Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Shanto.
Hi Tim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my agency at the age of 20 with nothing but a phone book (an actual phone book back then!). I called hundreds of people a day, knocked doors and asked anyone who would listen if I could quote their insurance needs.
I kept my head down, kept focused and just kept grinding away, day in, day out, year in, year out and 23 years later I have 11 employees and two locations. I thrive on success and finding ways to win. There are plenty of reasons over years (with any business) that would have justified giving up or throwing in the towel. I always kept the mentality that I needed to be able to look myself in the mirror and know that I gave it 100%. To know that I gave it my all and feel good that if I didn’t make it, I tried my best. I focus on winning each day, if I can win each day, I will win the week, which will win the month, etc. I also look at obstacles/challenges differently too. It’s not ever a question of IF I can do it, it’s simply “how do I win”. How do I overcome this challenge, how do I win?
My focus has always been to provide exceptional local service and to exceed our clients’ expectations. We’ve stumbled and we’re far from perfect but we’ll always do our best! I love my job, love my clients and I’m so grateful for the community’s support. I look forward to another 20 years together!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing I have come to accept and realize is that life is going to give us challenges and curve balls. From market changes, COVID, corporate changes, divorce, etc.
It’s all about your outlook, attitude and determination to succeed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our agency offers home, auto, recreational vehicle, business, farm insurance products and bonds. We essentially do everything other than health insurance. Our agency’s different in that we like to educate and help clients have the knowledge they need to help them make informed decisions. This usually ends up with more coverage that they didn’t know they needed, removing coverages they didn’t know they were paying for and ultimately saving them money while getting more coverages they need!! Our ideal clients are young families, families with young drivers and recent empty nester’s.
I’m so proud of American Family Insurance and their continued efforts to take care of the client! They have stood behind the client and protected families consistently for nearly 100 years allowing for a great local reputation.
American Family Insurance just implemented two new discount offerings and deepened several other existing discounts PLUS just filed a rate decrease so we are excited to help clients save money.
My agency’s a hybrid in that I’m a captive agent but unlike most captive agents who can only sell their contracted insurance companies’ products, we’re not restricted like that. American Family Insurance is forward facing and understands their appetite but that clients’ needs should be met by one agency so if American Family doesn’t have a product offering due to any number of reasons, I have a complete brokerage department with an impressive list of independent insurance companies that most would know and recognize including Progressive, Travelers, Hartford, Liberty Mutual, Foremost, American Modern, etc.!! So, I get the best of both worlds setting my agency apart from most other agencies.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is taking care of the client with both education and coverage. Giving the client the same level of respect, care and attention that I would expect as the client….Apparently, I must be pretty needy because our service is best in class!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timshanto.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timothyshantoinsurance
