In a competitive field, Danil Semenov finds word of mouth and a talent for translating the fine print to be invaluable to his job as a local property and casualty insurance agent.
Q: How, or why, did you decide to work for or open your current job?
A: As the economy was shrinking in 2009 I lost my job at a local accounting firm. A friend recommended that I call a local insurance agency and apply for a job. I decided to give it a try, got a job as a property and casualty insurance agent and have loved it ever since.
Q: What convinced you that this was the job for you?
A: When I was considering a job in the insurance industry I had to look at it from different angles. What appealed to me was the fact that I will be meeting new people and making new friends. Also I wanted to have a job for the long haul, a job where I could make a career.
Q: What does it take to blend your passion with your livelihood?
A: I think being able to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to people is important. Social skills always come into play. Also I like to stay involved and give back to the local community through organizations like the Mountlake Terrace Business Association and the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County. My job takes me places and I find it very rewarding.
Q: What are the crucial elements for success for your business?
A: Understanding and addressing customers’ needs, knowing how insurance works and having the ability to explain that knowledge to a customer in understandable language. The other crucial elements are hard work, a sense of humor, motivation and persistence.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how did you meet it?
A: The insurance industry is very competitive. As an employee of a local independent insurance agency I don’t have the benefit of mass advertisement on TV and radio. When I started working at Plaza Insurance the challenge was to build my brand. I met this challenge by reaching out to the community through local business organizations and participating in community events. I keep educating myself about the insurance industry. I work very hard to provide excellent customer service to my customers and keep them happy. Word of mouth is the best advertisement for me.
Q: How did your friends and family react when you told them you were getting into this business?
A: My friends and family were very supportive of my decision to enter and stay in the insurance business. I am the first person from my family to be involved in this industry. Every time my friends and family have an insurance-related question they turn to me now. I have become quite a resource for them.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I want to be a successful insurance agent and be able to provide for my family in the future. Working at a local business and being connected to the community is exhilarating. I feel very grateful for the opportunities to meet local residents face to face and give back to the community that supports my business.
Q: What personal abilities do you think are needed to excel in your line of work?
A: In my opinion the ability to educate customers on how their insurance coverage works is very important. If a customer understands how a certain insurance policy protects him/her and his/her loved ones that person will feel a lot safer. I would say other important abilities are social skills, operating with honesty and integrity, attention to details and customer service.
Q: When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: When I’m not working I enjoy the outdoors, barbecuing and spending time with my friends and my amazing girlfriend.
Plaza Insurance Agency
5505 230th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace
425-778-2134, ext. 312
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