Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Garza.
Laura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
One day, I had a scheduled meeting at the Starbucks in Dallas off 75. I thought it was a general meeting with one of my bosses to discuss and negotiate my year two contract with him. About two weeks prior to this scheduled meeting he had given me a new pay structure of taking away my salary, cutting my commissions in half and only giving me 5% residuals. All of this because I had done so well in my first year with them… Doesn’t make sense, right? I declined it and wanted to negotiate. This is what the meeting was scheduled for at the Starbucks in Dallas. We both get there; he orders me a coffee and we find a table outside. He asks how I am, we laugh, take a few sips and then he says, “Laura, I’m here to can you”. I almost spit out my coffee. I said, “Can me”. What do you mean? Fire. I’m here to fire you. You’re done with us. I need your laptop, your office key and anything else you have of ours. My mouth dropped of course and I had no idea why. I said why are you firing me? I haven’t done anything? I don’t understand? Mind you, we are in the middle of the patio with a whole lot of people around and this is happening. I start crying out of pure shock and hurt. I immediately thought of my child, my bills, my mortgage and how I’m going to have to start over. I pleaded with him. Please, I’m sorry. I tried to negotiate some more with him and said, fine, I’ll go with whatever you want. His words next to me were so demeaning. I just let him continue on with putting me down and him saying how ignorant I was.
Then I stopped the crying and simply asked if I had their blessing to open my own agency. He laughed and said sure. But you don’t have the money to do this. You’re such an idiot. You’re illiterate. You’re a single mom, are you kidding me? You’re fucking illiterate. He said you have no idea how much work it takes to get where we are. We have an 8-million-dollar book of business. You can’t do that. Give me the laptop and key. I’m still crying and in awe that I even worked for a man like this. The demeaning went on for what felt like a while. So, I get up to walk to my car and he follows me to get the laptop and key. I lost all my desk stuff because they wouldn’t let me back in. They’d mail it he said but three years later they never did. They surely trashed it I’m sure. Anyhow, fast forward to almost three years now and here I am with my own insurance brokerage and as the #1 female agency owner in the entire company YTD (as of May 2020). I hit six figures in my 2nd year live and am just so blessed that I got fired from them. They surely fueled my fire that’s for sure. I donate when I can to individuals, charities, Frisco Family Services (where I’m from) and I help my business partners often. I love to help, give back and do what I do. It’s taken a lot of blood, sweat, tears, early mornings, late nights and a whole lot of hustle to get where I am today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not. It’s been hard. My first year I was in debt, worked lots of weekends, lost money but never gave up. I realized that instead of having my hands in multiple pots I needed to only focus on the partners that focus on me. So, in my second year I grew my business by 200%.
Please tell us about your business.
I’m an insurance broker that shops 35+ insurance companies for my partners home closings. Insurance is part of the home buying transaction. I shop the market and find my clients the best deal for the best price and coverage. I think I’m known for being giving, helpful and always on top of things. I am most proud of being able to give back to my partners and donating when I can because without giving back it means I’m just a taker and that’s not me. I think what sets me apart is my personality and genuineness. What you see is what you get in person and over the phone.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Hmmm I’ve always worked for what I want and to get to where I want to be. Not sure I believe in luck. It’s called hard work and determination in my opinion.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5850 Town and County Blvd.
Suite 502
Frisco, Texas 75034 - Phone: 9728410437
- Email: lauragarza@goosehead.com
- Instagram: @lauragarzaagency
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/needtocalllaura
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