Ori-gen

The worst of times for humanity brings out the best of humanity. After Mother Nature unleashed gale force winds through Southern California on January 7th, 2025, walls of flame leaped to life and roared through the Pacific Palisades and separately in the Eaton Canyon/Altadena/Pasadena areas.?By the morning of January 8th 2025, Hell on Earth became a reality. The new year of 2025 had just begun and California’s infamous wildfires were already wreaking havoc to countless lives and causing mass devastation everywhere it touched.??? The media has been quick to jump on this catastrophe and has broadcast news questioning the solvency of the insurance companies to be able to pay the claims; jumping on the bandwagon to talk about how insurance companies are not adequately providing enough insurance coverage for peoples’ losses; and in short, making the insurance industry the “bad guy” in this tragedy. Yet, the truth is, along with first responders, the insurance industry, from agents and brokers to carriers have demonstrated almost instantaneous responsiveness, unending support and services, and a vast donation of financial assistance, resources, and supplies that are astounding. Ori-gen and it’s family of agencies responded to the emergency immediately, by getting information out to our clients that were identified to be in the wildfire zones.?Emails were sent to the clients with information to help them navigate through preparing for a wildfire, emergency evacuation, and pursuing a claim within hours of the news breaking about the wildfires. Calls were made, hands were “virtually” held as we continued to communicate information, solutions, and advise on how to move forward in the mist of destruction.?Our team got help to our clients days ahead of the carriers and other larger agencies.?The feedback from our clients has been resoundingly positive. But it’s not just the time our people put in during work to help our clients or the paperwork that is published.?It’s the overwhelming voices of our Ori-gen family asking how they can help, wanting to donate their time, energy, and funds to help all those in need and the willingness of our team to go the extra mile and assist in any way they can to help those in need move forward. Despite the bad press these days that our industry is getting, I’m very proud to be working alongside my colleagues and this company, demonstrating what empathy looks like, defining what charity is, and in showing the best of what humanity can be.

As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we asked Mark Todd, Director of Strategic Partnerships and a Client Advisor for The J. Morey Company, Inc. for his perspective on the industry, his culture, and how the two have impacted him. Mark has over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, and had roles in premium financing and insurance consulting before joining the agency. He earned his Bachelor's degree from USC, where he also played baseball. ?Black professionals have had a long history of involvement in the insurance industry, does that heritage play a personal role in your career? African-American heritage definitely plays a role in my career. Early in my insurance career I had the opportunity to connect with many other African-American insurance professionals who helped serve as mentors to me and provided me with the encouragement and advice that have allowed me to develop skills and continue to grow within this amazing industry. I have always taken pride in my heritage and learned to balance authenticity and professionalism throughout my career. I think that has provided encouragement for other African-Americans to pursue a career in insurance. Organizations such as the NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association and the Black Insurance Industry Collective have had significant growth and have allowed the next generation to see that this amazing industry welcomes anyone regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. ?Are there any individuals from Black history that stand out to you and/or play a role in your professional inspiration or goals? I have many Black heroes but the most inspirational is Barack Obama. Up until November of 2008 I had friends and family members doubt that they would ever see a Black president and low and behold he wins the election by a landslide. This brought me a sense of belief that anything is possible if you dream big and work hard. ?How has involvement in IIABCal helped support your career as an insurance professional? IIABCal has shown me the importance of how serving and advocating for your industry can not only help sustain the industry, but it can help you grow, develop, and thrive in your career. Through this association I have learned the importance of its advocacy and have also met some amazing insurance professionals, developed many great friendships, and earned numerous business and career opportunities. Through IIABCal I have met mentors, served as a mentor, and have made my family and my community proud. ?What opportunities do you feel the industry provides for Black professionals? There are many opportunities for Black professionals in the insurance industry, and so many facets and positions that can fit almost any skill-set or interest. This industry has been a lot of fun for me. I've met a diverse group of professionals and have made some amazing memories. You can make a great living if you dedicate yourself to learning, maintain strong values, and work hard. The sky is the limit!