Power Producers: Throwback: Remember Why You Started with Ciara Gravier

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Ciara Gravier, CIC, PWCA, CPIA, Founder, and CEO of The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management. Ciara talks about her knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry and how COVID-19 has affected her business. Episode Highlights: David introduces Ciara Gravier. (1:24) Ciara shares that they started their company in January 2019. They hired their first producer in November and three telemarketers before the pandemic happened. (3:58) Ciara mentions that she started her agency on paper about a year and a half ago, but they have been hitting it hard since January. (13:52) Ciara thinks that the hardest part when the COVID-19 happened, was that it was the same time when they were trying to reinvent themselves. (14:48) Ciara mentions that they have commercial experience but not in the middle market. (15:38) Ciara thinks that the insurance industry is still very heavily male-dominated, but she surrounded herself with a lot of men that believe in her, probably more than she does. (16:52) Ciara shares a story about a prospect that was referred to her by a good referral partner. (18:04) Ciara mentions that the carrier appointments have been a big challenge for them, especially in South Florida. (30:14) Ciara explains that apart from COVID-19, focusing on their content and videos has also been a challenge for them. (40:51) Ciara shares that her father always tells her to remember the big picture and not to get caught up in the little things. (45:36) Ciara shares her advice for the listeners, that you have to be patient with the process, find a mentor, find a skilled agent and follow them, and try to spend time with them and learn from them. (55:37) Tweetable Quotes: “You have to get your designation. Because having those letters behind your name is going to help you with adversity, you're going to face being young and being a woman, some people just don't take the advice seriously.” - Ciara Gravier “I think honestly, some women might feel like they belong in the desk processing certificates. No, not at all. Any woman can do this job in the agency and run the show. It's not limited to just picking up the phone.” - Ciara Gravier “I understand being an underwriter, the people that feed you the most and feed you the best are the ones that get your first attention. So it has been very difficult to find an underwriter that we can bond with, that responds to us quickly.” - Ciara Gravier “I just want to be able to take care of my family, I don't need to have a million houses. I just want the flexibility, this job, and owning an agency does give you flexibility in your life.” - Ciara Gravier “I think that I don't see myself working anywhere else but insurance, and I also think it's something I can do until I retire...I want to live a good life, a comfortable life, and take care of my family.” - Ciara Gravier Resources Mentioned: David Carothers LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Florida Risk Partners The Extra 2 Minutes Ciara Gravier LinkedIn The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management