Ozarks Profile - Raylene Caywood

PJC Insurance, at 1801 W. Norton, is un-der new ownership, and Raylene Caywood is now leading the company.

"One year ago this month, PJC was purchased as a family-owned business. The majority owners are my parents, Bobby and Loretta Seltz. Dennis and Steve Chappell are a vital part of this agency and remain as my partners and retain a minority ownership," she said.

Tell us about your company.

"PJC is a full-service independent insurance agency. We currently have 40 employees, with most of them being long-term. They are absolutely the most valuable part of our assets," Caywood said. "Our goal is to not only continue being the largest producer of truck insurance in the area, but also to solicit new commercial, life and health, and work-site marketing products to expand the other departments as well," Caywood said.

How did your involvement with insurance begin?

"My first job was in the underwriting department of Modern Security Life In-surance, which was owned by Pat Jones. After a few years, the company was sold and moved to Kansas City. I continued in the insurance industry, expanding into other lines of insurance," Caywood said.

Her background has been in risk management, employee benefits and agency management in the banking industry. Before going to PJC, Caywood spent 23 years employed with Empire Bank and Central Bancompany.

"Because of my background, we have developed a niche market, specializing in banking products and services. PJC just recently received a full endorsement from an adjacent state banking association," Caywood said.

What trends do you see developing in the insurance market?

"The Sept. 11 terrorist attack has caused a reduction in capacity and pressure on prices particularly in the reinsurance marketplace. We are seeing an increase in premiums in all lines and (insured parties) are looking at options such as higher de-ductibles, less excess liability coverage, etc.," Caywood said. She added that employers are considering more changes to their group health policies than in the past because of the premium increases. Also, she said, work-site marketing products are playing a vital role in the enhancement of the overall benefit packages for employers and employees.

What can you tell us about your family?

"My daughter, Tiffany, is married and she and Derek have a son, Alex (who's) almost 2. I am enjoying my grandson more than I could have imagined. Tiffany is in her first year of teaching at Parkview High School.

My son, Jerod, is a junior at MU majoring in political science not housekeeping. I am so fortunate to have wonderful, long-term friends in Springfield who are very important to me," Caywood said.

How do you most enjoy spending your spare time?

Caywood said she enjoys golf and has committed to playing once a week in the ladies' league after work. Also, she said, "I greatly enjoy my older home which I continue to renovate, and I love to travel."

by Maria Hoover