George Nordhaus, a long-time expert in the insurance industry has passed away. In a career spanning almost seven decades, he has participated and assisted carriers, associations and the independent insurance agency network from consulting, speaking and publishing regular newsletters (Insurance Marketing and Management Services – IMMS) to his most recent ventures, the Insurance Hiring System and USA Insurance Network that brings together agencies, consumers and General Agencies, Wholesalers and Program Managers to provide coverage to the insurance buying public throughout the U.S.
During his 90 years, George never figured out how to rest and relax. Whether a solid victory or a challenge leading him to the next “project”, George was always the “Energizer Bunny” – always on the go looking for the next solution for the advancement of the insurance agency industry.
Nordhaus began his insurance career at the Insurors of Tennessee, the Big I agent’s association, shortly after graduating from Vanderbilt University. After six years in that position, he moved back to his native Indiana and became EVP of the Indiana Big I. Along the way, he founded Insurors Press, a publishing firm that later became Insurance Marketing and Management Services (IMMS). He left IMMS in 2008 to form AgenciesOnline.biz, and in 2017, he started the USA Insurance Network.
Nordhaus has been honored by the Boston Board of Fire Underwriters as Insurance Person of the Year and by the Insurance Marketing Communications Association with its Golden Torch Award. He is also a recipient of the IIABA President’s Award and served as an elector to the Insurance Hall of Fame. In addition, he was of the first 100 non-British subjects to become a Lloyd’s Name at Lloyd’s of London.
Throughout his career, Nordhaus has written books on insurance sales and marketing, authored a weekly newsletter for 40 years, has written columns for multiple trade magazines, and has spoken at more than 2,000 conferences and conventions in the US, Canada and Europe. “Independent insurance agency marketing became my mantra, my specialty, my passion – and it still is,” he said.
George’s wit, wisdom and counsel will be sorely missed by the industry that he nurtured for all of his adult life. Rest In Peace, George. Your students and next generations will continue to develop the insurance industry in your name.