February 20, 2025 • 20 mins
What if the path you never anticipated leads to the greatest successes of your life? This episode features the inspiring journey of Danyelle Fredrick, who found herself transitioning from a restaurant general manager to the president of Insurance Made Easy under unexpected circumstances. When her mother fell ill in 2021, Danyelle stepped into the insurance world to preserve her mother's legacy while navigating the challenges of new motherhood. With the indispensable support of her Aunt Tamara, she embraced the complexities of the insurance industry, driven by a family-instilled dedication to service.
Explore the transformative power of networking and referrals with Danyelle as she shares her insights on growing her business through unique communities like a Christian biker group and Business Network International (BNI). These networks have not only expanded her client base but have also enriched her business strategies and personal growth. Danyelle passionately talks about her mission to simplify insurance plans for her clients, striving to make the often intimidating world of insurance approachable and understandable. Her focus on client education and relationship-building sets her apart from typical insurance agents, even amidst the whirlwind of the open enrollment period.
Experience the unexpected joy and fulfillment that life’s surprises can bring through Danyelle's story. Reflecting on her unforeseen career shift, Danyelle expresses gratitude for the happiness and success she has found in a field she never anticipated joining. Her journey underscores the potential for joy and achievement that lies in embracing life's unpredictability. Tune in to hear how Danyelle's path has not only preserved her mother's legacy but also created a thriving business and a source of immense personal satisfaction.
Insurance Made Easy
Danyelle Fredrick
Email: dfredrickinsurance@gmail.com
Website URL: https://calendly.com/dfredrickinsurance
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Host Storie (00:16):
Welcome back to Market it with Atma, where we
share the tips, tools andstrategies to help your business
be successful.
I'm your host Story and todaywe have on the show an inspiring
individual who I personallylove.
She is the president ofInsurance Made Easy, mrs
Danielle Frederick.
Welcome, danielle.
Danyelle (00:35):
Hi, thank you, Story.
I am really excited to be here.
Thank you for having me.
Host Storie (00:40):
I'm so glad you're on the show and everyone gets to
hear your story on how you cameinto the insurance industry and
what your personal mission iskind of in this industry.
Can you share that with ourguests today?
Danyelle (00:52):
Absolutely so.
I got my license in 2021 and Istarted in this industry because
my mom my mom had been ininsurance for almost a decade
and her and my aunt actually, myaunt's been in it even longer
than my mom, um and they werepartners together.
Well, in 2021, my mom got sick,so I I got my license and I
(01:17):
took off and spent six monthswith her to to help her and grow
the business and make sure thatthis is something that we could
keep on for generations.
Wow.
Host Storie (01:28):
Now, were you in the insurance industry at the
time you started helping yourmom?
I wasn't.
Danyelle (01:33):
I was in a completely different industry.
Still helping people in servicethat's truly something I feel
like is in my heart is service,and I used to be actually a
restaurant general manager andthen, when my mom got sick, I
went and helped her.
And then, in 2023, I waspregnant with my first child and
(01:56):
my mom passed away while I wasstill pregnant.
I'm sorry, thank you.
It's been a little toughtransition, but I like to see it
the bright way.
My mom left something for me tobe able to pass on to my
daughter.
Host Storie (02:11):
Right, and so you inevitably kind of took over
your mom's clients and herbusiness, right so?
That's no small task.
Danyelle (02:21):
So that's no small task.
Yeah, I did.
I had contacted every one of mymom's book of business
individually and reached out andlet them know.
Hey, you know my mom had passed, but don't worry, you're still
going to be taken care of.
I'm Danielle, I'm her daughter,I'm going to be taking care of
you, and many of them alreadyknew me from having worked with
my mom.
Yeah, so that transition herbook of business, my mom was
(02:43):
that person that she reallybuilt that connection and so for
me to be able to reach out Ihave so many people who
accidentally call me Chrissystill- oh, that's so sweet.
Host Storie (02:53):
It's almost like a testament to your mother every
time you get to talk with them.
So you mentioned the transition.
How was that for you personallyand professionally, to
transition from a generalmanager and speaking with people
every day in person to takingover your mom's legacy Was that
difficult?
Did you find it almostinspiring to be doing what your
(03:14):
mom was doing?
Danyelle (03:16):
It was a big change and transition for me.
Not only was I taking over anew business, I was a new mom.
Host Storie (03:22):
Right.
Danyelle (03:23):
So it was a big shift.
My Aunt Tamara actually wasphenomenal in helping me.
She had been partnered with mymom before and she helped me
make that transition because Iknew what I was doing with the
basic building blocks.
My mom gave me that foundationin insurance, but I didn't know
how to run a business notinsurance, not by myself, Right.
