Meeting Information

Sam Bennett is an active retail producer, presenter, and partner in Harrison Agency, Inc. of Columbia, Missouri. He began his insurance career in 1987 and has been an Independent Insurance Agent from the beginning. He has worked with individuals, families, and small businesses his entire career. In this capacity, he has worked in the personal lines, commercial lines, and life and health marketplaces. As a result of working with many types of clients, many carriers, and many coverage needs, Sam has grown to understand and appreciate the myriad ways an insurance professional must work with markets and clients in today's insurance world.

Sam obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 1997. He has taught coursework for The National Alliance in their CISR program since 2000, has presented in their CIC program since 2004, and in 2009 became a National Faculty Member of the Society of CIC. Sam is also a National Faculty Member in the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) program. He has been called upon to offer insurance education in conferences and symposiums across the country over the past several years and has provided service in the capacity of expert witness.

Sam currently serves as President of the Missouri Insurance Education Foundation. A former Missouri "Young Agent of the Year", Sam's true passion is cooking. He, his wife, Lisa, and daughters, Lindley and Brittan, offer their culinary talents to many local organizations for the purpose of fundraising for those organizations.

Paul Burkett is the President and CEO of Snoaspen Insurance Group, Inc. which specializes in risk management consulting, insurance teaching, and expert witness services for agents' errors and omission carriers.

Paul began his career as a Loss Control Representative for SAFECO Insurance Company after serving as an Officer in the United States Air Force. During his career with SAFECO, Paul served as a Loss Control Supervisor, Loss Control Manager, Commercial Sales Representative, Division Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager, and Regional Workers Compensation Manager. From Safeco Insurance Company, Paul worked for Frank B. Hall & Company as a Vice President in charge of Risk Management Services. Paul was responsible for design and implementation of alternative insurance programs such as pools, self-insurance, and captives. From Frank B. Hall, Paul assisted in establishing the Meadowbrook of Colorado office and focused on developing specialized group programs. Paul assisted in establishing TUITIONGard which specialized in coverages for private student loans provided through banks in the United States. This operation has recently been sold and the operations are being phased out over the next few years.

Paul has a Juris Doctorate from Concord School of Law, an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and has completed graduate work at the University of Oklahoma in Public Administration. Paul has obtained the following designations: Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Loss Control Management (ALCM), and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Paul is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance and has served on the Board of Governors of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.