Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Bulluck-Major.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started All-Secured Insurance Services in 2003. As a licensed insurance agent who managed a small independent insurance agency for about four years, the opportunity arose to purchase the business from my then employer who was retiring from the industry. He presented me with reasonable terms to take over the business. It seemed like the perfect fit that enabled me to become a business owner at the age of 26 and ensure less turnover for our clients and staff, who were already familiar with my management style and customer service. The rest is history. This year, I celebrate fifteen years in business as an entrepreneur and have grown the business through loyal clients and referrals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am certain anyone in business for themselves can attest to the fact that the road has not always been smooth. Some of the struggles experienced were a result of the changing economy, particularly the recession in 2006-2008. As a property and casualty insurer, primarily insuring homes and businesses, we felt the effects of home foreclosures and businesses closing. It resulted in some downsizing of the insurance agency and at the time I also owned a real estate title company, which I decided to close altogether. Business improved in 2010 and has remained consistent ever since. What I learned from that experience was to diversify your book of business by offering multiple products, or as some would say, not put all of your eggs in one basket, so you can weather market fluctuations. Most importantly, it taught me the importance of giving back to the community. It was a humbling process and I used the time that business was slow to participate in charitable projects, spend more time with my children and do things that I hadn’t made a lot of time for because I was so busy before.
All-Secured Insurance Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As mentioned, we are a property and casualty insurance agency, specializing in home insurance and commercial business insurance. I am most proud of the retention and ability to keep our clients returning. I have clients who have been with me since 2003. They come to me for their insurance needs and occasionally things that have nothing to do with insurance (lol) and always refer business. Client referrals are the best type of marketing. That speaks volumes to the level of trust they have in the quality of service that I provide. I believe what sets us apart is that as a boutique firm and being in business for so long, quality over quantity is most important. I will not sell a product if I don’t feel it is beneficial and I keep the volume of business at a manageable level to be able to provide one on one attention as much as I can. This keeps our clients coming back, and turnover minimal.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I am a very spiritual person. There is a scripture that says you will know them by their fruit, and every good tree bears good fruit. I define success, based on the fruit that I have produced. Over the years, I have been fortunate to provide jobs to many people, who may not have been considered “employable or marketable” by some standards. Knowing that I started young and someone took a chance on me, it was my responsibility. When I reflect on those individuals who I have hired, who have even chosen the path to become entrepreneurs because of watching me and who have the ability to provide for themselves and/or their family, because I have employed them or contracted them to provide a service, I feel successful. It is pointless if you can’t help someone else. I also define true entrepreneurial success as working hard, but on your own terms. I get to make a living and control my own schedule, which enables me to be available for my family. I also get to act as the director of my family’s non-profit organization, started by my mom back in 2005. I am able to show my children and others that you can have multiple streams of income, give back to the community and pop up at your kids’ school in the middle of the day without compromising one for the other… that’s success!
Contact Info:
- Address: 6175 NW 153 Street Suite 102
Miami Lakes, FL 33014 - Website: www.alllsecuredinsurance.com
- Phone: 305-826-7900
- Email: [email protected]
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