William Shaw
Founder, Vantage Insurance Services, Inc
William "Bill" Shaw is President of Vantage Insurance Services, Inc. As a veteran in the insurance industry, Bill started his career with The Prudential Insurance Company of America in 1984, where he was a manager in the south Florida region. Bill has been self employed with his own agency since 1995.
Always looking for opportunities to better educate himself, Bill completed the necessary training to become a Certified Estate Plan Advisor, and a Microsoft Systems Engineer (MCSE). Living in hurricane prone South Florida since 1979, Bill also decided it worthy to become a housing inspector with Parsons - Brinkhoffer as a FEMA contractor. This decision led him to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina where he spent a month inspecting damaged properties and helping families recover.
In 2008, another great opportunity presented itself when Bill was approached by his long-time friend - Bernie Moyle, to join Vantage Hospitality Group in developing a one-of-a-kind insurance program that would be the first in the hospitality industry. Never turning down an opportunity for success, Bill came on board with his many years of experience in the insurance industry, and took the lead in developing an exclusive insurance program with an array of coverage's, provided by top-rated insurance companies.
Bill's vision, hard work, and dedication to both the insurance and hospitality industries, has afforded Vantage Insurance Services, Inc. the opportunity to create a thriving book of business; while ensuring that its Clients have the ability to use leverage through purchasing power to reduce rates on their property insurance without compromising benefits.
Bill's number one goal is to provide excellent service, while working diligently with individuals, families and businesses to produce quality insurance coverage based on your specific needs.
Venica "Nikki" Blakely
Office Manager, Vantage Insurance Services, Inc.
Nikki Blakely is a long time employee of Vantage Hospitality Group where she has been instrumental in assisting Executive Management with the implementation of day-to-day operations as well as new business development such as Lexington Hotels and Vantage Insurance Services. With over seven years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nikki has developed great rapport with senior level executives and has built strong relationships with many of VHG's Hoteliers.
As a Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA), Nikki has an understanding of many aspects of the hospitality industry. Her background in marketing and administration, as well as her commitment to superior customer service were key attributes that made her a prime choice for President, Bill Shaw, who during May of 2009, added Nikki to the Vantage Insurance team as Office Manager. Responsible for the day-to-day administrative duties, marketing and public relations; Nikki assisted in helping Vantage Insurance rebrand its image and key marketing messages, in addition to helping expand its reach to new, potential clientele.
Donald “Donnie” Lowe
Personal Lines Service Representative
Donald “Donnie” Lowe, after obtaining a degree in finance, began his professional career with Vantage Hospitality Group as an intern in 2008 and, was hired permanently soon after in 2009 as a Financial Analyst. His day-to-day activities as a Financial Analyst focused primarily on assisting the Controller of VHG with financial reporting on month-end closings relating to balance sheets and profit/loss statements; as well as cash-flow management. In addition, his responsibilities also included assisting with the preparation and evaluation of budgets and reports. Donnie’s great skill for analyzing numbers and being very detailed oriented, provided him with an opportunity to work on special projects in addition to his normal duties; such as assisting the CFO with conducting financial analysis relating to potential new property purchases and acquisitions, and contributing to revenue management projects as well.
With his well versed knowledge and expertise in accounting and finance, and having an interest in working in the insurance industry; Donnie became a licensed 4-40 Customer Service Representative (CSR), and was added to the Vantage Insurance team in 2011 as a Personal Lines Service Representative. Donnie’s responsibilities include assisting with the solicitation of new business, resolving customer billing issues, keeping record of customer interactions and transactions, and overseeing the financial data management system.
Energetic and always willing to learn new things, Donnie has already proven to be a great addition to the Vantage Insurance team by his ability to build great rapport with management and peers, and delivering outstanding service to clients and prospects.