(03:44):
I knew how to run a restaurantnot not insurance, not by myself
, right, I knew how to run arestaurant, like the day-to-day
operations, but I did not knowthe the step-by-steps and how to
promote and be in charge of myown business.
Host Storie (03:54):
So that was a big one for me, I feel like with any
entrepreneur, when you jumpinto it especially the way you
did, after a loss it's you'reused to the structure.
You have a corporate officethat gives you the structure and
you have to make your ownstructure, and then you're
making your own structure athome with your new child, and so
I can't imagine having to takeon all that at once.
But through you helping me,I've personally seen you do it
(04:17):
with such grace and personalityand you're like one of the
happiest people I've ever met.
So I want to ask kind of, howare you doing with not only
managing your mom's currentclients but growing that
business?
Because now you've jumped intoit full force, right, absolutely
(04:37):
.
So how have you been kind ofoutreaching to bring in new
clients, or are you even tryingto bring in new clients?
Danyelle (04:45):
I am absolutely trying to bring in new clients, or
even, are you even trying tobring in new clients?
I am absolutely trying to bringin new clients.
Um, my primary um way ofgrowing my business is through
referrals.
So a lot of my mom's clientshave passed me referrals Um.
But honestly, I've gotten on myown social media and I um and
actually a part of um a bikercommunity.
So my, my husband's in a in aChristian biker club and we
(05:07):
posts on on there and have notjust done that but gone through
our own little biker communityand that's something people
don't really realize.
There's so much goodwill andcharity and family and
brotherhood in that communitythat I have found so much
support that it's it's beenphenomenal.
(05:28):
So I got several clients justfrom just reaching out to my own
friends and community that way.
But I actually also joined, asyou know, a networking group
called BNI and that has beenphenomenal for me, just not as a
place to get referrals but asown personal business growth,
(05:49):
because I did jump into notreally knowing how to run my own
business.
So I've been able to grow andmeet people who are really kind
of, either have been throughwhat I'm going through or are on
the same path or going throughright now as a solo entrepreneur
.
Host Storie (06:07):
Wow, and I know you and I are in B&I together.
But I think most people whenthey think networking group,
they think, okay, we're going topass referrals.
But I don't know about you, butI feel like you have a
mentorship program.
Almost it's like you have sucha strong community in our group
of BNI especially.
I don't know if it's for all ofthem, but I've learned a lot
(06:29):
from you, from other people inthe chapter.
Is it the same for you and thatrelationship building?
Danyelle (06:35):
Absolutely.
Bni has changed my outlook.
I'd never done any real formalnetworking because it was all
new to me.
And actually our president, DrJoe, reached out to me.
He found me through an ad I hadon Facebook in the Arlington
business marketing and I hadmade a post and he reached out
to me about me and I and I wasso skeptical.
(06:58):
It sounded too good to be trueto me and, honestly, it has
changed the way I do business.
Wow.
Host Storie (07:14):
It's made me realize that there are
structures that apply not justto my industry but all
industries generally to help runa business Right and you've
seen a lot of success in thatgroup and the structure that
it's created for you.
Danyelle (07:23):
Absolutely, I have already.
So I took over my mom's bookand I have almost, if not,
doubled it.
I'm like right at doubling thatbook of business.
And that's just since I tookover and that's the year and a
half span.
Host Storie (07:39):
That's incredible.
So I don't think we've had.
We've talked about insurance,but what type of insurance do
you help people with?
Danyelle (07:48):
So I, my primary focus , is individual and family
health.
So I do anything for a humanbeing.
I take care of people.
So you know dental vision,major medical accident, cancer
plans, life insurance, anythingthat's going to take care of you
and your family.
Let me help with that becausethat's my goal.
(08:09):
I want to be able to take careof people like I felt, like my
mom did for us and how do youapproach those clients and how
do you work?
Host Storie (08:18):
you work with your clients.
That separates you from theseother agents I guess you would
call her entrepreneurs in theindustry.
What separates you from therest that help you make your
success so far?
Danyelle (08:30):
I would honestly say I'm not.
There's a horrible connotationwith agents.
It really is, and it makes mereally sad, but they're a fly by
night, they're looking forthemselves.
I'm not, I'm not going to tryand do that.
I want to make sure you getwhat fits with you and your
family, your budget.
I want to make sure I mean, ifI don't make the sale, I don't
(08:52):
make the sale, that's fine.
I'm going to be able to helpyou, educate you, that you know
what you have and you know howto use it.
Because if you don't know whatyou're paying for, what use is
that to?
Host Storie (09:02):
you Right and I feel like when I've worked with
agents in the past it's almostintimidating because we don't
understand the industry.
We don't understand what youguys are saying, but I feel like
you walk through a process withvisuals that I've never
experienced with another agentbefore and really help break it
(09:22):
down the understanding of eachand every offering that you have
and the costs associated.
