Insurance
Here at Inszone, one of our missions is to make sure that every employee is appreciated, acknowledged, and recognized for their achievements. This Employee Spotlight series aims to celebrate success and highlight the talented individuals we have at Inszone, Cover Cannabis, and California Pool Association. Each month we’ll be featuring Inszone employees on our website, blog and social accounts.
Sandy Crespin is a Commercial Lines Account Manager at Inszone Insurance Services, joining the team in 2021. Beginning her career in 1976 committed to providing the absolute best guidance to her client base, Sandy is a veteran in the insurance industry. Despite her tenure, she firmly believes a true professional must learn daily and have a solution-oriented mindset to solve the most complex of problems. Sandy enjoys the engagement and interaction with her clients and takes pride in knowing her collaboration was critical in helping them over the years.
When asked to share some words about Sandy, Natalie Fanin, who is Inszone’s VP of commercial lines, said, “Sandy is a true reflection of our core values. She is honest, positive, committed, and supportive. Sandy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure a great experience for both clients and the team. We are proud to have her on our team!”
Lois Owen, who is a Commercial Account Manager Team Lead, and Sandy’s direct suprevisor, said,” Where do I start?!? Sandy has been a huge asset to our team. She is always willing to help anyone and is a great mentor to those who are looking for advice or guidance, including myself. She is always willing to put aside her own work and help other’s. She has a wonderful work ethic and has a personal connection and relationship with peers, producer’s, and clients. We are grateful to have Sandy on our Schaumburg team! She has a heart of gold!!!”
To get to know more about Sandy, we asked her a couple of questions about her and her time in the insurance world:
Q: Tell us about your start in the insurance industry?
A: It was 1976 and I had just moved to Arizona and was looking for a job. I was hired in this small border agency that had been in business for almost 50 years. I started as a claims clerk which opened the door for client communication. The agency purchased the first Applied Systems computer system in Arizona in 1979 and I went to training in GA and became their data entry and accounting clerk. I obtained my P&C license and started selling and servicing Personal Lines which I did for many years before turning to Commercial Lines. I continued Commercial Lines and then into management as we were expanding into 3 additional communities in Southern Arizona. Even though I was handling the management duties my compassion for the client was my true love. The agency continued to grow and we experienced expansion of new offices and acquisitions. I gave up my management duties and moved to Chicago area to be close to my kids. Not sure how two kids born and raised in AZ ended up in the Midwest but once the first grandbaby came it was time to pack my things and move to new adventures.
Q: What qualities make you a “great” insurance agent?
A: I have been through many changes and acquisitions in my career but I believe change is a good thing as our industry is always changing. Because I have been through multiple roles within my agency, I understand that everything you do affects everyone else in the agency. Each department has a function and in order for the agency to grow it requires everyone to work together. I went through 4 major acquisitions in the agencies I worked with prior to merging with Inszone. I knew things would change but you have to embrace the change and move forward which is easier said than done. I believe that it is okay to disagree with someone or something but that doesn’t mean I am not willing to work through the challenges and continue to do my job in the best way possible. Holding grudges and refusing to work with someone will only hold you back.
Q: Can you share a particular challenging situation you faced in your career and how you overcame it?
A: I had a client that had a horrific accident involving their daughter who had just left for her freshman year of collage. Fortunately, the daughter survived but had intensive therapy. I had recently taken over the account through one of our acquisitions and was on the phone almost daily with her guiding her through the process. They were brought into a lawsuit and I was able to guide her through the process. I had just moved the account with a new carrier the prior renewal and had convinced them to purchase a personal umbrella policy as well. It was an emotional rollercoaster for the family as anyone can imagine and even though they had a great adjuster and lawyer assisting them, they needed someone to listen to their concerns. I questioned myself a few times but knew that we had made the right decision moving them to the carrier they were with an had provided a high level of service and coverage for them. This all ended well for my clients and it reinforced my passion for working with clients. Developing a relationship with them and understanding their needs is invaluable. When I moved to IL, she called the first 6 months and I had to convince her she needed to work with the local office and that I could no longer assist. We all get busy with our schedules and are plates are overflowing, but we need to remember to focus on the clients as without customers we don’t have a need to exist.
Q: If you could describe your approach to teamwork in three words, what would they be and why?
A: Listen – Share – Help
You need to be able to listen to your customers as well as your co-workers to be effective in your job.
You need to be willing to share the knowledge you have with others and to be willing to take the information others have and share with you. This industry is always changing and I don’t think any one person has all the answers. I am always willing to learn as it makes me a better person.
You need to be able to help your clients, carriers, and team members. You may not always have the answers but working together will only mean progress.
Without customers we don’t survive as an agency, it is up to us to give our customers the best possible service they can have.
Q: What do you think sets you apart, and how does it benefit your team and clients?
A: This is a hard one as I don’t consider myself different from any of my teammates. I love working with my clients and my teammates. I try to approach every phone call, email, or conversation as if I was that other person and how I would hope to be treated if I had a concern or question. You can’t take things personal when a client might be yelling or being abrupt with you, more often than not, they are frustrated with the situation and just looking for answers.
What is something in your personal life you would like to share that your team does not know?
A: When I am not working, I am with family and outdoors when possible. I have 4 grandkids ages 2-9 with another one due any day. I love having the grandkids over for movie nights and sleepovers. I am very close to each of them as well as with my kids and their spouses. I love crafting so I craft with the grands as well. They always wrangle me in to making their Halloween costumes so that is always fun. The two oldest are in a swim club, so I am quite the “swim fan” at their meets. When I am not playing with grandkids, I love traveling and visiting my sisters that are spread across the states. I have always been passionate about working with non-profit organizations and giving back to the community. I am a member to the Muskego Women’s Club (GFWC) organization of which we participate in assisting the local food bank and other community needs. “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice -John Templeton