Interstate National Corporation recently appointed Mark Mishler as CEO. Mark took time to share with Agent Entrepreneur an overview of Interstate and what lies ahead.
Tell us about your company and the products that you offer.
Interstate National Corporation is a holding company that owns Interstate National Dealers Services, National Warranty Corporation, Payment Insured Plan Inc., Proivida Group, MBAC, RpmOne and INDS Canada. While we offer traditional products like vehicle service contracts and ancillary products for, autos, RV's and powersport vehicles, what we really offer is quality service, expert administration and flexible programs.
How does your product offering differ from other providers?
Our product offering focuses on providing quality service while delivering flexible programs that are tailored to our clients’ needs.
What are the top three areas of quality service that Interstate focuses on?
Agent and dealer development and training, claims administration and responsive to new product development and implementation.
Who are your target markets and what message would you like to give them?
At Interstate, we have multiple markets ranging from the consumer, dealer, agents, direct marketers, manufacturers, and strategic partners and my message to them is we have a tremendous opportunity to provide the consumer the ultimate buying and service experience through our partnerships as well as future opportunities through multi media outlets.
Tell us about yourself and how you became CEO of Interstate.
I have been in the insurance business my entire career spending the first 15 years in the property and casualty business and the past 14 plus years on the warranty/extended service contract business. Many people may know that I spent nine years with The Warranty Group, Inc., with my last position being that of President and COO. In addition, I was also CEO of Resource Automotive and President of Virginia Surety, Company, Inc.
I believe my experience, knowledge of the business and profitable track record is what the Board of Directors of Interstate National and owners were looking for in a new Chief Executive.
Looking back over the past five years, how has the industry changed and how do you see it changing in the future?
As everyone knows the world changed in 2008 and we still have not fully recovered as a nation or the economy from the effects of that turmoil. Credit is still tight, retail sales are still below the 2008 levels, and the general feeling of the consumer is things are getting worse, not better.
Based on less retail sales, dealerships throughout our country had to relook at their business model. This resulted in a refocus on the customer experience/retention while at the same time increasing profit opportunities in all aspects of the dealer's operations.
What products do you believe will drive your future success?
There will always be a need for traditional products however I believe that superior service, program flexibility and product innovation will drive future success. I also believe that a multi-dimensional delivery system will also enhance success.
What technology or services do you believe will drive your future success?
Technology is ever evolving both in dealership and multi media. A combination of front to back end application development in dealerships as well as social networks, mobile apps, and other internet strategies will drive future business not only for Interstate but the industry as a whole.
Is Interstate currently using social networks and mobile apps in moving their company forward?
Not currently.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What do you like to do to relax and what outside interests and hobbies do you have?
I am married with two daughters and I enjoy attending their sporting events and cheering them on. Golf and running are my passions and - am a 20-year retired military officer.
