Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Campbell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my career in the car industry at BMW of San Antonio. I quickly realized that the car business was not for me and reached out the Dallas A&M Club for job opportunities. One of my coworkers responded, saying that they were looking to hire a new insurance agent and asked if I would be interested in interviewing for the position. At this point, I knew absolutely nothing about insurance, but said sure! Why not? I got the job and hit the ground running.
When I started, I was living at home with my parents in Ennis. I commuted everyday and drove about 150 miles a day for six months. Starting out in the business, I did drop by to lenders and realtors all over the metroplex, trying anyway I could for them to give me a shot at their business. I even would take them mini pocket shots of vodka with a cheesy card saying, “I would love a shot at your business”. My referral partners quickly became my friends, and my business grew with their trust.
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?
Not at all. As mentioned in my previous response, I knew absolutely nothing about insurance. I am constantly learning with all there is to know about this industry. I was driving 150 miles a day. I was attending 6+ networking events a week for the first year of my career – that’s exhausting in itself being “on” all the time. I was constantly rejected by potential referral sources. Business didn’t just come out of nowhere. I had to work hard to get quoting opportunities and close the deals. I was 24 when I started as an insurance agent and have a babyface, so it was hard to get people to take me seriously. There were lots of hurdles and lots of emotional days of doubt and insecurity.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Smith Allen Insurance is a small, family-owned insurance that has been run by three generations. We specialize in Property and Casualty Insurance and are insurance brokers. We are your personal insurance shopper. I am proud to work for Smith Allen because I feel like Smith Allen gives the “insurance agent” a new meaning. Often times, I feel like the title insurance agent gets a bad reputation for being salesy, dishonest, pushy, etc. We pride ourselves at Smith Allen for being Insurance advisors and teaching our clients about the coverages in their policies. Insurance is something so important that everyone needs, but often people have no idea what any of it means. I love enlightening my clients about what they are being covered for, and the importance of their coverages. We have our client’s best interest in mind – we don’t just see them as another deal, we see them as value and a friend.
Working at Smith Allen Insurance, I am encouraged and supported in shining in my own way. I pitched the idea to my boss of starting a wine and insurance video series, and he jumped on the idea. He helped me brainstorm content, filmed the videos for me, and edited and created the videos for me. I now have a video series called “Quit Wining About Your Insurance,” that is my take on tying in my biggest love, wine, and educating others on insurance in a fun way. My boss encourages us all to tap into our strengths and use them to grow our business in our own way. I feel extremely blessed to work for someone that truly wants to see us all succeed.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up an only child but loved my friends like they were siblings. I was very involved in my church, I was way too obsessed with Sponge Bob, and I loved being outside. Growing up in a small town, I was involved in everything: softball, volleyball, Student Council President, Class President, I was even our school mascot. I was always on the go. I wanted to be part of everything.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12801 N Central Expressway S-500, Dallas, TX 75243
- Website: smithallen.com
- Phone: 214-691-7655
- Email: amanda@smithallen.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmithAllenInsurance/
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