Tell us about William Gammon Insurance, a Higginbotham Company?
Higginbotham is a single source solution for insurance, risk management and financial services that provides access to commercial and personal property/casualty coverage, employee benefits, retirement plans, life insurance and executive compensation through broad market representation and internal expertise. The firm also delivers in-house risk management and benefit plan administration services.
How did you get into the insurance business?
I came into the business ‘fresh’ after graduating from college. My degree is in Child Development and Family Relationships but I had decided I wasn’t going to pursue a job in that field at the time. I had a neighbor who connected me with a woman involved in a local networking group who worked for a direct writer insurance company. I attended the meeting and the rest, as they say, is history. I began my insurance career working as a producer for Sentry Insurance in June 2000.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
My best carrier advice is in fact not career advice, but life advice. Treat others the way you want to be treated and be genuine in your efforts.
What do you see as the ideal insurance professional?
I see the ideal insurance professional in my area of practice (Customer Service Representative/Account Manager) as someone who is open-minded. From working with producers, to insurance carriers and, of course, our customers, you will encounter many personalities. Learning how to adapt in each situation is key as to how the situation will unfold. In my opinion, however, the most important trait for someone to have is the ability and the desire to set relationships with your carriers/clients/coworkers. Our product is Insurance. But learning how and being willing to go above and beyond to offer/service our product is what creates success.
What advice would you give someone just entering the business?
You will never learn everything you need to know in the first month or even year. You will always be learning something new and that is pivotal to your success in the industry. Attend classes, watch the webinars, attend industry events. I also believe in the importance of finding a mentor who you can look up to and ask questions.
What did it mean to you to win the 2015 CSR of the year award?
It is an honor. It reinforces why I do things the way I do, especially how I relate to and work with customers. It reinforces what I believe in, which is to treat every customer as an individual and a friend. I value my customers and I try to get to know each one of them as an individual. Insurance is interesting to some people, but it is also boring to some people and I try to cater to each person’s level of interest so that each person gets the information they need to feel comfortable with their insurance plan.
Were you surprised to win?
It was a surprise. I was nominated by a coworker. When I won in Texas, I was very honored. It took awhile to sink in. I was shocked. I don’t know why I was so shocked.
You had to write an essay. What was that like for you?
I just wrote from the heart, like I was speaking to someone in person. I tried to be very honest and sincere, the same way I try to be with my customers and my coworkers.
