

Rose is a Sales Assistant in the PMC Healthcare Division, supporting the team of PMC brokers that administer our national Worker’s Compensation Healthcare Program and our retail agent partners. Prior to joining PMC, Rose worked at Liberty Mutual for 37 years, holding positions as a Supervisor of Underwriting Support and as an Underwriting Technical Assistant. She worked in both Middle Markets and Small Commercial Units.

In her free time, Rose enjoys spending time with her sister, mom, and daughters, reading books together followed by in-depth discussions and creating crafts using all kinds of material.

[email protected]
(781) 365-1308
Olivia Boyle
Sales Assistant
Olivia Boyle is a Sales Assistant supporting the team of PMC brokers that administer our national Worker’s Compensation Transportation Program to our retail agent partners. Prior to joining PMC, Olivia managed insurance and risk management for a mid-size hospitality company in Raleigh, NC. Olivia is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where she majored in Risk Management & Insurance. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys traveling, and trying new foods.
[email protected]
(781) 825-8378
Stephen Primiano
Vice President, Regional Broker

Stephen Primiano joined PMC in the fall of 2020 after 12 years of working on the retail agency side of insurance. Previously Stephen held producer, broker and account management positions at large national retail agencies which gave him a firsthand understanding of the daily fights and challenges agents go through to “deliver” for their clients. As a previous customer of PMC, it was his PMC team’s partnership and abilities to help him seal deals that ultimately interested him in joining the team.

As Vice President, Regional Broker, Stephen can be counted on for quick turnarounds while delivering Workers’ Compensation expertise and creative solutions to our agent partners. Whether it be assisting with tough-to-place classes of business, a need for a mono-line Workers’ Compensation solution or access to our competitive national program(s) Stephen is relentlessly committed to finding the best options for his clients. Stephen has a degree in Business and Finance from Champlain College.

[email protected]
(781) 365-1108
Claudia Trethewey
Broker for PMC Healthcare Division

Claudia serves as a Broker for PMC's Healthcare Division where she is responsible for providing the most innovative and competitive market solutions for agents and their clients nationwide. With more than 30 years in the insurance industry, Claudia brings a depth of experience and much success in the marketing and placement of complex policies across all lines of commercial business.

Before joining PMC, Claudia served in several key roles at various well-recognized retail agencies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire such as Brown & Brown, Eaton & Berube, Fred C. Church, so she understands the importance of an agent-client relationship and the agent-carrier partnership. Throughout her career, Claudia's expertise has resulted in invitations to participate in Agency Councils with Peerless Insurance, Merchants Insurance, Guard Insurance and Acadia Insurance. Claudia holds both her CIC and CRIS designations.

[email protected]
(781) 365-1711
JAKE MCCARRELL
Broker

Jake is a Midwest-based broker who takes pride in delivering creative, tailored solutions to his retail agent partners to best serve their insureds. He is committed to providing a high level of service, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining clear, consistent communication through responsiveness and open dialogue.

Previously, Jake worked at Izzo Insurance, part of Bridge Specialty Group, since 2021. He holds a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from Illinois State University. Outside of work, Jake is a dedicated foodie who enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid Chicago sports fan—especially the Chicago Bears.

[email protected]
(630) 237-7947
Joe McDonald
Associate Broker
Joe McDonald is an Associate Broker, supporting the Northeast Region. Prior to joining PMC, Joe worked as an Account Manager and Underwriter for First Indemnity Insurance for over 4 years. There he gained valuable experience, knowledge and understanding of the retail side of the industry and needs of insurance agents. Every day Joe applies that knowledge to make it easier for our insurance agent partners to place more business. Joe takes pride in providing his clients with excellent customer service and finding competitive markets that align with their insureds’ needs. Joe is a graduate of Salem State University and has a Business Administration degree with a focus on Finance. During his free time, he enjoys playing sports, traveling, and trying out different restaurants.
[email protected]
(781) 365-1601
Gus Kontogianis
Vice President Healthcare and Staffing Casualty
Gus is a seasoned insurance executive with over 20 years of experience in business development and underwriting, including 16 years focused on the healthcare and staffing industries. Previously he led the development of national staffing/PEO MGA program at INVO Underwriting LLC and held senior positions at firms such as US Risk LLC, All Risks Ltd, and Worldwide Specialty Programs. Known for building strong client relationships and delivering strategic insurance solutions, Gus is committed to helping clients grow and succeed.
[email protected]
(781) 373-8215
MIKE JONES
Senior Broker & Security Services Program Leader

Mike serves as Senior Vice President and leads our Security Services Program. He brings deep experience in commercial insurance, particularly in Workers’ Compensation, along with a strong underwriting background.

Over the past 30 years, Mike has led monoline and security-focused Workers’ Compensation programs at Izzo Insurance, part of Bridge Specialty Group, where he has helped develop specialized solutions for security industry clients.

Drawing on experience with Travelers, CIGNA, Aon, and CNA, along with underwriting leadership roles, Mike simplifies complex risks and helps agents move quickly while delivering strong Workers’ Compensation solutions for their security clients.

Mike is a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago. Outside of work, he enjoys tackling home improvement projects, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling to tropical destinations.

