What’s the good news, ladies? October

It’s that time of year people: 4^th Quarter!  Who’s ready to crush it this year?  I know that’s the plan every year. I’m not sure about you all, but it has been busier than ever in my world.  Just to give a little good news of my own, August was the best month on record in the over 16 years of owning the brokerage, so I’m pretty jazzed about that.

In addition to the brokerage growing, I’m in the process of writing a book.  You all have heard me talk about my dad a lot in the past and when I lost him to Agent Orange related throat cancer in 2018.  This book has been a labor of love for me and a tribute to him as well as serving as a stand in mentor, so to speak, if you don’t currently have one.  The title of the book is “Pancakes for Roger:  A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons” and I’m really excited about it.  You’ll actually see some of the past Wonder Women featured in this series woven through it because these women are my mentors and inspire me every day.  So one thing I’ll charge you readers with: If you read one of these columns that it really resonates with you, reach out to that woman.  I guarantee she’ll be happy to connect with you to strategize, offer some love and even a kick in the ass if you need it!  So, without further adieu, please welcome our newest fierce women to the fold:  Mandy, Kelly and Manuela!

Mandy Baker, freshbenies

“About 16 years ago, I joined the employee benefits industry, working as an admin. Over the years, as I’ve grown professionally and personally, I’ve invested in myself to be able to become an expert for my brokers, partners, and clients. I joined freshbenies in January 2020, as an account executive. There’s something so rewarding about being able to provide tools that make health care less complicated. In August, I attended the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo in San Diego, where Eric Silverman said something that I took note of: “A benefit is a benefit is a benefit is a benefit.” I work with my brokers and large group clients to ensure that they are not only in the right package, but that we’re working with them to drive strong engagement and results. I want both my brokers ajd clients to see the value of services like advocacy.

In addition to being a teacher to my three kids (16, 14 & 3) during different phases of the pandemic, I’ve completed a 4word mentorship in 2020, and am working on my REBC designation.”

Kelly Augspurger, CLTC, Steadfast Insurance

“I am a long-term care insurance specialist and co-founder of Steadfast Insurance. I have theprivilege of helping families and business owners plan ahead to minimize the financial, physical and emotional burdens of a long-term care situation. In the past 12 months, I’ve grown my book of business by 4X, even amidst a pandemic year. Professionally, I’m on the board of the Central Ohio Elder Care Planning Council, Westerville Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee, and Co-founder of the Central Ohio Senior Resource Group. I regularly speak to different groups, educating people on how to plan for long-term care and about starting and running an independent insurance agency with your spouse. I’ve been featured as a guest on multiple podcasts. I have a terrific husband, two active kids, and a labradoodle named Eddie. I’m on the Women’s Bible Study Committee at our church and I’m a small group leader. I also volunteer and support multiple organizations including, Pregnancy Decision Health Centers, Byron Saunders Foundation, 4th Friday in Uptown Westerville, and other community events. I enjoy playing tennis and doing other outdoor activities with my family in my free time.”

Manuela Pujals Lord, M.S., MORE Health Inc

“My biggest business accomplishment in the past 12 months has been changing my work to a different industry segment.  What I love about this new segment is that I can help people in their most difficult time obtain the confirmation that the medical treatment that they are pursuing is the best one.  Although changing industry segment at 49 years of age is challenging, the upside is that I am constantly growing and making new connections.  I am learning how to apply my existing knowledge in health care to this new industry segment.  After being in the health care space for over 25 years, I’ve learned it is always important to reinvent myself.  I have consistently changed industry segments throughout my career, as I don’t just want to be known for one part of the industry. The more challenges I have taken, the richer my knowledge has become.  No one said it would be easy, but it is worth it!”

Who do you know that fits the profile of Rockstar Insurance Woman?  Whoever just came to mind, shoot me an email at scombs@combsandco.com to make sure I know them too!