Today we’d like to introduce you to Amma Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In high school, I was a member of an organization called Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). This program allowed high school seniors to work at various companies and earn wages during their senior year. FBLA helps high school students prepare for careers in business through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs. I was placed at Chase Manhattan Bank. My supervisor saw my interest in the industry and offered me a job once I graduated from high school. I worked at the bank while attending college. Needing to feel more fulfilled, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in 1997 in search of better job opportunities.
My career in the finance industry continued at Bank of America. While there, I was recruited to work at TD Waterhouse and studied to become a stockbroker. This industry was male-dominated and left little growth for women. The company closed its Atlanta offices and employees had the option to move with the company or accept a severance package. I decided to stay in Atlanta and obtained my real estate license. I sold real estate for a few years and after the birth of my first child, I determined I didn’t have as much time to spend in the field and building my brand. I sought a change and moved to the legal industry. I was laid off from this industry in 2014 and knew I wanted to start my own business, but I did not know which direction I wanted to take.
My cousin was running her own independent insurance agency and she asked if I had ever considered a career in insurance. I will admit I was a bit skeptical at first since it is not on the top ten list of careers. She talked about her time in the industry, the benefits, and the freedom to be her own boss. I talked about it with my husband and he agreed that he would support my leap of faith into this new chapter. I obtained my insurance license in 2015 and opened a franchise agency under her agency name.
In 2019, I branched off and opened my own agency, The Williams Insurance Group.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The journey of building The Williams Insurance Group has been enjoyable. However, there have definitely been challenges along the way. As a wife, mother, and female-owned business owner, you are not always given the respect you deserve especially in an industry that males dominate. There have been several instances when I have walked into rooms and been asked what company I am representing and I have had to say with confidence, “Myself…The Williams Insurance Group.”
The pandemic hit in 2020 causing small business owners to panic. Clients who were unable to operate their businesses during the pandemic canceled their insurance. The cancellation of policies disrupted the agency’s revenue stream. This post-COVID year has seen an increase in new business clientele and I am excited about those clients who reach out for the protection of their assets.
I am consistently building my competitive knowledge in this industry daily. I didn’t have extensive knowledge about the insurance industry beyond being a consumer. I was committed to developing my industry knowledge to ensure I could maintain a sustainable business model. I completed my MBA in 2020 to obtain the additional skills and expertise necessary to run a flourishing business. I still lean on my cousin for advice in situations where I need to determine the best solution for my clients. She has 18 years of experience available to me at no cost.
The industry still does not receive the respect it deserves. Individuals need insurance, families need insurance and businesses need insurance. There isn’t an industry that can operate without insurance. Insurance protects assets.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Williams Insurance Group is a boutique-sized independent insurance agency. The agency specializes in home, auto, life, business, commercial, disability, workers compensation, and surety bonds. Our relationships with top-rated carriers allow us to secure coverage for our clients that yields value. As an agency, we monitor industry changes and ensure the insurance business is seamless. We value our clients and it motivates us to provide unsurpassed quality customer service. The agency has a proven track record of success working with consumers, professional brands, and business owners.
Independent agents are insurance agents or brokers that are not employed by any specific insurance company. Independent agents are, therefore, able to sell insurance policies from multiple companies.
As an agency, we have seen our clients grow their businesses to be recognized in magazines, TV, film, and national retail stores. When my clients believe in my agency and refer their friends and family consistently, I’m grateful.
What does success mean to you?
Success is being part of something bigger, helping businesses to meet worthy goals, and to bring some value to the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thewilliamsinsgrp.com
Image Credits
Quinton Cochran Photography Story on The Square
