by Elise Linscott
How did you first get started in the insurance industry?
It’s one of those things that just “fell out of the sky.” I had the desire to return to the business world after 10 years in education, and a close friend of mine suggested going into sales. My captive insurance agent hired me as one of his P&C producers and his sales jumped. A recruiter found me and put me through the agent training process. Five years ago I wouldn’t have dreamed of selling insurance, but it’s something I love because I have a passion for helping and protecting people.
When and why did you choose to open Rocky Mountain Insurance Center?
Opened November 2013; I left one of the “mainstream” captive companies as an agent because I reached the point where I was tired of drinking the red Kool-Aid. I struggled between pushing products the corporation and my sales leader wanted sold and the products my clients needed. The company’s rates increased and deductibles changed and my clients began shopping and leaving me. There wasn’t anything I could do or anywhere I could go. There had to be a better way, and there is: the independent agency.
What makes your agency stand out from the competition?
Simply stated: my systems. The speed of quotes, friendliness, taking the time to go through quotes and policies; customer interaction, having a heart for my clients. Moreover, I strive to bring back credibility and integrity to an industry that has been dragged through the mud in recent years. In almost every career, and this one especially, I’ve created an environment in my office to be different than the stagnant agencies. Oddly enough, I’ve become successful by learning what not to be.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
From a supervisor from many years ago who said: “It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you’re surrounded by turkeys.” I’m a go-getter, and I learned early on that I couldn’t pursue my dreams of entrepreneurship and success around naysayers or those strapped by their own fears. Taking risks must happen. I had to make my own path, and by surrounding myself with other go-getters, I’m now soaring with other eagles.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Something that most people don’t know about me and that has shaped my entire outlook in life is that I’m a cancer survivor (leukemia). When one faces death an amazing thing happens: you figure out how to make the best of life. You either allow yourself to give up or you take control of the situation. Having had leukemia (and thank God I’ve been completely healthy since), the entire experience shaped my vision, gave me perspective, a passion for helping others, and generally seeing life differently and positively. Life isn’t just good, it’s great.
