Marla Fleming joined FDIG at the beginning of the year and has been introducing herself to our clients. With eight years of experience in the industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency.
We’re taking this opportunity to introduce you to Marla and explain what motivated her to continue her career at FDIG.
We sat down with Marla for a quick chat about her first few months at FDIG.
You have worked in a several other agencies and focused on different areas of insurance. Tell us about your career path, how you ended up at FDIG, and how your prior experience prepared you.
I have worked in the insurance industry for 8 years now. My introduction to the industry was working with a captive agency. After my experience with State Farm, I spent the next few years with Allstate. In 2021, I left the captive side of insurance and transitioned to the independent agency model. Transitioning to the independent side completely changes how you view the insurance industry. I realized my focus changed from representing the company to representing the client. A broker also leads to more potential and opportunities to help customers through hard markets, rather than only having access to one carrier. My experience on both the captive side of insurance and independent is what makes me an asset to FDIG. The knowledge I’ve gained from my time working in the industry makes me a strong and capable agent.
I passed the exam for my Property & Casualty License in 2016 and expanded to obtain my Life & Health License in 2018. Branching out to an independent agency opened new doors for me as far as more educational growth in the industry. I earned my first designation: the Personal Lines Coverage Specialist in 2022. Having both captive and independent insurance experience served me well, providing me with the wealth of knowledge and background to succeed and grow even more at FDIG.
Tell us about your experience joining and getting familiar with FDIG.
From the moment I first stepped into Ferri Dawson Insurance Group I knew it was where I belong. Leaving on my very first day, I felt a physical weight lift off my shoulders. Everyone immediately feels welcome the moment you step through our door and I see this clearly on customer’s faces. Maybe it was the warm atmosphere of an office filled with vibrant plants or the welcoming scent of burning candles. The fact that Kate built such an amazing agency from scratch and proves her strong work ethic every day. I found my home working with Kate and Taylor, and we make an amazing, strong team of women. For these reasons and more, I am beyond proud to be a part of FDIG.
What ties you to insurance? What do you find most rewarding about the industry?
It was clear I was an insurance nerd from day one! I have always enjoyed the challenges and rewards of helping a customer find the coverage they need while putting money back in their pockets. Above all, I find the educational aspect of insurance the most rewarding. I really enjoy explaining coverages to clients, so they understand what they are paying for and what they are required to carry. Insurance is not just a monthly bill you have to pay, but protecting the new house you are making your home, the new car you worked overtime to purchase, the commercial insurance to protect the new business you are working so hard to grow, and the whole life policy to leave behind a legacy and not a burden for your family.
Looking ahead, what is next for you in the industry?
The industry is constantly changing — more so now than ever before. Knowing this has increased my drive to earn more designations and increase my knowledge and skillset. It’s very important to me to keep myself updated on the industry, either by reading journals or listening to podcasts. Completing continuing education beyond the credit requirements helps me be the best I can be in the insurance world.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
As the mother of a young family, most of my time out of the office is spent with my husband and kids. Our children range from thirteen to five, and we support each other at baseball and cheerleading throughout the year. In the offseason, we love spending time in our pool or going on adventures in the woods. I’m currently in my reading era and can’t find enough time to sit down with a good book. I also have a crafty gene; I enjoy painting, crocheting, and creating with my Cricut. I especially love planning a party. Stay tuned for details on FDIG’s Five Year Party!
What is most important to you about motherhood?
If you know me, it’s obvious how much I treasure being a mother. What I like most about motherhood can also be considered the hardest part: watching these tiny humans you made grow and experience new phases of life. Above all, especially the love they have for each other.
You have a kind and listening ear, putting clients at ease talking to you. Do you have a favorite story about a client?
I believe that customers and people in general are drawn to me because customer service comes naturally to me. I can sit quietly and be the listening ear that someone really needed that day, or laugh along with their stories which brightens their lonely day. I have a kindred spirit for the elderly. I enjoy being the friendly face clients see when it’s time to make a change or help them pay their bill. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.
To start a conversation with Marla please email her at marla@fdinsurancegroup.com.