Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Bentley.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line, but every step prepared me for where I am today.
I spent nearly 20 years in retail management, where I gained invaluable experience leading teams, developing people, and delivering strong customer experiences. While I loved mentoring and building teams, I always had a strong desire to be an entrepreneur and build something of my own. I knew I wanted a business centered on relationships, education, and long-term impact — not just transactions.
While working full time, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University and later completed my MBA at Kennesaw State University. Balancing work, education and real-world responsibility reinforced my belief in continuous learning and shaped the leader and business owner I am today.
When I decided to pivot into insurance, I intentionally chose to learn the industry from the front lines. I joined State Farm as a sales and service team member at the very start of the COVID pandemic. It was a challenging time to enter any industry, but it accelerated my learning and forced me to adapt quickly. During that period, I discovered my true passion: educating clients, helping them understand their coverage, and building trust-based, lasting relationships.
As I gained experience, I also gained clarity. I realized that operating under a captive carrier model didn’t align with how I wanted to serve clients or grow my business. I wanted flexibility, transparency, and the ability to truly advocate for my clients — which led me to the independent brokerage model.
In July 2021, I opened my Goosehead Insurance franchise. For several years, I was a true “solo-preneur,” building the business from the ground up while wearing every hat. That phase taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of systems and consistency.
By the summer of 2025, I reached a point where growth required a team — and more importantly, it allowed me to return to what I love most: training, development, and leadership. Today, I have three incredible team members, and I’m proud of the culture we’re building together.
Looking back, every chapter — from retail leadership to frontline insurance work to entrepreneurship — has shaped how I lead and serve today. I’ve built a business that reflects my values, supports my clients, and allows me to invest in people, which has always been the goal.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most entrepreneurial journeys, mine has come with significant obstacles that required both personal and professional risk.
One of the earliest challenges was the financial commitment required to start a franchise. Opening my Goosehead agency meant a substantial upfront investment. To make it happen, I sold my home and invested 50% of my equity into the business. It was a calculated but deeply personal risk — one I didn’t take lightly, especially as a single parent with full financial responsibility on my shoulders.
Another challenge was the long-term nature of building an insurance agency. It’s widely known in the industry that agents typically don’t see meaningful profits for the first three years. That reality required patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset. During that time, I had to stay focused on consistent growth while trusting the process, even when the financial rewards lagged behind the effort.
As the business grew, I faced a new set of challenges around scaling. I reached a point where I knew I needed to add team members to continue growing and properly serving clients. However, hiring required capital, which meant securing a business loan. Navigating the funding process — especially as a newer business owner — came with its own hurdles, from proving financial sustainability to gaining lender confidence.
Each of these challenges forced me to grow as a leader and decision-maker. They sharpened my ability to plan strategically, manage risk, and stay resilient during uncertain periods. Most importantly, they reinforced my belief that building something meaningful takes time, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment — lessons that continue to guide how I run my business today
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Goosehead Insurance – Sarah Bentley Agency LLC?
My business is an independent Goosehead Insurance franchise focused on helping individuals and families make informed, confident decisions about their insurance coverage. Because we operate as an independent brokerage, we’re able to shop multiple carriers and customize policies based on each client’s unique needs — rather than forcing them into a one-size-fits-all solution.
One of our strongest advantages is access. We currently have over 90 carrier appointments across Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This depth allows us to truly advocate for our clients by finding the best combination of coverage and pricing. Our clients don’t have to sacrifice protection for affordability — or affordability for quality coverage. We’re able to deliver both.
Our mission is to transform the insurance buying process by making it simple, easy to understand and enjoyable. Insurance doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or intimidating, and we’re intentional about changing that experience for every client we serve.
What we’re best known for is education and relationship-building. Insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, and many people don’t fully understand what they’re paying for or how their coverage actually works. We take a consultative approach, prioritizing transparency and long-term protection over quick sales. Our goal is for every client to feel informed, empowered, and supported — not rushed or pressured.
What truly sets us apart is how personal our service is. We intentionally build long-term relationships with our clients, proactively reviewing coverage as life changes and serving as advocates when they need guidance or support. We don’t just sell policies — we help people protect what matters most to them.
From a brand perspective, I’m most proud of the culture we’re building. Even as a growing agency, we lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability. I’ve intentionally created a business where clients feel valued and team members feel developed and supported. Training, mentorship, and leadership development are core parts of our identity, not afterthoughts.
What I want readers to know is that our brand is built on trust, education, and genuine care. We believe insurance should feel approachable and human — not transactional. Whether someone is buying their first policy, expanding coverage, or navigating a major life transition, we aim to be a steady, knowledgeable partner they can rely on for years to come.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my focus is on intentional and sustainable growth. As the agency continues to expand, a major priority is attracting and retaining top talent. I’m committed to building a team of professionals who share our values and are passionate about client care, education, and integrity. Creating an environment where people feel supported, developed, and empowered will always be central to how we grow.
I’m also excited about the broader direction of the insurance industry. After a challenging period, the market is beginning to stabilize, and that shift brings real benefits for clients. Improved affordability and increased carrier availability create more options and better outcomes, which aligns perfectly with our mission of helping clients make informed, confident decisions without having to compromise.
On a personal level, one milestone I’m especially proud of and looking forward to is purchasing a home again in 2026. After taking a significant leap of faith to build my business, reaching that goal represents both personal and professional growth and is a meaningful full-circle moment for me.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the people who have supported me over the last four and a half years. Building a business is never done alone, and I’m deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues, clients, friends, and family who believed in me, encouraged me, and stood by me throughout this journey.
In the years ahead, my goal is to continue building a business that supports both our clients and our team, adapts to industry changes, and creates long-term value rooted in trust and service
Pricing:
- No broker fees
- Free policy analysis and review of coverage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goosehead.com/agents/ga/kennesaw/sarah-bentley/
- Phone: (770)557-4091
- Email: sarah.bentley@goosehead.com
