Today we’d like to introduce you to Marvin Serrano.
Marvin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2009, I graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a BA in Business and a concentration in Small Business Entrepreneurship. I knew I wanted to start a business one day, but at that time I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. My priority after graduation was to find a job so I applied to USAA for what I thought would be just a quick first job before figuring out what I really wanted to do. I was placed in the insurance department and quickly became a licensed agent, highly trained in customer service. I had no idea that I would grow to love the job and the insurance industry.
In 2011, I moved back to my hometown, Richmond, to be with my girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancé. I briefly worked for a big-name captive agency before realizing that in order to realize my dream of becoming a business owner, I needed to break from the big-name insurance agencies and learn more about independent agencies. In 2012, I began working for a local independent agency. During my time there, I developed a great relationship with the owners and got a taste of what it meant to be my own boss. My fiancé, Jessica, and I got married in 2013 and started our family in 2014 with the birth of our oldest son, Andres. With one employee and two additional agents, I finally took the leap and started an independent agency, Full Scope Insurance Agency, in 2017. Since then, we have welcomed our second son, Lucas, and hired two additional employees. Recently, my wife left her full-time job to join the agency full-time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While my previous experience was an advantage for our start-up, there were still a lot of lessons to be learned. For example, our office is in a rural area of Richmond, so we had to figure out how to get the internet speed and phone system we needed to support our operation. We tried a few services out and quite a few dollars were spent until we figured out the right combination. We also had to learn the ins and outs of what it means to be an all-in-one Human Resources, Accounting, and Customer Service department. We spent a lot of late nights researching labor laws and tax law. More than anything, we wanted to start the business the right way and minimize mistakes because our employees depend on us and they mean everything to us. In spite of the learning curve, we enjoyed every minute of it because we were building something that was ours and something we are passionate about.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Full Scope Insurance Agency – what should we know?
Full Scope Insurance Agency is a local, independently owned agency specializing in home, flood, auto, all personal lines, and commercial insurance. Most of the big name agencies are limited to one or just a couple of insurance companies to write your policies with. As an independent agency, we have the ability to quote with more than 30 companies and find the best rate with the best coverage. Although we are a new company, we are already known for excellent customer service, responsiveness, and variety of insurance company partners. I am most proud of the way our team comes together to solve problems and support each other. Team members actively teach each other and share best practices.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We owe our success to our family and friends. My mom played a crucial role by renovating our childhood home and property and allowing us to rent it and run the business there. It’s the perfect place! Both she and my in-laws continue to help us by watching our two boys when we need to work extra hours. They have supported our dream from the beginning. Some of our greatest cheerleaders have been our longtime friends in the area. We are able to vent to them, ask for advice, and network through those strong friendships. We are lucky to have like-minded friends who want to be successful and have a meaningful impact on the economy and community in the greater Houston area.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7829 Powerline Road, Richmond, TX 77469
- Website: www.fullscopeins.com
- Phone: 832-490-1380
- Email: marvin@fullscopeins.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/full_scope_insurance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullscopeins/
- Other: https://goo.gl/LnU71d
Image Credit:
Nikki Cortez
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