Interview-Kate Dawson of Ferri Dawson Insurance Group. Ferri Dawson Insurance Group is based in Murrysville, PA. http://www.fdinsurancegroup.com
We are continuing our blog series of interviews with local business owners in the Westmoreland County and surrounding areas. The COVID-19 situation has impacted every business in the area, and nationwide. While we are attempting to get as many perspectives as possible, it’s also interesting to see how businesses are impacted differently. This week, we’ll hear from Kate Dawson, owner of Ferri Dawson Insurance Group.
Question 1:
77 Design Co: How long have you been in business? How about the insurance profession?
Kate Dawson: November 2019 was our Ferri Dawson open date. I’ve been in the profession almost ten years. First, I started out with claims. Next, I spent several years with a captive insurance agency. After that, a few years with an independent agency before starting out on my own.
Question 2:
77: How has Covid-19 affected your business?
KD: Well, for instance, a large part of my business is helping new home buyers. A lot of closings have been delayed or are on hold. For example, home inspections are not being done. Without these inspections closings cannot be done either.
Meanwhile, I’ve been focusing a lot on reviewing policies and coverage for clients. Further, how the virus has affected us is that I can’t meet face to face. That’s been very different for me. I’m used to meeting people.
The insurance industry is “life-sustaining” so we can continue to work from the office or home. We just can’t have any foot traffic.
Question 3:
77: Can you offer anything during the crisis?
KD: Yes. So, Ferri Dawson can do comprehensive insurance reviews. Many times people have said to me, ” I wish I would have done this sooner. I just didn’t have the time.”
Question 4:
77: Do you have suggestions for customers or others that have insurance needs or questions?
KD: Certainly, one suggestion is to use this time to cross off your check lists. You may have had some things on the back burner, this is the perfect time to get those done. For instance, insurance needs change over time. It’s more important now than ever to make sure you and your family are properly protected. Likewise you can save money!
Last week I spent ten minutes on the phone with a client and they ended up saving over two thousand dollars per year! Their coverage stayed the same, but they saved a huge amount of money. Extremely important right now.
Question 5:
77: What’s your favorite thing to do during lockdown time?
KD: <laughs> This is NOT the standard answer. So, umm, I like to learn more about insurance! Everyone is turning to Netflix, but I’ve been immersing myself in this industry. I’m reading books, articles, and journals about…insurance, <laughs again> that’s not a normal answer!
It’s also been good to take this time and work on technology. Learning Zoom and other technologies has been a learning experience. It’s still acceptable and sort of like meeting in person. The only thing though, is you can meet in your pajamas!
Last Question:
77: Anything you’d like to add?
KD: Above all, yes, my suggestion to the general public is to use this time wisely. Use it for something that’s going to benefit you in the long run. I hope others do that for their own good. Also, be safe and be healthy.
Conclusion
Thanks for taking time to answer questions with us, Kate! Her contact info is 724-575-7237 or kate@fdinsurancegroup.com
77 Design Co. is committed to helping small business succeed. We want to keep their doors open, and keep roofs over their family’s heads. Keeping your business alive during this mess is crucial.
Finally, contact us if you own a business, or know of a business owner that needs marketing help. We are volunteering work at heavily discounted rates (or in some instances free) to keep business stable in our county. Any way we can help, we will.
Additionally, here’s our services: https://77designco.com/services-2/
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