Insurance is a business that offers owners the flexibility to develop their own success strategies. TypTap talked with Amanda Cole about what has contributed to her agency’s success. Cole is the owner and principal agent of Protective Choice Insurance in Palm Beach County, Florida. She has over 15 years of experience in the mortgage and insurance industry.
What one factor do you attribute most to your agency’s success?
Honestly, it’s all about my team. The professionals I lead at Protective Choice aren’t just exceptional at their roles; they are genuinely good-hearted individuals. They exhibit unwavering dedication, diligence, and a commitment to ethical conduct. Our collective environment, cultivated through mutual effort, holds immense significance. We’re more than just colleagues; we’re a tight-knit work family. Each member prioritizes the team’s success, readily offering assistance or guidance whenever needed. Being a part of this dynamic is truly remarkable.
How has a hybrid work environment positively impacted your agency?
One of the greatest advantages of our agency launching amidst the onset of COVID-19 is our inherent readiness for a hybrid work setup; it’s ingrained in our approach. We’ve always operated with this flexibility in mind, making constant communication via chat a norm. This method fosters a stronger sense of connectivity and facilitates information sharing across a wider audience. Unlike traditional office setups where discussions may be confined to just a few individuals, our entire team engages in dialogue, enabling everyone to learn from questions and answers. The pivotal element in thriving within a hybrid work environment lies in establishing robust systems and processes to ensure clarity of expectations and consistent high-level execution from all team members. This aspect drives our success and contributes significantly to our customers’ satisfaction.
How does the agency utilize technology to accomplish goals?
Technology is a key player in our success, enabling us to maintain high levels of efficiency and client satisfaction. It facilitates effective communication, streamlines processes, enhances accessibility to information, and allows us to easily adapt to changing circumstances. Its role is not just supportive but crucial in accomplishing our goals.
What advice would you give your younger self on starting a new agency?
When starting a new agency, it’s crucial to begin with a clear goal and strategize backward. For instance, if the aim is to achieve a specific book size within five years, it’s essential to prioritize this goal from day one and integrate it as a non-negotiable focus. Equally important is the early establishment of systems and processes that support smooth workflow and safeguard the agency overall. Personally, I’ve found great value in having a mentor with over two decades of industry experience to learn from. Moreover, actively engaging with various insurance associations in the early stages of agency development has been instrumental.
Amanda focuses on empowering her team to provide an excellent customer experience. To share your success stories, email us at hello@typtap.com.