Q&A – Christy Stevenson
State Director, Georgia
In this insightful discussion, we explore Christy Stevenson's firsthand experiences and expert perspectives on navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and driving success in the ever-evolving landscape of insurance. From personal stories to pro tips, Christy shares her journey as we explore the ins and outs of the insurance world.
How did you get into insurance?
I joined Smart Choice in 2018 and got my insurance license, learned the ropes, and started working in the field meeting agents, which I found exciting. The company saw potential in me and suggested I could become a territory manager, which piqued my interest.
What are the secrets to your success?
I believe that my ability to establish strong relationships with my agents is crucial. Being responsive to emails and returning their calls without delay encourages them to reach out to me. In our office, we preach responsiveness, and I believe that has resulted in our success. It's simply a matter of answering the call. You may not have the answer, but you can find it. It's so important for me to be an available resource to my agents and continue to build that relationship.
Why do you think some agencies with Smart Choice are more successful than others? And what advice would you give to ensure success with Smart Choice?
Take Ben, for example; one of my agents. He's successful because he has a clear plan, stays committed to it, and puts in the daily work to achieve his goals. On the other hand, some agents spread themselves too thin, juggling multiple tasks instead of focusing on growing their business. The key is to stay focused, commit to your plan, and prioritize tasks like making calls consistently.
Tell me about the future for you. What is next?
I'm super excited to be the state director of Georgia. My goal is to develop a strong team and lead the expansion efforts in the state. Right now, a lot of these ideas are still taking shape in my mind, especially with this transitional period we're in. But ultimately, my focus is on driving growth and success in Georgia.
What specific challenges and market characteristics are you encountering in Georgia as you work to grow and expand?
Georgia's insurance scene is pretty rough right now. Carriers are pulling out, rates are through the roof, and getting anything approved by the Department of Insurance takes a long time. Plus, we are the most litigious state in the US, and until we get some tort reform, carriers will keep backing away. We just don't have a lot of opportunities to get direct subcodes at the moment, especially on the personal line side. We're starting to see signs of hope there, but we probably will be one of the last states to get some relief in that regard.
Now, I do think that that gives us a lot more validity in the long-term. We've got a steady stream of leads coming in, which tells me there's still interest in the insurance game here. But getting appointments with carriers is a headache – even for us! It's becoming clear that going through aggregators or network agency groups like ours is the only way forward.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how things shape up in the long run. I feel like I came in at a rough time in the industry, so there's nowhere to go but up, right? We're hustling to grow our books in a profitable way, and when carriers finally decide to open up for new appointments, we'll be ready and waiting. I truly believe Georgia's insurance scene is on the cusp of something big in the next five to ten years, and we're pumped to be part of it.
How do you believe Smart Choice can assist in overcoming the current market challenges?
We're well-equipped to handle a variety of needs with the array of carriers we offer. While the preferred home and auto personal line space presents challenges, we still have options available. We assist agents in writing business they may not have been able to secure elsewhere. Additionally, we pride ourselves on being a reliable resource for our agents. I always emphasize to my agents that they can reach out to me via phone, email, text, or any other means because if they don't, I can't assist them. Our goal is to be readily available to address any inquiries, provide guidance, and support our agents in writing policies.
As the market gradually reopens, our national footprint and strong carrier relationships position us to be among the first to obtain subcodes. This is particularly beneficial for smaller agencies who may struggle to secure such appointments independently. I believe we're the strongest network agency group available, and we're committed to being the premier resource for our agents now and in the future.