Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Thomas Larsen, CEO of Larsen Insurance Agency, located in Buffalo, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Landlord's are a very big niche for us and local restaurants too on the business insurance side. Auto, homeowners, and personal umbrella insurance on the personal side of insurance.
Tell us about yourself
We love helping people thru the crazy terms of the insurance. We are a preferred agency using word-of-mouth marketing and educating consumers on insurance issues.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Started a scratch agency from brand new in 2003. I had 12 years of experience in insurance sales prior and decided to strike out on my own.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Financing a start-up. I used credit cards to pay staff at the beginning, a tough way to start a small business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a mentor, don't go it alone.
- Make sure you have adequate capital at the beginning.
- Know who your ideal customer is and niche it if you can. Ours was landlord insurance policies, and today it makes up 33% of our agency.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you can start or join a Mastermind group - invaluable feedback and help from the others in the group.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.larseninsurance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.larsen.9066/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_insurance716/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Insurance716
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/insurance716/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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