Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Martinez.
Hi Sandy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been in the insurance industry since 2002. My career began working in the P&C industry at Fred Loya Insurance, where I gained my first opportunity to become a manager over the years. I managed 3 of their locations and worked at FLI for 6 ½ years and moved on to State Farm Insurance to work for an agent. I thought I wanted to become my own agency owner and gain experience working for State Farm to begin the internship program. During the time I worked for the State Farm agent, I got licensed for Life & Health. However, I did not pursue the idea of becoming a State Farm agent as I quickly realized I was burned out and did not want to continue working on my P&C license anymore. I resigned and did not work for close to 3 months, not because I did not have job offers but simply because I did not want to accept the offers of working for a P&C agency anymore. I then reached out to a family friend of mine who worked at the time for the County Hospital of El Paso County as a CFO to look for a job in the hospital. He is the reason I stumbled upon Medicare Health Plans; he told me about a health plan named Bravo Health who was hiring, and asked me, “Aren’t you licensed?” Bravo Health is now known as Cigna Health Springs; I interviewed with this organization and became an internal sales representative for them. I fell in love with Medicare and being able to help guide Medicare eligibles with the plans that would help them with things they really needed without having to pay a premium. For me, coming from the insurance industry, where I was used to charging a monthly premium and/or down payments to get someone started on a life policy or auto policy, Medicare was the easiest sale I had ever sold due to no premiums. I because very successful selling MAPD plans for Bravo Health Springs. Eventually, I moved over to another company named Physicians Health Choice (who was eventually acquired by UnitedHealthcare) since the Regional Manager who hired me moved to work with this company and took me with her. I continued as an ISR (internal sales representative) for UnitedHealthcare and moved up to management; I worked at UHC for almost 10 years before accepting the position with Advocate Health Advisors. While in management for UHC, I covered the El Paso, TX market and 6 Southern Counties for New Mexico: Dona Ana, Luna, Sierra, Hidalgo, Grant, and Otero. I gained a lot of experience and many established relationships with my agents and agency owners as well as community partners during my time with UHC. These relationships that took years to establish have proven to be extremely beneficial with my new career change moving forward with Advocate Health Advisors. I relocated to the DFW market when accepting this position as a Regional Manager for Advocate Health Advisors. I will have 3 years working now with Advocate at the end of July, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made in my career. There have been challenges along the way; however, I do get motivated when faced with challenges. I feel that I am only getting started, and extremely excited about my future with Advocate Health Advisors; I am blessed with amazing leadership and mentors that continue to support my growth. Having great leaders will keep you motivated and inspired to only put your best foot forward. They are my backbone to my success, along with my amazing agent base that I get to have the honor or working with daily who keep me inspired and motivated. I say this all the time and mean it each time; my agents are the real MVPs; without them, I am nothing. I value my team’s trust and partnerships in confiding in me to help them grow their book of business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, moving a family over 9 hours away from their hometown was a difficult decision and task to face. The aftermath of this decision has been difficult and continues to be challenging; we have all learned to adapt to being in a city with no relatives nearby.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We work with licensed agents and appoint them to offer Medicare Advantage Health Plan options. Our licensed agents assist Medicare beneficiaries in making informed decisions on selecting the best health plan designed for their specific needs. I am proud to work for an organization that is Veteran owned and operated; this also sets us apart from any other Field Marketing Organization in the industry.
What matters most to you?
Helping senior Americans make informed decisions as they first become eligible for Medicare benefits or change existing Medicare coverage. These decisions are vital to the well-being of all seniors, affecting the cost, quality, and availability of medical care for the remainder of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.advocatehealthadvisors.com/about-us/team/Sandy_Martinez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advocate-health-llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRxNbT_jPFEqgQRFfJFwiDQ?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://www.advocatehealthadvisors.com/
Image Credits
Sandy Martinez
