Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandi Purinton.
Sandi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After ten years in the legal industry, I went to work for my mom’s insurance agency in middle Georgia. She’s been in the industry over 25 years. I worked remotely for her until an opening for an insurance agency in my area became available. Fortunately, during my time working for her office, I made an impression on a regional sales director who gave me a shot at starting and managing my own agency. It was a dream come true.
Now, I absolutely LOVE what I do. Not only do I help people in my community protect what’s most important to them at a great value. I also work with churches, schools, and nonprofits – pillars of our communities. I help protect them so that they can follow their passion and go about their missions, helping those in need and enriching their neighborhoods.
Working in the insurance industry and owning my own agency has not only allowed me to have a fun and engaging career, it has also allowed me the flexibility to volunteer for nonprofits such as The National Association of Nonprofits, be an active and present mom, and just truly achieve that work/life balance we all strive for.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My goodness. Starting my own business has been one of the bumpiest roads of life that I’ve traveled! I thought about throwing in the towel and getting a nice, salaried job at least once a month for the first several months. Life has certainly thrown a few curveballs my way, but I’ve tried to stay focused on my goals. After working in a support staff role for so long in the legal industry, it was important to me to make my own success. There were months I barely broke even. I’ve put my kids to bed after working a long day, only to work late into the night to finish a project or presentation.
Thankfully, I’ve been so fortunate to have a fantastic network of industry peers and mentors. As I’ve come up against obstacles, I’ve always had a trusted advisor to help me think through the most effective way to take on the challenge. They have talked me down off many a ledge.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Insurance Connection – what should we know?
The Insurance Connection is an independent insurance agency. What does that even mean? When I say this to people at parties, they just get glassy eyed and start drifting off. As an independent insurance agent, I have access to many different markets, and I can shop coverage for my clients through all of those markets. Rather than a client taking the time to call 4-5 insurance carriers and do 4-5 interviews, they just give me all of the necessary information, and I contact different providers on their behalf trying to find the best rate for the best insurance coverage. What makes it great is that there is no fee for my service. It’s just what my agency does.
What sets me apart? I like to focus on educating my clients. Most of them don’t even know what insurance coverages are on their current policies. Often, no one has taken the time to explain their coverages and other optional coverages that might be available to them. I don’t hard sell my clients. I don’t pressure them. I do help them understand their options. I do help them focus on the value of their policy. Then I respect their decision.
My office writes personal lines insurance – such as your home, auto, renters, motorcycle and umbrella policies. We also focus our commercial business on nonprofits, churches, private schools, and small businesses. I tell you, it’s a lot of fun helping organizations that are helping others. I get the privilege of seeing the best of us and the wonderful things they are accomplishing. When there always seems to be a negative news cycle, it’s nice that my everyday “real world” consists of all of the good being done in my community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a history of being influenced by strong, smart, and compassionate women. My mom is one of the kindest, caring people you’ll ever meet, and she runs her own business. Her mother (my grandmother) always encouraged and incentivized education. She was always right there behind me to encourage and push me. They provided me with a solid foundation for understanding that you can be successful and kind, all at the same time. It’s always been important for me to know that I am somehow helping others through my career.
Since graduating from college, my sphere of influence has continued to add more influential women. Prior to working in the insurance industry, I worked for some of the most talented female lawyers in the state. They were amazing role models and understanding bosses. I learned much about myself and how I’d like to manage others while working for them. Jen Jordan – she took a chance on a young woman straight out of paralegal school. She has always believed in my talent. Nancy Jordan – she helped me understand my value as a professional and a mother, understanding I can be good at both.
Terre Wofford gave me my big break. She noticed how hard I worked in my mom’s agency. She is an amazingly strong woman, and she helped make my dream a reality. I appreciate that she saw something special in me and gave me the opportunity to open my agency. She’s my biggest encourager. You can’t talk to her without smiling and feeling uplifted. Geri Tape – any time I am thrown a business curveball, she is there to listen and advise. She is brilliant and strong, and her advice and friendship are invaluable.
It would also be silly not to mention my husband. He is a full-time firefighter, and when he’s not fighting fire on his days off, he’s being a full-time daddy daycare. His contributions to our family are pivotal to my professional success. He is a true partner in our family, and it’s not something I take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1727 Mars Hill Rd #206
Acworth, GA 30101 - Website: http://www.insconnectga.com
- Phone: (678) 439-8757
- Email: sandi@insconnectga.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsuranceconnectionllc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ins_Connection
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandijpurinton/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
