Today we’d like to introduce you to Shellie Croy.
Shellie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I entered the insurance business like so many others do…completely by accident, I fell into a position 26 years ago and became enamored with the possibilities. I started as an assistant, then obtained my insurance license, I spent the next several years gaining experience working as an account manager before becoming a producer. I then went to work for an insurance carrier to gain knowledge of that side of the business. My true calling has always been on the agency side and so I returned to an independent agency in a management and production role. I am very fortunate to be in my current position here at RHSB leading a team of great people who assist clients with their insurance needs. The insurance industry is a great career choice, it is one I am very happy to have fallen into all those years ago!
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?
It has not been a smooth road, but something worth doing rarely comes easy. The insurance business is ever evolving and we are always learning new coverages and carriers, however, that is what makes it challenging and exciting. Each day is never the same as the last, it is what makes the job rewarding. One of the biggest challenges is to be the advisor the client needs and put the proper coverages in place. Spring and summer can be an especially challenging time with all of the storms generating claims, those are the times the client needs us to be their advocate the most. Another struggle is the constant rising rates, it is our job to ensure the best coverage at the best price, as we want to get the most for our client’s insurance dollar.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about RHSB Insurance – what should we know?
RHSB was formed in 1998 as Roach Howard Smith & Barton, the result of a merger of two agencies finding great commonality in service philosophies, and complementary strengths in product offerings and industry knowledge. Our firm’s rich experience and client-centric focus has catapulted us to becoming a leading independent insurance brokerage firm in the country, as well as the North Texas area’s only Assurex Global partner.
The roots of the company began in Dallas in 1955 when Richard Roach, our founder, sold his first insurance policy. Soon after Mr. Roach founded his firm, he was joined by Leroy Howard, Max Smith, and Archie Hunter. In 1972, the firm name became Roach Howard Smith & Hunter, Inc.
In Fort Worth, L.T. Barton Insurance was founded in 1945, and became one of the most respected agencies in its region. Just like Mr. Roach, Mr. Barton’s success was based on personalized service and professional expertise that continuously exceeded client expectations.
What sets us apart most from others and what I am most proud of is our team, the way we go above and beyond for our clients, including our risk services team we have to assist during claim time, we genuinely look out for our clients to ensure they understand the importance of proper coverage.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe integrity and morals are essential to success. Without doing the right thing for my team and my clients day in and day out I would not be able to do this job. We cannot be successful in this business if we do not do what is right, it is not about the sale, it is about the relationship.
In addition to the service we provide to our clients we also serve the community, it is essential that a business give back to the community it serves in the form of volunteering and assisting those in need. RHSB and its employees go above and beyond when it comes to volunteer activities and donation drives.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8750 N Central Expressway, Suite 500
Dallas, TX 75231 - Website: rhsb.com
- Phone: 972.231.1300
- Email: info@rhsb.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rhsbinsurance
- Twitter: twitter.com/RHSBIns
Image Credit:
Shellie Croy
Laura Harshbarger
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