I received an email from Progressive informing me that our Agency was in the top three producers of motorcycle insurance for them in MA., and that they would be doing an article on me and the agency in their Agent's monthly magazine.
This is the draft.... all that's missing is Maureen who's been with me for over 16 years! :*)
Thank you all for taking the time to read it!
A League of Her Own
Local agent named to Motorcycle Hall of Fame
It’s easier to sell Motorcycle insurance if you ride one yourself.
Local Massachusetts Agent Betsy Lister began her love affair with riding 41 years ago when she bought her first bike – a 1969 Yamaha 375. She continues that passion today aboard her 2007 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide™.
“What I love most about riding is the feeling of freedom, the ability to inhale the landscape and be a part of it – each bend in the road becomes another adventure,” says Betsy. “And being part of the motorcycle community feels like being part of a big family.”
In August, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum in Sturgis, S.D., will induct Betsy into its 2010 Hall of Fame class, recognizing the ways she keeps fellow bikers safe, educated, entertained, and aware.
Known in some circles as “Gypsypshn” (short for “Gypsy passion”), Betsy has ridden more than 100,000 miles. An activist for motorcyclists' insurance and safety rights, she collaborates with state and local organizations and legislatures. In 2004, she worked with Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney to create the proclamation for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period that happens every spring. She also served as safety and education director of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association and contributed to many charitable organizations on behalf of motorcyclists in her state.
Riding one day, selling the next
Betsy combines her passion for motorcycles with her 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. She opened Lister Insurance Agency in Medford, Mass., in 1991. Specializing in property casualty coverages, like homeowner, auto and, of course, Motorcycle, Lister Insurance started selling Progressive’s Motorcycle product in April 2009 when it rolled out in Massachusetts.
Betsy is a fan of the product – particularly the Custom Parts and Equipment/Accessory coverage and Roadside Assistance coverage. She hosted a Progressive booth at the 2010 Boston Bike Show, where she spread the word about Progressive and quoted about 40 policies, most of which she ended up writing. And, Betsy’s customers are so pleased with their Motorcycle insurance overall that they’re allowing her to quote and manage their auto and homeowners’ policies, as well.
“This is a person who talks the talk and walks the walk,” says Doug McCarvill, a regional business development consultant who works with Betsy and other agents to grow their Special Lines business. “She is an effective Motorcycle agent who understands her customers. We’re proud to have her as an ambassador.”
