President
When did you start working with Unland?
I started working at Unland after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1989. My first position was in Operations where I handled Accounting and Computer Systems tasks for the agency. In August 1994, I transitioned into Sales and was given various promotions from the growth we experienced in the company over the years. In January 2016, I was named President of Unland Companies where I continue to focus on sales and overall growth.
What is your overall experience in the insurance industry?
I’ve worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years… all with Unland. I primarily sell and service all lines of business, but largely focused on Commercial P&C and Employee Benefits. Individual and agency niche programs that I have worked with include: Educational Institutions, Public Entities, Manufacturing, Contracting, Non-Profits, Houses of Worship, Hospitality, Technology, Medical & Professional Services, and Health Sciences
Some of the insurance licenses, credentials, and designations I have received include:
- Licensed for Property & Casualty and Life & Health in the State of Illinois (1991)
- Achieved the (CIC) Certified Insurance Counselor designation (1997)
- Achieved the (CSRM) Certified School Risk Manager designation (2009), the first recipient in the State of IL
- Recognized as a Peoria Area 40 Leaders Under 40 (1997)
- Nominated and selected as Regional Director and Board Member of the Independent Insurance Agents (IIA) of IL (2015-2020)
- Nominated and selected as the Government Relations Committee Chairperson for the IIA of IL (2020-present)
Tell us about your family.
I’m one of five children. I was born, raised, and continue to be a lifelong resident of Pekin. I married Lisa, my classmate and fellow graduate of Pekin High School, and we have four children together: Nathan, Carter, Jenna, and Justin. We also have two beautiful rescue dogs, Maggie and Kelce.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Most of our time is spent with family and going to various sports activities for our kids. I also enjoy many outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and golf, and try to keep active with basketball and fitness training. My wife and I also enjoy traveling, seeing the country and world we live in, and going to college and professional sporting events – specifically the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals.
In what ways do you give back to your community?
I have served as Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Pekin High School for over 28 years (1991-present). I have also been a Pekin Chamber of Commerce Board Member (1996-2003), Pekin Chamber of Commerce Board President (2001-2002); Past Board Member and Treasurer of the American Cancer Society; Past Board Member of the United Way of Pekin; Unity Point Pekin Foundation Board Member (2018-Present); Economic Development Advisory Committee Member for the City of Pekin (2020-Present) and have coached Youth Sports and Travel Teams for over 10 years (basketball and baseball). My family and I are also active members of St. Joseph’s Church in Pekin and volunteer our time there as well.
- ptaphorn@unland.com
- 309-642-6833