Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Fong.
Trevor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I currently own an insurance agency in Sacramento, CA. I started in retail working at places such as Gap, Apple and Best Buy. After graduating college during the recession, I found it difficult to find a career so I stayed in retail until 2015. Around 2014, I went through a life-changing event where I realized I wanted to be a business owner. I purchased a sports bar in 2015 with a good friend and at the same time was recruited by State Farm to open a new agency from scratch. While doing these simultaneously, with no prior experience, I learned the value of marketing, branding and referrals. After going into over $100,000 of debt in my first year trying to survive in the agency. Our office would door knock, cold call and do anything just to keep the lights on. Often times, I would sit in the office wondering how I would make it out of the five years lease. I started to go out network and meet five new people everyday. After going out for two years, I decided to start my own networking mixer in Downtown, Sacramento. I launched an event called Mix + Mingle and over 450 guests have attended each event. These mixers have allowed me to meet other professionals and grow my business. Just recently, I have signed a ten years lease in a larger office space closer to downtown and celebrated my five years of being in business. A celebration that often reminded me of how close I was to failing but persistency and meeting new people daily allowed me to survive.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
IN the bar, we made so many adjustments and lost sales and realized how important consistency was. In my agency, some of the struggles included being in debt just to pay rent, utilities and staff salary. You realize how quickly you can fail but not executing on your business plan or holding yourself and your team accountable. The biggest struggle was always personal. I am very introverted and like to keep to myself. Having a business and two kids during this time has made it where you have to take on new challenges and not be afraid to fail. I realized that I had more to lose by not taking on new risks and these opportunities. I did not want to be stuck in retail or stuck in debt. Motivation came from knowing I had my family, my staff and my reputation relying on any actions I took.
Trevor Fong State Farm Agent – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an insurance agent in Sacramento, CA. I focus on helping families, business owners and homeowners cover their most important assets. I am most proud that we offer some of the best products in the industry. But I am most proud that our company puts us in the driver’s seat to be a local asset and community member by helping others. Most recently, State Farm helped Agents be a good neighbor by supporting small businesses and donating to essential workers in our community. The one thing that has always set our office and myself apart is the genuine and care we provide to everyone we meet. Whether they are a new customer, a new acquaintance or someone new we are networking with. We try to help everyone achieve their dreams and accelerate their goals. The mixers have allowed me to spotlight small business owners while helping others find a new career path or new opportunities.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as constant progress. I used to think that success was measured in material things such as watches, cars or homes. Now I realize that success is something that is a constant feeling and process. Success is working towards a goal and overcoming challenges to put you closer to that goal. I think we oftentimes see social media or other’s success in the virtual world and use that as a measuring stick. I have realized that being successful means, you are just the best version of yourself and everyday beating that version but learning something new, supporting others and sharing your story with others. Success is inspiration and support. Everything else is just a reminder or trophy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trevorfong.com
- Phone: 916.996.5024
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorfong
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevorfong
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