Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Rust.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated from Texas A&M (WHOOP!) in 2012 and went right into selling insurance for Liberty Mutual at their Kingwood office. Originally, I went to college to become a nurse and completed all of the prerequisites needed for nursing school as well as earning a Bachelor of Science. After making up my mind that the healthcare industry was not for me, I stumbled upon the sales position at Liberty Mutual through a friend of mine who had already graduated from Texas A&M and was working for the company. I quickly applied and went through five interviews before accepting the position at Liberty Mutual, as an insurance agent. I was fresh out of college and had no idea what I was doing, but quickly learned what it took to make a living through a commission based position. Over the next six years, I increased my sales each year and organically built a large referral network that sustains my business to this day. I became one of the highest producing agents in Texas and worked endlessly to get where I am today. What I have not yet mentioned is that this position brought my wonderful husband, Adam Rust, in to my life. We were married on September 10, 2016 and were given an amazing opportunity to become independent agency owners of Helix Insurance Group on October 25, 2017. On this day, we officially gained our third leg and business partner, Gilbert Delagarza. Through months of preparation, prayer, and deep thought, we knew that God had led us to Gilbert and that we were going to perform better as a team. Over the course of a year, we have built a multi-million dollar company and have two office locations.
Has it been a smooth road?
I am very blessed! However, it has not been a walk in the park. Sales is the only industry for me because I am driven by the ability to be able to create what I want. Personally, I am not able to flourish when I feel as if I am tied down with the constraints of a set salary, and a set way of doing things. With this being said, earning your income through commission is a beast of its own and is not for everyone. You have to be innovative and you cannot be too scared to try something new that could potentially help your process. I say “too scared” because there are some things that will scare us! The key is to push past your fears and execute regardless of how you feel. When you are comfortable, your chances of transforming are pretty slim to none! I never questioned if I was going to be able to maintain the sales numbers that are needed long term in order to make a living. I did not question how I was going to build a customer base right out of college with NO leads from the company I worked for. I was certain of one thing – that I would figure it out and that I would be able to succeed no matter what. I have always been a person who is excited about the next challenge and will do anything it takes to reach my goals. Sure, I experienced many different struggles – from having the wrong relationships to not focusing as I should have, BUT I always pressed on. I believe “whether you think you can, or think you can’t, either way, you are right”. This quote has been at my desk for years now and has helped me remember to love myself through some of my biggest struggles. As young women, there are so many different roads we can take. Appreciating the road that you are on and being present with where you are at RIGHT NOW is huge! Becoming the best version of myself each and every day is how I have been able to grow the most.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Right now, I do a little bit of everything! My title at Helix is COO/Agency Owner, but a title does not mean as much as the person behind it. I am so proud of my team and the grit and hustle that we have! Truly, I feel blessed that I am able to do what I do each and every day and that I am able to work alongside two amazing leaders, Adam and Gilbert. With a combined experience of over 20 years in the insurance industry, our agency is high producing and we handle personal lines, commercial lines and life/health transactions all over the State of Texas and throughout the United States. As a brokerage, we are able to shop our customer’s insurance through all of the top carriers in the market (Progressive, Allstate, Travelers, Safeco, Met Life, and many more). This enables us to be a one-stop shop and gives us a competitive advantage over other agencies who do not have access to the same markets that we do. We focus on the customer experience and pride ourselves on educating our customers! Insurance is very technical and it is important that each customer has an in-depth understanding of their policies. Nine out of ten people that we speak to on a daily basis have no idea what coverage gaps are within their policies, and what coverage options are available to them! Our customers always come first, and our agency response time for both new business and existing customers is second to none. We have an amazing team and loyal customers due to the culture we have created and the core values that we strictly adhere to (integrity, commitment, consistency, family). Helix Insurance Group has set a new industry standard!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Do not try to figure out your whole life right now, or even in the next year. Let me clarify, it is still necessary to create goals for yourself. Just remember, no matter how many plans we have, sometimes God has a different one. I am a person of faith and have gained peace during some of my darkest hours by knowing that God has my back and has a plan for me that is so much greater than my own. Accept a new job, even if you are unsure it will be the profession you choose for your whole life. Learn something from each person that you meet. Give yourself a second chance – you would not be able to learn anything or become wiser if you were 100% perfect. Cherish the time you spend with your family and friends because we are never promised tomorrow. Find a tribe and strong referral network – people who will support you and your business and want to see you grow! At the same time, don’t be a taker- be a giver! The more people you help, the more you will succeed. Most importantly, Do NOT measure your success by the success of others! In the great words of Dr. Seuss “there is no one alive who is youer than you”. Step out in to this world with confidence and be fierce in everything you do. You are defined by the limitations that you place upon yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.helixinsurancegroup.com
- Phone: 4097974040
- Email: emily.rust@helixinsurancegroup.com
- Instagram: helixinsurance
- Facebook: Helix Insurance Group
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