As usual, I brought home several stories from this year’s IBO conference in Salt Lake City. From learning that all draft beer in Utah can be no more than 5% ABV. To spending Tuesday skiing with fellow IBO members, Mike Helm (Dakota), Craig Berry (Stark Capital), and Zach Hogue (Roar Outdoor), at Snowbird. And, of course, my dad, Richard, and I being mistaken for a married couple by two young ladies before the Wednesday dinner (sponsored by Kalil & Co.). But the story that sticks out the most exemplifies perhaps the true value of IBO.
On Wednesday morning, I chose a random seat in the audience next to Brian Cone with the Cone insurance brokerage firm out of Alabama. Bill Lodzinski gave our law firm a (gracious) shoutout during his lovely presentation while talking about the importance of attention to detail in professions across the spectrum.
I’d not met Brian before, so he asked me what I did, and I told him, “I’m the best billboard lawyer in the room.” (Mike Hershey and Richard Rothfelder hadn’t arrived yet.). I asked Brian what he did, and I went on to comment that this was the beauty of the conference, in my view—you have in one room, every person and resource you could ever need in this industry. From sales experts, to data analysts, brokers, lenders, insurance carriers, sign manufacturers. It’s hard to find an end to the list.
Two hours later, I sit down with Brett Gilbreath from Gilbreath Outdoor, and I share the story from the morning. I explain, again, “One of the greatest values to being in this group is having access in one place to everyone and everything you could need in the industry, whether it be lawyers or insurance brokers.” And Brett responded, “It’s funny you mention that, because I need a new insurance policy for my LED’s.” I tell Brett that I serendipitously sat next to the folks from the Cone insurance company this morning and handed him Brian’s card. After lunch, I tell Brian about the referral, and (not) jokingly urge him to return the favor. Within minutes, he shows me an email he’s received from Brett.
To my knowledge, there is no better resource for industry participants than IBO. Nowhere else do you have access to colleagues and professionals that can help you start, maintain, grow, and maybe even sell your OOH company. IBO has introduced me to countless clients and friends. But it’s also put me in a position to refer those same clients to insurance carriers, brokers, lenders, and other professionals supporting the industry. Looking forward to more stories and fun in the fall.
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