Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began with a Craigslist post. I had just moved to Houston from Mexico at the age of 19, newly married to my high school sweetheart, and was searching for any job I could find. My dad encouraged me to apply for a sales position I found on Craigslist, which promised good pay and training. That job interview was held at a meat market in Katy, Texas, about two hours away from where I lived. That should have been a red flag, but it was not for a 19 year old. I got lost multiple times on the way there, but I persevered. It was my first step into the insurance industry.
I worked for almost 13 in this insurance agency, learning the ropes of the business. While many people might think insurance is boring, I found it fascinating. The more I learned about how policies could be tailored to meet the unique needs and budgets of clients, the more I realized that this industry had so much potential. I set my sights on one day opening my own insurance agency. In 2020, with the full support of my husband and my dad, I took the leap and opened my own agency, ISW Insurance Solutions, in Tomball, TX. The day my LLC was officially active, I went into labor with my second child. It was an emotional and exciting time, with so many big changes happening at once.
By mid-2021, the business was gaining traction and growing. We received so much support from friends, neighbors, and the community. However, just as things were falling into place, I faced an unexpected challenge: my dad was diagnosed with cancer. As an only child, I couldn’t leave him. So, my husband and I made the difficult decision to sell our house and move 6 hours away to be closer to him. During this time, I juggled caring for my newborn, my 5-year-old, my dad’s health, and running the business. Despite the emotional toll, I kept working, answering calls, and staying on top of my tasks, even if it meant doing so from hospital lobbies or the ICU floor.
Unfortunately, my dad passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was my hero and the reason I pushed so hard to succeed. With the love and patience of my husband, I found the strength to continue moving forward. After returning to North Houston, I refocused on growing the business. There were many days when I wasn’t sure where the next client would come from, but through faith and persistence, I kept pushing. Today, ISW Insurance Solutions has achieved so much, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my community and clients. I’m thrilled with how far we’ve come, and it motivates me to keep building a business that not only succeeds but gives back to the community.
Looking ahead, my vision is to continue growing ISW Insurance Solutions into a business that can create a team of passionate people who share my love for insurance and the belief in dreaming big. Every day, I work hard to ensure that our company provides top-notch service to our clients while maintaining a focus on giving back. I’m so excited for the future, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and the people who join me along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Insurance, in general, is never easy, and along the way, there have been several challenges that tested my perseverance. From the beginning, I had to work hard just to get started. I was 19, newly married, and had just moved to a new city. My first job required me to drive two hours each way, and getting lost on those long commutes was not the easiest. But I had big dreams, and I knew I had to push through.
Losing my dad was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. He was my hero and the driving force behind my success. His passing was devastating, and there were days when I didn’t know how I would continue. But with the love and support of my husband and the community, I found the strength to keep pushing forward.
In addition to these personal struggles, the business itself has faced external challenges. The insurance market took a significant hit after COVID-19, and insurance companies raised their rates dramatically. This made it harder for families to keep up with the rising costs of everything, and as a result, it became much harder to convince clients to move to my agency based on service alone. As a consumer, I completely understand their frustration—it’s not easy to prioritize service when costs are rising so quickly.
Despite these challenges, I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way. Every struggle, whether personal or professional, has only made me more determined to succeed. The road has been tough at times, but with each obstacle, I’ve grown stronger, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my family, community, and clients.
We’ve been impressed with ISW ISNURANCE SOLUTIONS, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At ISW Insurance Solutions, we specialize in providing tailored insurance services that meet the unique needs of every client. We focus on offering personalized solutions that help families, individuals, and businesses safeguard their futures. We provide a range of insurance options, including auto, home, life, and commercial insurance. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding each client’s specific needs and offering customized policies that fit their budgets and goals.
We are passionate about educating our clients so they can make informed decisions that work best for them. In a world of one-size-fits-all solutions, we stand out by offering the personal touch that many larger agencies can’t provide.
I am most proud of the trust we’ve earned from our clients and the relationships we’ve built over the years. Our community support has been incredible, and the fact that we’re a local, family-run business makes our work even more meaningful. Watching our agency grow from a dream to a successful business has been an emotional journey, and knowing that we’ve helped so many people secure their futures fills me with pride. More than just policies, we’re proud to be part of the fabric of our community and be a trusted partner to our clients.
Today our agency continues to grow with the support and help of everyone around us! Our team is growing, and our super start Valentina Lemon has been a great support and addition to our team.
Our ability to adapt in every situation providing services to anyone that seeks our help is the reason why I decided to go the independent route. I wanted to put “solutions” on our brand because that what I want to provide to families and business owners. I know the struggle of juggling it all, so if I can take care of the things that matter but can be left on the side lines, that is what my focus has been.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love supporting others. I’ve worked with many other professionals (realtors, loan officers) and even people in my same industry down the hall from my agency. I’m not in competition with anyone but with myself. And one of the things that feeds my soul is seeing others succeed. So, I’m always looking into ways of getting our name out there, but also aligning with a good cause. Honestly, I do not consider myself very exclusive so I’m always open to new ideas and opportunities to grow or explore. That’s the fun on owning your business, you get to play a role on things other’s have not even considered before.
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