The Key Ingredients

The character of an enterprise is determined by its core values. Core values can be defined as never-changing principles of behavior that our customers, employees and other stakeholders have come to rely upon. Core values are important. They are to a great degree responsible for our success.

Integrity is at the top of our list of values at RLI. Personally, I never deal with a firm that has not treated me well. This is true even if they sell their product at a substantially reduced price. Shoddy merchandise, poor service and a cheap price is no substitute for promises kept, and friendly, excellent service, even if they come at a higher price. Integrity is about doing what is right--all the time. Integrity leads to confidence, more sales, and money in the bank. We can’t do without it.

Excellent service is right up there in our priority of values. A powerful idea, serving is firmly rooted in the Bible. Putting the interest of others above our own will always pay dividends. Serve and be served is a law that always works. Note: "Serve" is first. "Be served" is later. All we have to do in life is figure out a way to serve the entire population of our country or even our world with an excellent, innovative, needed service and we will be rewarded to the extent no one can imagine. You, and your company, can determine our future rewards in life by defining the number of people we are willing to serve with a needed product.

The formula for success in bringing a new product to market is simple but hard to implement. First, innovate a new product that will prove useful to many companies or people. Allocate enough capital to establish the product. Provide excellent service and always treat the customer right. Worry just enough. Worry is caused by the fear the venture may not succeed. It is healthy if it causes you to do your homework to make sure you can capture the anticipated market for the new product idea and that your business plan is sound and includes the best talent available.

Surrounded by top talent and led by dedicated, driven, product champions, there is no limit to where a dream can go. Look at RLI — and we have only begun.

Certainly, there are other considerations, but these are the key ingredients.