Career Corner

Small Business Spotlight Series: Stewart Insurance Services

Stewart Insurance Services - Mangwi Atia.png

Company Name: Stewart Insurance Services

Company Owner: Shawnda Stewart 

Company Formation in USA: California 

Website: www.stewartinsuranceservices.com

Social Media:

www.instagram.com/stewart_insurance_services

Industry: Finance and Insurance Sector 

Business Certification:

Licensed Independent Insurance Producer

California Department of Insurance

Texas Department of Insurance 

What products or services do you sell? Life Insurance, Disability, Accident and Retirement 

Why did you become an entrepreneur?

I became an entrepreneur to fulfill my dream of being a founder and CEO of my own company, Stewart Insurance Services, where I offer insurance services and products to clients for their financial protection and wealth. I now live out my passion by helping the community with their financial estate planning and investing. It is the greatest reward to protect clients' financial wellbeing and employ others seeking a career change or additional income. 

Owning a business in the insurance industry, I have positioned myself to build a future with no limitations on the amount I can earn. Executing the roadmap to financial freedom, I am leaving a legacy that passes wealth to my family for generations to come. My family can be proud of me for developing a sustainable, replicable business for them. 

How did you first start your business?

I first gained many years of professional experience in corporate America leading senior-level strategic initiatives. Taking a logical step to expand my knowledge and network, I sacrificed and worked hard to complete my MBA with a 3.7 GPA. I then studied for the California State Life, Health and Accident insurance exam, passing it the first time. To make my insurance endeavor reachable and doable, I rely on a great work ethic and a forward-thinking attitude. It has helped me complete the required steps to establish my business and equip me to interact and provide prospective clients with consultations and more. 

What makes your company unique from others?

As an independent insurance producer (not a captive agent), Stewart Insurance Services has direct access to over 100 insurance carriers. There lies the flexibility to find suitable coverage that meets potential clients' needs and budgets. We can offer excellent service with quality insurance products and programs.

Stewart Insurance Services also is well trained and knowledgeable of insurance and financial products. We equip our clients to make informed financial decisions for their future and families. It involves us helping them to prepare for the unexpected in advance and protect assets. We are committed to showing our clients the significance of life insurance and how to build wealth with it as early as possible.

What is the biggest risk your business ever took?

During the planning and start-up phase, one of the risks I took was sharing strategies before my business launched. (I believe in paying it forward and helping others with their dream.) There was a possibility someone else could have applied them before I did. In my case, it did happen with someone attempting to execute my plans, but poor execution kept it from being a success. I learned a valuable lesson from that experience: It is important to know when you should (and shouldn’t) share your plans and goals with others.

 If you could do it all over again, what one thing would you do differently, and why?

I would not change a thing in my journey if I had to do it all over again. I joined a community of successful insurance producers that supports business growth and embraces minority entrepreneurship.

Career Pivot: How to Pursue Your Next Profession Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

At some point in your professional life, you may need to work in a different career field. Your current profession does not align with your long-term goals or offers stability. And you no longer find it rewarding. Having reached this outlook, it becomes apparent that you should switch profession, company, industry, or all three.