05/30/2026
Thirty-Two Years of Evolution at Special Risk Insurance:
Upon my departure from the Fire Marshal’s office at the conclusion of 1994, I discovered that Special Risk Insurance, despite its effective operations, was burdened by an excessive number of large 8x3-foot metal file cabinets. At that time, approximately ten such cabinets were crammed into the office on Jamestown Avenue in Baton Rouge. These cabinets contained an extensive collection of paper and forms that documented the history of each fire department, meticulously compiled by my mother’s business.
During the mid-1995 period, I initiated collaborations with the IT Department at Glatfelter Insurance Group, engaging in discussions about the technological advancements within the insurance industry. I actively participated in technology conventions and persistently urged my mother to embrace these innovations and streamline operations by adopting emerging systems and software solutions. Our most contentious disagreement centered around Agency Management Systems’ new product, AfW for Windows, and the required Microsoft Software Licenses. The AfW software’s exorbitant cost of $30,000 at the time was a significant point of contention.
Following several AfW demonstration sessions in Texas, my mother relented and acknowledged that time is an immutable force. With the installation of workstations, servers, and a slow internet connection (not dial-up), along with the introduction of new software, we invested approximately $100,000 to undergo a comprehensive overhaul of the office. The transition commenced gradually. While paper files persisted for several more years, the conversion to paperless processes was implemented across all business functions. Eventually, the Insurance Commissioners’ Office permitted the complete conversion to digital files, with limited exceptions, primarily for CTRs and Uninsured Motorist Forms.
Over the past 32 years, servers, software, workstations, and internet affordability have evolved to the point where most offices operate high speed internet with minimal latency. The most significant transformation for me occurred not 32 years ago but within the last decade, as the adoption of cloud systems by all our vendors accelerated. I dedicated a substantial portion of my adult life to utilizing robust servers and workstations, and now Special Risk Insurance operates solely on data pads and a cloud system. The photographs presented depict the conclusion of an era. Notably absent are two domain controllers, an Exchange Server, and several Barracuda Appliances housed in the rack, replaced by cloud systems and applications on data pads. If we were not required to maintain a physical delivery address or a storage facility for our convention supplies, we would be perfectly capable of working remotely or on the road.
Redundancy is the cornerstone of our operations, regardless of whether we are working from the office, home, or vacation. Continuous customer contact 24/7 ensures that Special Risk Insurance and VFIS of Miss/Lou provide the highest level of customer service.
I frequently receive inquiries regarding the experience of continuing a tradition initiated by my mother, Lynda Vince, in 1981, and subsequently with her establishment of Special Risk Insurance in 1991. My response is, “It is an honor to guide her vision into the future.” Although the company has evolved to provide insurance coverage for various entities through Glatfelter Insurance Programs, our core values will remain steadfastly aligned with her initial passion, the first responders and firefighters who willingly risk their lives daily to safeguard our communities.
We eagerly anticipate the future developments.
