Q1 : Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans : We are a family owned independent insurance agency located in Yukon, OK. We opened our Yukon office in November of 1980 and moved to our current location in October of 2011. We offer personal and commercial insurance through multiple insurance companies.
Q2 : Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans : We started the agency from scratch in 1980. We have since grown to be one of the largest continuously owned agencies in the area.
Q3 : What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans : As a second generation insurance agent, I realized an independent agency gave me the ability to “shop” the marketplace and make sure I could give clients the best coverage for the best price.
Q4 : What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans : 1. Make the customers your priority
2. Act with integrity
3. Have a passion for your business
Q5 : What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans : 1. A strong work ethic
2. Expertise in your field
3. Commitment and follow through
Q6 : How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans : Our staff works around 40 hours a week, and most of our companies have after office hours servicing and/or claims service. Many companies also allow online access and have mobile apps.
Q7 : To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans : Skills and values needed to be successful begin with honesty with our clients, treating them as we like to be treated, and knowledge of our industry and products.
Q8 : How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans : Marketing occurs through word-of-mouth and online, and both are necessary. Web pages, blogs, and social media allow us to reach clients who rely on technology to make decisions.
Q9 : Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans : It is a family-owned business.
Q10 : What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans : Our long history of success is tied to the way that we treat our clients and partner with them to fulfill their insurance needs. We are always adapting to stay current on technology, products, and legislation.
Q11 : Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans : Over the next 5-10 years, I see our company continuing to grow and adapt to the rapidly changing insurance market and distribution channels. With that being said, most people realize the benefits of an independent insurance agency in helping them with their insurance needs at an affordable price.
Q12 : Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans : I admire Trusted Choice because of the organization’s commitment to client advocacy.
Q13 : How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans : No business can be successful without good employees. I have been fortunate enough to have an amazing staff and the support of my family.
Q14 : How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans : I believe in pursuing ideas through difficult times but being realistic when something is not working.
Q15 : What motivates you?
Ans : My family and community motivate me.
Q16 : What are your ideals?
Ans : My ideals are summed up in our motto: Individuals over things. Relationships over money.
Q17 : How do you generate new ideas?
Ans : I like to collaborate with everyone at Wiedemann Insurance and take away from their expertise in different areas. I also work closely with leaders in the insurance industry to generate new ideas for ways to take care of our customers.
Q18 : How do you define success?
Ans : I define success by the impact I have on my family and community.
Q19 : How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans : I build my customer base by meeting the individual needs of my clients and giving them the time and energy they deserve while staying within their budgets.
Q20 : What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans : My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is seeing how happy I make my customers when I give them the coverage they need and a price they can afford.
Q21 : What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans : My most satisfying moments come when my clients are prepared for the unexpected and I know that they will be able to withstand difficult times when they come.
Q22 : What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?2
Ans : Entrepreneurs in insurance have the freedom to build relationships earn trust without limiting their options.
Q23 : What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans : I created a culture of community and family. As a family-run business and our dedication to the community, it occurred naturally.
Q24 : In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans : Satisfying.
Optional Questions
Q25 : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans : My job has required time and effort, but my family has joined me in the business.
Q26 : Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans : My father has been my greatest inspiration.
Q27 : What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans : I love spending my non-working time with grandkids.
Contact details:
Company Name: Wiedemann Insurance Agency Inc
Address: 112 South 4th Street
City: Yukon
State: Oklahoma
Zip Code: 73099
Tel No: (405) 354-7920
URL: http://okinsurancepro.com/
