At Robins, Positive Leadership and a Talented Team Drive Success
The team credits amazing leadership. Leadership gives all the kudos to an incomparable team.
That mutual admiration, trust and respect has led Robins Insurance in Nashville, Tennessee, to be selected as Insurance Journal’s 2022 Best Agencies to Work For Bronze award winner for the Southeast region.
“They are respectful, have a good, laid back and non-micromanagement style that trusts their employees and provides much respect and flexibility,” one nominating employee said.
“The core values of the agency are at the center for what they do and how they treat their clients,” said another nominating employee. “While growth is the goal, the top of management truly cares about his employees and wants the best for them always.”
CEO Van Robins says that while any agency can invest in a management system or office space, or develop great processes, it’s the talent that makes it work.
“Top-level talent is hard to come by,” he said. “I believe it’s the only durable differentiator for independent insurance agencies. … Top talent — the best subject matter experts available, delivering customized insurance solutions and excellent client care — is not easy to replicate.”
Providing great service grows from the positive atmosphere, employees said. One cited benefits like flexible work schedules, new challenges and a fun workplace, and added, “I love the feeling of helping people feel comfortable and complete with their insurance needs.”
The employees are also engaged in how the agency is run day-to-day.
“Robins focuses on employee involvement and opinions to create policies and procedures,” an employee said. “It is a collaborative environment where employees’ opinions and knowledge are appreciated and acknowledged.”
One thing several employees said helps the agency shine is specializing in insuring niche risks, such as entertainment, hospitality, education, nonprofits, churches and real estate.
“(We have) specialized departments with their own specialties,” an employee said. “(We’re) focused on that specific risk. Very knowledgeable in each area.”
“The producers have the highest of standards and presentation I have ever seen; this is why the commercial department is such a success,” said another survey respondent. “The positive manner in which they interact with the account managers is refreshing and respectful.”
Employees have a customized talent development plan with training and educational opportunities focused on the agency’s niche clientele.
“We have a ‘work where you’re weak’ philosophy to training and development,” CEO Robins said. “The idea is to create the strongest, most well-rounded team members possible. We try to recruit people who value that kind of talent development.”
If you want happy employees that create satisfied clients, you’ve got to start from within, he said.
“Be intentional about creating a corporate culture and identity — and be able to articulate it. Use that culture to recruit top talent,” he said. “The best account managers will attract the best producers and vice versa, which creates a virtuous cycle of growth and development.”