[email protected]
(630) 237-7942
HARRIS BAKER
Broker

Harris is a Northeast-based broker who works closely with retail agents to place Workers’ Compensation coverage across a broad range of industries and risk profiles. Drawing on five years of specialization in Workers’ Compensation, he is dedicated to helping protect companies and their employees through thoughtful, tailored solutions.

Harris brings a strong wholesale background shaped by his experience at Izzo Insurance and his current role at PMC, both part of Bridge Specialty Group, where he partners with clients to deliver valuable market insights and customized coverage solutions. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a major in Urban and Regional Development and minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Outside of the office he enjoys playing golf.

[email protected]
(212) 697-2920
GABRIEL ORTIZ
Associate Broker

Gabriel has two years of experience as an Associate Broker, specializing in identifying and delivering Workers’ Compensation solutions for clients. He also brings over a decade of customer service experience, with a strong focus on building and maintaining lasting client relationships.

Gabriel earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Lewis University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, and especially values time playing with his daughter.

[email protected]
(630) 237-7910
CHERYL JONES
Senior Account Manager

Cheryl serves as a Senior Account Manager, bringing more than 20 years of insurance industry experience with a strong focus on the security sector. Her background spans business development, underwriting, and renewal underwriting, including work with Security America RRG, an insurance program serving the Electronic Security and Life Safety industries.

She maintains a Property & Casualty license in Georgia and earned a B.A. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism from Fort Valley State University. Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys bowling, playing billiards, creating chunky blankets, and spending time with her three furbabies—Mr. Buckets, Rockey, and Bella.

[email protected]
(630) 237-7926
George Enelow
Sales Assistant
George serves as a Sales Assistant, working closely with the PMC brokers to help deliver tailored Workers’ Compensation solutions to independent insurance agents across the country. He brings valuable experience from retail and customer service roles, where he honed his ability to multitask, build strong customer relationships, and manage responsibilities independently. These skills enable George to provide exceptional support to brokers and deliver outstanding service to our agent partners.

George graduated with a degree in communications from Santa Clara University. In his free time, he loves spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, and enjoying the Boston sports scene.

[email protected]
(781) 373-8214
Buzby Robb
Sales Assistant

Buzby is a Sales Assistant supporting the team of PMC brokers that deliver Worker's Compensation solutions to independent insurance agents nationwide. Before joining PMC, Buzby worked for four years as a professional gamer, commentator, and content creator for NRG Esports, Nova Esports, and Spacestation Gaming; focusing on competition, community outreach campaigns with sponsors, and growing his esports brand.

Buzby graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Classics, focusing on the Latin and Greek languages. In his free time, he loves traveling, chess, games, and spending time with friends and family.

[email protected]
(781) 328-4899 ext 4899
Akash Bhatnagar
Sales Assistant

Akash is a Sales Assistant, supporting the team of PMC brokers that deliver Worker’s Compensation solutions to independent insurance agents every day. Prior to PMC, he worked as a Financial Analyst within the aircraft leasing industry, where he honed his financial knowledge. Akash worked in hospitality for five years, developing strong communication and customer service skills. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from Boston University's Questrom School of Business. In his free time, he loves golfing, biking, and spending time with his family and friends.

[email protected]
(781) 825-8270
Derek Bleil, CIC, CPCU
Vice President
West

Derek Bleil, CIC, CPCU, is Regional VP, responsible for leading our West region by delivering Workers’ Compensation expertise and customized coverage solutions to insurance agents and their clients. Derek has over 20 years of insurance experience with deep underwriting knowledge and understanding of the needs of producers. Previously Derek held leadership positions in underwriting, sales, and distribution management. He spent 19 years with EMC Insurance Companies, holding positions as Marketing Director, Underwriting Director, and Vice President with P&L responsibilities. Most recently Derek was Vice President of Underwriting and Marketing at Work First Casualty Company.

Derek attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA and holds the CPCU and CIC designations. In his spare time Derek is an avid football fan, enjoys hiking with his wife and dog, traveling, golfing, and periodically helping on the family farm.

[email protected]
(781) 365-1102
Jacob Roseman
Senior Account Manager – StaffPRO3

Jacob is a Senior Account Manager for our StaffPRO³ team, where he delivers a high level of customer service and expertise to our agent partners and insureds in the temporary staffing industry. Jacob previously held account management and underwriting positions within the Workers’ Compensation and Medical Professional Liability lines of coverage. His previous experience working in positions at carrier, retail agency, and wholesale brokerages provides him with a unique perspective and depth of understanding to best support and serve our agent partners.

Jacob is a graduate of Worcester State University, where he studies Business Administration and Management

[email protected]
(781) 552-5551
Julie Cioci Bell
Associate Broker

Julie is Associate Broker for the South Region where she helps agents with their Workers’ Compensation placement. Previously Julie worked for Travelers Insurance for seven years as a Workers’ Compensation underwriter on some of their most complex accounts. She is knowledgeable with the Assigned Risk Workers’ Compensation laws, rules and regulations which gives her added depth and perspective on how to approach and market new business accounts our carriers. Julie is dedicated to finding competitive market solutions for all her clients.

Julie is a graduate of Valencia College in Orlando, FL. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor recreation with her family.

[email protected]
(781) 825-8056