Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Newell.
Lisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Started working in a District Training office while attending UC Irvine. After a year the District Manager recommended, I get licensed and take agent classes during the summer. After completing both that summer, I was able to supplement my admin income with insurance sales. I did this for another year while finishing college. Upon graduation at UCI, I decided to stay with Farmers and focus on building my insurance business.
I slowly grew my agency by building community relationships and through referrals. There were some great mentors that shared ideas and best practices. I had no managerial experience, but used a common-sense approach. I figured I would treat people how I would want to be treated, with respect and a genuine concern for my client’s needs.
Along the way, I added support staff, got married, had two children and moved the office three times. My goal was to become a valued insurance advisor to my clients. I spent much time learning products and gaining trust. Over the years, clients have referred friends and family. Now, we insure the kids and grandkids of our original clients. The next generation is much more willing to conduct business online, but once there is an issue (billing or claim) they realize the value of having an agent to step in a help. All our clients get old fashioned service with all the convenience of current technologies.
Many years back I started brokering accounts that did not fit into the Farmers product portfolio. I felt the need to be able to handle all insurance and financial services for our clients. Using one office reduces frustration and provides a positive experience for our clients. This decision helped my agency grow to another level. Our wonderful portfolio of products allows us to better serve our clients.
I could not have built my business without a wonderful team of trusted employees. I currently have three Agency Support Team members.
Two are fully licensed, making changes and selling insurance products. We work together to make sure our clients’ needs are met. Doing the right thing for clients has produced rewards for the long term.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Age was a struggle when started. People always asked, “how long have you been doing this”? I was always honest, but explained I had two years of experience before I went out on my own.
Internet was a concern. I was very concerned for a short period that people would want to buy insurance online and I would not be needed.
Well, I quickly learned that people want and need an agent to help explain coverage. Needs change over time and no one limit of coverage is right. Coverage needs to be reviewed and adjusted over time. The internet actually helped people to realize good service and a friendly knowledgeable office to work with has great value.
Staffing is expensive. I never took loans to cover running the business. But did have many years where I did not make much of an income. But knew it was all part of building something for the future.
Staffing is challenging. Finding the right ‘fit’ for an office. It took me a few years to figure out how to look for people to work in the Agency.
Lisa Newell Insurance Agency / Farmers Insurance – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Insurance and Financial Services. We specialize in service to our clients. Started with Farmers Insurance 30 years ago. I think we are known for being honest and doing what is best for our client.
I am proud of our ability to transition and keep up with changes in the industry. Proud of the knowledge we have and how we help clients.
There are many choices people have for insurance. We do our best to make sure our clients feel they made a good choice in letting us handle their insurance and financial service needs.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Not sure I could pick one.
- Qualifying for Life Championship.
- Getting my first big commercial account.
- When other industry people call for advice.
- Buying my office condo in 2008 so I never have to negotiate another lease for my own office space.
- Providing a Life Insurance check to a beneficiary.
Contact Info:
- Address: 940 Calle Negocio, Suite 220
San Clemente, CA 92673 - Website: www.lisanewellinsurance.com & www.farmersagent.com/lnewell
- Phone: 949-487-5487
- Email: lisa@lisanewellinsurance.com
- Facebook: Lisa Newell Insurance Agency
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/farmers-insurance-lisa-newell-san-clemente
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Jeremiah Agware
November 14, 2019 at 16:46
I am glad that I came across your Household Service Audit. Thanks for sharing the post. Not only Auto Insurance, but every household also needs an “Insurance” to protect themselves from all the hazards.
Great Post, thanks for sharing it with us.