Instructor Profiles

Robert Ford

CIC, CISR, CPIA, CLCS, MLIS

Robert Ford is Senior Vice President, and Director of the Claims Division for American Insurance Center. Bob started in the insurance business at age 19, when he was hired by Nodak Mutual Insurance Company as a territory producer in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and later transferred to Dickinson North Dakota. Bob returned in 1978 to Devils Lake, North Dakota to work in and purchase the family run agency. He has been with Ford Insurance Agency ever since.Bob has since involved himself in the insurance industry participating in several programs. Early in his career he started training with the IIAA of Iowa at the University of Iowa on an annual basis with their agency management school. These sessions were led by nationally known Dr. Emmett Vaughn. Those sessions helped Bob to lay the foundation for a good understanding of the insurance industry and the agency company relationships.Bob was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for North Dakota PIA (Professional Insurance Agents), and served in that position for 13 years. During that time his favorite activity was chairing the education committee. He held that position for eight years. Bob especially enjoyed chairing the education committee because in his view education is critical to a successful career. He has been privileged to serve as North Dakota PIA President and has also served as North Dakota PIA National Director. In trying to further his education, Bob completed his CIC designation in 2001, and his CISR designation in 2006. In addition, he has earned the following insurance designations, CPIA (Certified Professional Insurance Agent), CLCS (Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist), MLIS (Management Liability Insurance Specialist), and CRIS (Construction Risk Insurance Specialist).Enjoying education so much, Bob continues his educational pursuits by teaching many insurance workshops each year around the country, and is also a member of the national faculty for the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.