Meet Allison Seckman | Insurance Risk Advisor and Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Seckman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I worked in underwriting, claims, and management for a major insurance company for 15 years. Over this course of time, I discovered that too many people did not understand how they’re being protected. This resulted in difficult conversations and peoples’ lives were negatively impacted because they did not have the appropriate coverage for their situation. I always knew I wanted to own a business. Insurance was what I knew and I had an inspiring reason to start an insurance agency. Therefore, I opened shop in November, 2020 and we make it our mission to listen and educate people about personal and commercial lines insurance. We’re an agency with an open ear and heart.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Technically, I’ve been in business since kindergarten. I would make hemp necklaces and bracelets and sell them at recess. I found ways to make money for myself and then learned how to make money for businesses when I started Girl Scouts. I juggled good grades, multiple sports and activates, and a variety of jobs while maintaining an interest in different ways to make money. I started working for a major insurance company at the age of 18. I graduated high school early and needed to gain more financial independence.

Shortly thereafter, I continued to juggle a steady job, moved from Nebraska to Arizona, remained in college and then got married and had two kids. Well, that’s the shortened version.  I maintained my thirst for knowledge and with my husband by my side, I put myself through obtaining a M.B.A. with a Concentration on Organizational Health and when that wasn’t enough, I pursued the CPCU insurance designation. At the same time, my path included upward movement in the organization. I quickly learned that I could not politic in the manner the company required nor treat people the way I was expected to. I took control of my happiness and my family’s future, calculated the risks, got my insurance licenses, and drafted a hefty business plan on how I would run a successful insurance agency without putting my family in a downward financial spiral.

Listening and educating customers and prospects about insurance will always be the center of my operations. Despite the obstacles and challenges, running a business I’m passionate about far outweighs a steady stream of income. I like the fact that whether the business succeeds or fails, it falls back on me.

Throughout the last two years, I’ve learned my business plan is a live document. It should evolve based on macro-economic factors and to fit customer and employee needs. I’ve also learned truly how to be an authoritative leader. I’ve learned how to flexible with my employees while still holding them accountable to the agency objectives and goals.

My business is part of my life and everyone who knows me knows it. I do not use pressure sales tactics. I listen, provide suggestions and options, and then the customer decides what they want. If it suits them better to stay with their current carrier, I still consider it a win if they’ve walked away learning something about insurance they previously did not know. I enjoy being out in the community and volunteer my time as much as possible while representing my brand.

I’ve worked hard my entire life and I will continue to work hard to meet my family goals. I will broaden by business pursuits in the future as I also have a desire to help kids. The amount of anxiety and depression is on the rise in children and I’ve researched a root cause and I have a business idea on how to help. The possibility of pursuing this goal also drives me to continue working harder each day. Failure is just not an option for myself, my family, and the future generation.

On a technical level, please consider giving me a shot if you’re in the market for business, property investments, home, auto, umbrella, and/or life insurance. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and your family on your insurance needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This season is the best time for visitors because it’s camping season for our family! If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would take her tent camping in Sedona. We’d hike the mountains in Sedona and Flagstaff and borrow a friend’s UTV and drive around to look at the beautiful terrain. We’d fish out of a canoe at Lake Mary and while that would provide some food, a must-stop before heading back to Mesa is Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff. It’s one of our family’s favorites for their wood-fired pizzas and beverages. I’d also want my friend to experience the unique vendors in downtown Flagstaff. I love how friendly people are in Sedona and Flagstaff. If you make eye contact, don’t be surprised to stop for a conversation. Back in Mesa, we’d check out the variety of cars at the Mesa Cars and Coffee event. The owner has done such a great job these past couple of years of creating a friendly environment for car lovers and their families. My husband’s family had a body shop in WY in the past and he grew up around cars. He loves them, watches documentaries and car shows on a daily basis, and loves passing along information about cars to my friends. Vitos in Mesa is another must-stop restaurant. Yes, we love pizza.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and my kids are my reasons for working so hard. They are the core of my support team. Throughout our 14 years of marriage, I’ve had several visions and my husband provides the encouragement and a different perspective to broaden my ideas. He continues to put in the necessary work to free up my time to continue my business pursuits so that we may reach our financial goals for the future. I also have to thank my parents and my in-laws as all have entrusted me to insure their possessions and lives. A special shout out to my two siblings as they have always believed in me and despite my imperfections, they focus on leveraging my strengths and keep me going. My sister-in-law has been a disciple of telling friends and family about my mission and she’s referred alot of business, and I cannot thank her enough. Two months ago, I was graced with a positive, go-getter employee with a “sky is the limit” attitude. My agency has trended upward in growth because of his contributions and I’m grateful for him. Finally, I needed a little boost after running a successful agency for almost two years. I recently read a motivating book by Amanda Frances called, Rich as F*ck and I connected with her attitude and philosophies on many levels. I appreciate her lens on life and money. My business would not be possible without my family, my team, the community, and without a good book.

Website: https://www.amfam.com/agents/arizona/mesa/allison-seckman

Instagram: allison_seckman_amfam

Linkedin: Allison Seckman, M.B.A. CPCU

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonSeckmanAgency/

Image Credits
Matthew Seckman and Anne McCarthy