PIA National Names Cole Tucker 2014 Professional Agent of the Year

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cole Tucker, CIC, CRM, LUTCF, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, has been named the 2014 Professional Agent of the Year by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). Tucker is the president and owner of Tucker-Franklin Insurance Group, Inc.

"This year's honoree is an outstanding PIA agency owner, a pillar of his community, a firm believer in continuing education and a stalwart supporter of PIA," said PIA National President John G. Lee, who presented the award. "Cole started his agency as a 'scratch' agency in 1998 and has grown it to one that boasts three million dollars in premium volume. He served as President of PIA of Virginia & DC in 2009-2010; and in 2013, he was named the statewide Agent of the Year."

Tucker was honored for his tireless efforts on behalf of the insurance industry, the independent agency system and his PIA colleagues, along with his commitment to education, involvement in community affairs and overall success.

"One of the first things I did when I opened my agency with my friend Gerald Hemphill was to join PIA, but it was not my decision," said Tucker. "My grandmother – who is with me here today – gave me the dues to join PIA. Her agency wrote the insurance for PIA of Virginia & D.C., and when she gave me the dues check, she said 'You go talk to Elsie [Reamy, the late executive vice president of PIA of Virginia & DC]; she'll tell you what to do.' I did, and I've been here ever since."

The PIA National Professional Agent of the Year award was presented during a gala luncheon ceremony on March 28, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia, held during the national PIA meetings, which followed the annual PIA Federal Legislative Summit (FLS).

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America ^(SM). PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

This press release is online at: http://pianet.com/news/press-releases/2014/coletucker2014agentofyear040814

Photo: http://www.pianet.com/images/2014/coletucker/

(L to R) PIA National President and Virginia agent John G. Lee celebrates the 2014 Agent of the Year award with award winner Cole Tucker.

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents