Arlene Lieberman is a principal with Barney & Barney, a privately held insurance brokerage founded in 1909. She was appointed to serve on the firm’s board of directors earlier this year.
With offices in San Diego, Orange County and the Bay Area, Barney & Barney provides insurance, risk-management and employee benefits solutions to companies of all sizes. The firm has 311 associates statewide, including 265 associates in the local office.
As a member of Assurex Global partnership of brokers, Barney & Barney is able to provide global insurance solutions for clients while offering personalized, local service.
RESUM & #201;
Name: Arlene Lieberman.
Company: Barney & Barney.
Titles: Principal, board member.
Education: B.S. in education, Ohio State University; M.S., National University.
Birthplace: New York.
Age: 57.
Current residence: Solana Beach.
Family: Two sons, Brett, 31, and Ryan, 29.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: Work with integrity, honesty and fairness. Never stop listening to your clients and associates.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Staying connected to my clients, my staff and the marketplace.
Guiding principle: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s a simple rule to follow and you’ll always feel good at the end of the day.
Yardsticks of success: 27 years in a business I love while raising two wonderful sons on my own.
Goals yet to be achieved: To see my sons happily married and having families of their own. I’m looking forward to being a grandmother.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: Joining Barney & Barney.
Worst business decision: The one that got away.
Toughest business decision: Terminating a client relationship because our associates were not being treated in a manner consistent with my core values. While this was a tough decision, it was also an easy one to make.
Biggest missed opportunity: Based on my life so far, I have no regrets.
Words that describe you: Passionate, energetic, fair and supportive.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: The people I get to work with both clients and associates.
What you like least about your job: Just when I learn a new piece of technology, it changes!
Pet peeve: Poor grammar and spelling.
Most important lesson learned: Become self-reliant and trust my instincts.
Person most interested in meeting: My parents passed away 20 years ago and I wish I could have known them as they grew older.
Three greatest passions: My sons, my work and the theater.
First choice for a new career: Musical lyricist.
Favorite quote: “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” , Beverly Sills.
Most influential book: “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
Favorite status symbol: Being a Barney & Barney owner.
Favorite restaurant: Fleming’s.
Favorite place for business meetings: In my client’s office where they’re most comfortable.
Favorite vacation spot: New York City.
Favorite way to spend time: With family and friends, going to the theater and having a spa day.
What’s on your iPod: Journey, Chris Daughtry, Leona Lewis.
What do you drive: Lexus SC 430.
Do you use a GPS: Yes.
Do you use a PDA: Yes.
