Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Shields.
Hi Leslie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Entrepreneurship runs in my blood. My mom was a child therapist, and my dad was a financial planner, both carving out their paths in business. After spending some time in the corporate world, I realized I was also meant to be an entrepreneur. I began exploring different paths and options, but the real turning point came when the corporation I worked for was bought out. With a generous severance package, I teamed up with a friend thriving as a sales leader at an independent insurance company. Her success and the opportunity to travel and earn convinced me to join her. This experience sharpened my sales skills, boosted my confidence, and provided invaluable industry knowledge. After four years with large agencies, I strongly desired to create something of my own. In November 2019, I leaped and opened my independent insurance agency. Around this pivotal time, I also discovered I was pregnant, which added a new sense of urgency. I needed to hire help quickly and build my agency swiftly. This dual motivation pushed me to establish my business as fast as possible.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Taking the path of an entrepreneur is very rarely a smooth road. Sometimes, it is easy and complex, and it ebbs and flows depending on what is going on in the world. Any time you scale a company that involves other people, such as employees and clients, there will be challenges. The struggles I have encountered are growth opportunities for me personally as well as as a company owner. The more I keep learning, the better I am at navigating through each of those struggles.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about The Shields Agency?
I own The Shields Agency, where we specialize in health insurance for small businesses and individuals, Medicare, and commercial liability insurance. Our team consists of between 9 and 13 employees. We have a dedicated team specializing in account management for B2B small group businesses, primarily assisting employers with fewer than 100 employees in finding the right benefits. Additionally, we help individuals who may not have employer-provided coverage or need a more affordable option, expertly navigating the subsidies on the health insurance marketplace. We also assist those turning 65 with their Medicare needs and individuals already on Medicare who are exploring alternative options. Our agency is deeply rooted in the cultural value of supporting our employees and their families. We prioritize creating an environment that promotes work-life and work-family balance. Most of our employees work in a hybrid remote/in-person setup and have young children at home. We focus on helping them succeed in their careers while being productive parents. Understanding that each employee has unique needs, we individualize our support to help everyone be their best.
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Being an entrepreneur makes me happy. I am making my own mark in the business landscape, the world, and the hyperlocal Fort Worth community. Supporting my team is what really drives and motivates me. I love creating opportunities for moms to do both—to be successful at career and motherhood. I love that I am building something for my family. It is important for me to be there for my son and husband as well as build a legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theshieldsagency.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shields_agency/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheShieldsAgency
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliealiceshields/
