Founding Pierce Insurance was a rollercoaster of a time. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it in the end. The journey began in the basement of what would become my home office in Iowa. When most people picture an insurance office, they picture a full building in the community center. I set out to do things differently.
The idea to start my own insurance agency came from a desire to fill a need in the market. I set out striving to be more client-focused, and client-first. Being independent allowed me to work more directly with clients, rather than for a parent company.
Starting an insurance agency from home had its challenges, but it also offered flexibility and lower overhead costs. Working from home is difficult, and certainly an adjustment to family dynamics as well! We started by putting up a desk in our basement and I went to work from there. We were pretty lean at the start, with Facebook, a website and some basic marketing materials to get our name out there. Nobody knew who we were, or what made us different. Local community involvement in our hometown made a world of difference establishing our brand into becoming what it is today.
One of the core values I established at Pierce Insurance is to have a client-centric approach. I believe that every client is unique, with specific needs and concerns. My goal is to create a personalized experience for each client, guiding them through the complexities of insurance and helping them make informed decisions. Whether it’s finding the right Medicare supplement, choosing a health insurance plan, or securing life insurance for loved ones, I aimed to provide solutions that fit my client’s lifestyle and budget. My favorite part of taking on a new client? My company sends them a hand-written thank you card! Of course, we toss a couple business cards in there too! But we want to show new clients that we appreciate them and their business.
Consistent marketing was essential to getting everything off the ground. I utilized various methods to reach prospective clients, including social media campaigns, physical mailers, and digital lead generation. Digital advertising also played an important role in helping me in my agency’s early days, and still does to this day. I also need to give a big shoutout to my family and friends, who helped spread the word and get my name out there after starting my insurance agency.
Building strong relationships with clients and similar professional partners was key to success after founding Pierce Insurance. We focused on building strong professional networks and relationships with similar individuals in various fields. This allowed me to continue to grow my business even without having a physical office location in the community.
Today, I believe Pierce Insurance stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for helping others. From humble beginnings in my home office, the agency has grown to become a trusted name in Medicare, health, and life insurance in Ankeny, Iowa. The journey wasn’t always easy, but the satisfaction of making a positive impact on people’s lives has made it all worthwhile.
To anybody thinking about starting an insurance agency, and wondering if you can do it out of your own home, I’m here to tell you: Yes! You won’t regret it.
