I first read the total money makeover when I received the book as a gift after graduating from college. I had no idea who Dave Ramsey was and I had no idea how bad I was at personal finance. For a guy who doesn’t like to sit down and actually read, (I prefer to listen to books on Audible) it was something I couldn’t put down. The first time I read the book I finished it in two days. The Total Money Makeover single-handedly changed the way I looked at money. Now, nine years later, I’ve read the book several times. I’ve seen Dave speak live and read Entreleadership. EntreLeadership was a key piece to planning the launch of Centro Insurance.
When I first started in insurance I didn’t know what I didn’t know and ended taking a job selling a life insurance product that I didn’t always believe was best for my clients. At that time, I started listening to Dave’s podcasts on a limited basis. Dave’s position on life insurance began to speak to why I felt the way I did about what I was selling as the time, and realize that I needed to make a change. I quit my life insurance job and pursued a career with State Farm. I worked hard to try to create a future for myself in the captive world but I realized I didn’t want to be limited to just one option.
It was at that time that I started listening to the Dave Ramsey show again, but on a more regular basis. I quickly understood why Dave recommended working with independent insurance agents. Not only do they have more options, independent agents seem to be more inclined to be an advocate for their clients. Independents truly work for their clients we aren’t pressured to only present options offered by the company whose name is on the door.
That’s the part I enjoy most about being an independent agent I am able to impartially shop multiple carriers and recommend what I feel is best for my clients. If I shop what we have access to and still don’t feel like we have the best option I’m free to walk away without the added pressure of thinking I need to sell something that isn’t the right fit.
Another very important part of my decision to not only go independent but to start my own agency was the ability to focus on one thing and do it well. I’ve never understood the model of insurance agents who try to sell investment products that are wrapped into insurance. That was another thing that Drew me to Dave Ramsey. I very much believe in his philosophy of living a debt free lifestyle and only using Insurance as a means to protect your assets, sometimes only as a temporary product. That’s why at Centro Insurance we will never sell state minimum limits or any life insurance products other than level term life.
Today is an exciting day for me because I am finally a part of the Dave Ramsey team. It is very difficult to become an endorsed local provider. Through a personal referral from a networking partner, I was given the opportunity to talk to one of Dave’s program leads. I am proud to say that as of January 25, I am an officially an endorsed local provider in Iowa.
Becoming an endorsed local provider or is a very big honor that comes with an incredible amount of responsibility. It’s a challenge I very much look forward to taking on. I know I’ll be held to the highest standard of any insurance professional because of this endorsement. I look forward to educating my clients with the heart of a teacher and guiding them through picking the best insurance options. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity and I can’t thank you all enough for your continued support of myself and Centro Insurance I look forward to serving you all.
Thanks again.
Zach