I focus on commercial insurance, particularly in the transportation, petroleum and wood-related industries. I am uniquely positioned to help my clients due to running my own distribution and brokerage company for over 20 years, throughout the Pacific NW. I proactively remain on top of trends and changes within the insurance industry, in order to best advise my clients. I have earned the title of Accredited Advisor in Insurance, (AAI) designation.Today, we have nine Leavitt offices throughout Washington State, but in no way have we forgot our humble origins. Started in 1948, by Lawrence Whitfield, a former logger, who decided the logging business, was personally too risky and that he would try his hand at helping others manage their own risk. The company grew under Lawrence’s guidance and other members of the Whitfield family joined the business. Eventually, stewardship of the company was passed to Lawrence’s son, Don Whitfield.In 2012, Don partnered with the Leavitt Group to bring national resources to our local relationships. Through our partnership, we have been empowered to better serve our clients – which is why we are here – and we now have the market strength and capability of the 7th largest private insurance brokerage in the country.Through Leavitt’s one-of-a-kind affiliation model, we have maintained local ownership and the flexibility to drive real value to some of the Puget Sound’s most success businesses.Our team is composed of experienced professionals – graduates of the University of Washington, Western Washington University, the University of Puget Sound and many other fine Northwest institutions. Our client advisors and service professionals are industry experts in Property and Casualty, as well as Employee Benefit fields. These include Transportation, Construction, Oil and Gas, Real Estate Practices, Senior and Assisted Living, Manufacturing, Non-Profits, Auto Service and Sales, and the Hospitality and Restaurant industries.

Leverage exceptional leadership and business management talents to oversee daily operations and implement strategic planning for food and beverage distribution firm.Direct customer support and sales, communicating extensively with corporate offices of major grocery chains, including Costco, Associated Grocers, Flemming, West Coast Grocery, Bartell's, Haggen, Top Foods, United Bakeries, Franz Bakeries, Snyders, and Gais' Bakeries, as well as small chains and independent stores. Oversee direct sales team to increase exposure and open new territories. Respond to customer concerns and deliver effective solutions, securing lasting relationships. Communicate with customers to present products and negotiate pricing. Serve as point of contact for vendors and manage all purchasing. Establish pricing and manage costs to maintain profit margin. Coordinate shipments to and from warehouse. Manage accounts payable and receivable, purchase orders, invoices, and inventory reports. Supervise nine employees, coaching and advising on performance; administer HR operational oversight. Ensure compliance with DOT policies and safety standards.Key Achievements:~ Successfully established three-state distribution systems with multiple warehouses.~ Increased profitability by optimizing payment terms.~ Enhanced safety system for drivers, earning highest rating from state of Washington~ Implemented improved inventory rotation format to limit product expiration issues.~ Effectively managed collections to maintain positive customer relationships while reducing bad debt.

Owned two variety stores with an off-premise warehouse and distribution. The stores were comprised of mostly food, gift, and card sales. We also had an espresso stand.

Sort mail, pull files, and match insurance claims.