Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasie Ricart.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kasie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Believe it or not… this insurance agent started her career in fashion! With two fashion degrees, I spent my first few years out of college designing clothing for U.S. retailers and managing overseas production. When the recession hit in 2008, mid-market fashion came to a halt and I transitioned into public speaking and recruiting for my alma mater, The Art Institute of Dallas. I was terrified of public speaking, but in hindsight it was the greatest gift that forced me to face my fear (now I could talk to a group of 1,000 and not bat an eye!). This high-impact role changed the way I looked at how a job fulfilled me versus earning a paycheck, clocking and clocking out. I took note of the gratitude I felt in impacting lives around me and after seeing high school students filled with hope and promise of a better tomorrow after my speech, it fueled me. Today, I still hold true to the words I would share, “Your dream job will be defined by pairing your passion with your strengths.” Through my words, I was able to play a vital role in their life, and spark a thought that may change their path forever.
But you’re likely thinking… fashion to public speaking is a stretch, but public speaking to insurance agent? How does that happen?! Well, it turns out that young minds are impressionable! My father is an insurance agent for another company, going on 39 years now. It’s safe to say that hearing about all the possible ways a given situation could go wrong through the years, definitely stuck with me, making me a bit of a rule follower! I watched my father take great pride in helping people protect their families and assets through the proper insurance coverage, while being a rock for his clients through tragic situations; losing their homes by fire, loss of loved ones in a fatal car crash and helping a surviving spouse acclimate to a new life as a party of one. Knowing about how everything could go wrong, I took all precautions to do everything right! So I grew up being a little mini risk underwriter my whole life, without ever noticing!
Tired of being subject to my success hinging on those above me, I decided that I wanted to be in control of my own destiny and be my own boss. I noticed there was an opportunity in the market for an agent who was willing to treat clients like family in crisis situations and decode confusing insurance jargon to make sure the consumer understood the insurance policy they were purchasing. I knew folks wanted to feel confident that their agent would be there by their side if their worst nightmare became their reality, which was lacking in the company’s advertising with lizards, ducks and magic price tools.
As it turns out, being an insurance agents marries my passion to help and educate others, coupled with my inherent ability to be risk adverse. I still believe that because I followed my true passion, success has followed. I tried to predetermine all possible ways of how entrepreneurship could go wrong, especially on a topic I really knew nothing about! But my passion wouldn’t allow me to talk myself out of it! I knew I could successfully fill a niche market for those who still want a relationship they can count on when it comes to their insurance agent.
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?
I opened my agency in 2014, seasoned entrepreneurs and agents told me that I would not breathe easy until my 3 year anniversary…and they were right! While I picked up the product knowledge quickly and I brought on new clients who raved about my client experience and ability to break down insurance in a way they had never heard nor experienced before, I did face some challenges.
In the beginning, I felt it was tough to be seen as a trusted expert in my field among all of my gray-haired, primarily male competitors! It’s often assumed that age dictates someone’s ability to be an expert. However this logic doesn’t factor the fast-pace at which the industry evolves and changes, often leaving those stuck in their ways behind. I didn’t predict that my age and vitality would work in my favor! As a new agent, I was not overrun and overworked by a large client base or bored, coasting to retirement. I was full of vigor and passion, and had impeccable follow up and service. I was not on cruise control! I soon realized that my age was my biggest asset.
As millennials continue to take over the consumer marketplace, they demand a real connection with those they choose to do business with. They prefer working with companies that invest in their communities and desire a thorough understanding about the product they are purchasing. And most importantly, it has to be easy to do business. As an agent that gives back to my local community and understands the importance of transacting business digitally through e-signature, paperless billing, with timely responses by email, phone or text, utilizing social media, I checked all the boxes! I can honestly say, age does not determine professional caliber.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ricart Insurance Agency – what should we know?
Ricart Insurance Agency is a boutique, independent insurance agency in Dallas, Texas specializing in pairing consumers with the right insurance coverage for their specific needs, factoring in their personal financial life stage. As an independent agency, we partner with multiple insurance companies to help find the right fit considering coverage desired and price, taking shopping for better insurance off your to do list!
When it comes to buying a home or renting, insuring your car, rental property, boat, motorcycle, or owning a small business, we educate clients on the “what if’s” of life, helping them protect their assets and family from catastrophic financial devastation. We do this by investing time to get to know our clients’ lifestyle, comfort levels, and what’s important to them and then creating a customized insurance portfolio. We are a game changer in our industry, leveraging social media and technology while building long lasting connections with clients, referral partners and the Dallas community. We invest in local non-profits including The Warren Center, Junior Achievement of Dallas and Genesis Women’s Shelter.
I am known for my “straight to the point” and “no sugar coating.” way of breaking down claims and coverage options, which my clients appreciate. I give my clients the same advice I would give to my best friend! I’ve fostered honest and loyal client relationships that generate consistent family and friend referrals. I am most proud of the reputation I have built as a forward thinking agent and an accountable source of insurance knowledge and guidance creating a family-feel environment, where clients are individuals, not numbers.
Kasie Ricart, was named as a Best Insurance Agent of Dallas by D Magazine in 2017, while Ricart Insurance Agency was awarded with the prestigious Safeco Key Agent Award as one of the top 10% in the Nation for growth. Kasie has appeared on iHeart Media’s Insurance 911 consumer claims radio talk show and led multiple national seminars about her approach to social media marketing and client retention strategies. She is actively involved in local organizations and serves as Finance Chair for The Vivaldi Patron Circle for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Reliability. “Say what you mean and do what you say.” I find that follow-through and accountability is severely lacking today in society, across all industries. People want to know that if you say something, they can take it at face value and trust that you aren’t misleading them. They want to know that if you say you will call them back, you will call them back. All very simple principles, yet in our fast paced, over stimulated world, trust among fellow humans is lacking.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3333 Lee Parkway Suite 600
Dallas, Texas 75219 - Website: www.ricartinsurance.com
- Phone: 469-759-9802
- Email: kasie@ricartinsurance.com
Image Credit:
Megan Weaver, Bryson G Visuals
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