What’s your 60-second elevator speech?
In today’s business environment, with advanced technology and automation you don’t often buy something that you hope you never use. That’s the insurance business; you want to be prepared for the unthinkable and hope it never happens.
At Stewart & Associates we want to talk directly to our customers, and we want them to talk to a real person. That’s why we have no voice mail, and why everyone in our office is a licensed agent. Real people answer the phone and no matter who you talk to, that person knows what they are talking about.
Using this philosophy we are able to keep our business retention level at 4-5 percent higher than other agencies. Many insurance agencies’ main goal is to generate new business, and that is important, but our main goal is to maintain what we have, by doing that we expect to grow our business 4-7 percent a year.
You can learn more about our business, or contact me, at my web site, stewartandassociatesins.com or call at (810) 653-4844
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Not surprisingly for someone in the insurance business my word is “protection.” Protect assets, protect clients, protect everything that our clients have worked so hard for.
What drew you to this line of business?
My Father started the business in Goodrich in 1979 so you might think I came into it naturally. The truth is after I graduated from Central Michigan University, I spent 6 years at a publishing firm in Cincinnati, Oho. I did layout and design and did some work in sales. My Dad was expanding the business and asked me to join him. I was very pleased to get back home.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I like to think compassion is my most marked characteristic. These are tough times and we try to work with our clients to get them through difficult times. Many of our clients have been with us for a long time and we want to return that loyalty.
What lessons would you share with other entrepreneurs?
Always work hard, you can’t rest on past achievements. I also would suggest that any business look into the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. My business has benefitted greatly from participating in the Sales Lead Roundtable and made many great connections. Are you a member?
What are we likely to find you doing on a day off?
On my day off you are probably going to find me in a gym or on a football field. I am the assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Powers Catholic High School, plus I have been coaching my son’s 7-8th grade football team at St. John’s in Fenton.