Agency Walks the Walk, Gives Employees a Voice

If you work at Morris & Garritano you’re probably quite familiar with the term “walk the walk.”

The agency was voted by its employees as Insurance Journal’s Best Agency to Work For – West.

The San Louis Obispo, Calif.-based agency took home the Bronze award, earning high marks because the firm’s leaders, to use another cliche, practice what they preach.

“I have worked for many companies in my career. Morris & Garritano is the first company to talk the talk, and actually walk the walk,” one employee wrote in extensive comment to nominate the firm for the award. “I am made to feel part of the group even though I work remote. They go an extra mile to communicate, include and encourage employees. I am looking forward to long and happy relationships with M&G.”

Another employee wrote that the firm emphasizes constantly improving as a core value.

“We walk the walk,” the employee wrote. “There is room for collaboration and exploring ideas from all levels of staff and extends to our clients.”

The employee touched on another common phrase (work/life balance) that was frequent in comments in the nominations.

“There is a value on work/life balance that allows for regeneration and dedication to the tasks at hand,” the employee wrote. “Team members are generous and considerate of workflow and are always willing to help. The depth of knowledge is extensive and allows us to guide our clients in their decision-making process to preserve and improve their business.”

The firm reports roughly $23 million in annual revenue, and employs more than 125 people — two figures that are expected to continue to be on the rise, according to Kerry Morris, the firm’s chief operating officer.

Morris said that while the firm is focusing on organic growth, it’s also evaluating acquisitions, and is looking to expand.

“We want to become one of the largest independent agencies in California,” Morris said, adding that they are mostly “looking southward” in terms of geographic growth.

Morris, when asked about the “walk the walk” comments, explained that she believes it’s a function of good communication.

“I think we’re honest and transparent with our employees,” Morris said.

Decisions are not made lightly, employees are given a clear picture of changes and where the firm is headed, and they “respect their voice,” she added.

The firm also apparently does a lot of communicating with its clients.

“M&G is constantly thinking about their clients and employees when they are planning for the future,” one employee wrote. “It makes me proud to work for a company that goes above and beyond to make sure that their client’s needs are being met while their employees are being taken care of.”

If the “walk the walk” and work/life balance themes were most prevalent among comments, a very close third most popular theme would be that having one’s voice heard is key part of the culture at the firm.

“Every employee from the bottom to the top is valued, included, heard and appreciated,” another employee wrote. “The work ethic between the majority of the employees is the same, highly motivated, do the right thing by each other and our clients, and work hard and have fun together.”

There is much room for advancement if the interest is shown, the employee continued. “Our supervisors and leadership will do everything they can to help you learn and move forward in your growth plan if you show interest in something and prove that you are willing to put in the work to accomplish it.”