Looking Back, Moving Forward Part III: John Petschauer’s Passion
HOW DID INSURANCE BECOME JOHN PETSCHAUER’S PASSION?
As a young man with the Korean War underway, John realized that joining the U.S. Air Force would be his best opportunity for learning by seeing the world. His travels took him all over the US as well as Africa. He loved learning different languages, math and management skills. In the Air Force he was assigned the roll of accounting, overseeing the soldier’s benefits and managing the administrative staff. It was during this time he recognized his love for being with people, supporting and protecting them. When John returned to Ridgewood after serving his country for 4 years, he met Mr. Durner, an insurance broker. Looking to retire, Mr. Durner saw John’s love of people and office experience and offered to mentor him.
John saw many of his immigrant neighbors and friends learning and growing just like he was and this was the opportunity to provide them with insurance to protect their American Dream. As a professional insurance consultant, John protected their property and assets by providing them with the proper insurance for their needs and budget. John’s friends and family valued his insurance knowledge and professional services so much that they referred their friends and family to the Petschauer Insurance Agency. And so, the Petschauer Insurance legacy began.
John married Ingrid, an amazing, Ingrid, who not only emigrated from the same region in Austria but who also upheld the same strong values as he did. Ingrid, who was very much ahead of her time, took the leadership to be beside John every step of the way. She worked in the family restaurant business at night with John while they were growing their insurance business. Then she attended many networking functions with him to enhance their referrals, which also helped to grow their business.
Even while raising their 2 daughters, Ingrid remained an active partner with John at the Petschauer Insurance Agency. When their daughters were grown, Ingrid obtained her insurance license so she was able to help manage clients as well as continue networking with John. Ingrid still continues to be an active partner in growing the Petschauer business today.
If you missed part 2, go read it here!
Insurance is in the Petschauer legacy. Find out more about what this means in next week’s blog #4.
By: Heidi Petschauer, CIC
President
