Her Story
About Ashley
I started in insurance after being a preschool teacher when one of the dads approached me and gave me a shot. I've been at Bell's for 6 years now. I was first an account manager for Personal Lines and now handle everything soup to nuts as a Personal Lines Customer Service Agent, including servicing accounts and writing my own business. Sales is in my blood coming from a family of talkers, and I've been doing that for about 5 years. I love that every day is different, starting with emails and servicing then moving to prospecting, referrals, quoting, and handling issues.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
My father taught me discipline and to just do things when they are hard. If there were dishes in the sink, he'd wake me at 4am to clean them. He had me learn to drive a stick shift on my own for my first car. I got a farm permit at 14 in Minnesota and had to work for what I wanted. When things get hard, you just gotta do it; sure you can complain about it for a minute but then get back at it.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You are the table. You're your own competition. Lift up and lean on your other women co-workers. Don't be intimidated in a male-dominated industry. I have great mentors and co-workers who help each other, and that's been the greatest thing.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include a lot of competition in personal lines and rates. Opportunities come from being independent with tons of options, providing very personalized service. We're not a big corporation, we're client-focused, not afraid to talk on the phone or come to homes, and we go above and beyond like dropping off ID cards or watering lawns.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personal life would absolutely be being a mother- my 2 sons are my absolute greatest accomplishment hands down.
Work- facing challenges with a positive attitude is a game changer. Be a TEAM PLAYER- whether you are in sales, account management, etc. Be there for your clients, your coworkers, and it will come back to you when you need it most.
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