So I know you helped me with myinsurance and my husband's.
You've also helped other peoplekind of within our network.
But I feel like your interestin what we have going on right
now is really how you kind ofbuild what plan is best for us.
(09:44):
Is that is that kind of right?
Danyelle (09:45):
on.
Yeah, no, absolutely.
I want you to know what you're,what you have.
So, yes, there are.
There are a lot of technicaljargon that insurance agents use
very much yeah and I'm.
If I hadn't been around theindustry, I wouldn't know what
it was right so it's not taughtin schools.
It's not um.
(10:05):
You know, sometimes our parentsaren't educated in this, so I
feel like it's my job as anagent to be able to tell you hey
, this is what this means andthis is what it does for you.
Host Storie (10:17):
And, to that point, many business owners face
challenges in educating theirclients, and not only that, but
also running a business.
So how do you balance workingon your business and while
working in your business?
That's a lot, it is?
Danyelle (10:36):
It definitely is.
I honestly have big peaks intime.
So most health agents we haveopen enrollment.
So it's that 10 week busyperiod and that's the time where
, honestly, I don't focus on alot of personal business growth.
I focus on my clients, mybusiness, like on a case by case
(10:59):
.
Let me make sure who I havetaken care of I get taken care
of.
Host Storie (11:03):
And.
Danyelle (11:03):
I will still grow within that because I get a lot
of referrals during that timeperiod and I do encourage that.
But my primary concern is myexisting clientele to make sure
that they're taken care of firstabsolutely.
Host Storie (11:16):
I know you take care of me, even when sometimes
I'm not paying attention.
I'm like Danielle help.
She's like I told you.
I told you to do this already,so thank you for that constant
reminder.
So, as you know, in AdventTrinity we have kind of the
build launch, grow scalemethodology that we have our
clients follow and we follow aswell.
Where would you say you're atin the build launch, grow scale
(11:37):
phase of your business?
Danyelle (11:39):
I feel like I'm probably definitely at the build
stage, but maybe likeencroaching upon the launch.
Yeah, because I do feel like Ihave that strong foundation and
I have that piece.
I just need to take it to thatnext level.
I feel like that's where I'm at.
Host Storie (11:54):
Yeah, absolutely so .
What are your goals for thisupcoming year?
Since you've already doubledyour clientele this last year,
what are your goals for thisnext year?
Danyelle (12:03):
My goals for this next year is, in 2025 season, to add
an additional 150, which is, Ifeel like it's a reasonable goal
for the year.
So primarily, you do most ofyour client growth in that
10-week period and youroff-season.
Because of the regulations, youhave to have what's called an
(12:26):
SEP, so a special enrollmentperiod to be able to enroll in
major medical at that point anytime outside of open enrollment.
Because of those stipulationsit is harder to grow individuals
during that off season.
But that doesn't mean it'simpossible and it doesn't mean
that I can't help them in adifferent way.
If we can't do a major medical,there is another solution.
(12:48):
We just got to work through ittogether.
Host Storie (12:50):
Right and actually setting down with them and
giving that personal interest inwhat's going on in their life,
do you think really helps?
Absolutely.
Danyelle (12:56):
That, that personal interest in what's going on in
their life, do you think reallyhelps absolutely that one on one
, because everybody's differentand I have people asking me all
the time hey, you know, I have afamily of five, what is it
going to be for major medical?
Okay, well, that's fine, I'msuper happy we got a family of
five, but there's slidingfactors that it's individually
based.
I can't give you a generalizedquote because there's not a
chart for me to look at.
(13:17):
It's sliding factors foreverybody and everybody's
different, just like everyone'shealth is different.
Host Storie (13:22):
Right, and I'm sure that can almost be frustrating
at times if you have a client ora prospective person coming in
and they really just don'tunderstand.
So that's entrepreneurship,though, right.
I mean, you go through highsand lows and tough days.
How do you get through thosetough days?
Um, especially, what keeps youmotivated during those highs and
(13:44):
lows and your busy times andbeing a mom and helping other
people.
Danyelle (13:50):
Um, really really being a mom.
Host Storie (13:53):
It keeps you motivated.
Danyelle (13:54):
Yeah, and, and my, my mom wanted to be able to have
this business, to pass it down.
So now that she did, she passedit to me, maybe not the way we
wanted or expected, right, but Iwant to be able to do that as
well.
I want to pass it to mychildren and I want them to see
that you can do what you want.
You can be independent andstill have a family life.
(14:16):
You can do this business, notjust this business, any business
that you want.
You can do it and still have afamily life.
Host Storie (14:24):
That is wonderful.
It's almost inspiring.
You make me want to go intoinsurance sometimes.
Danyelle (14:30):
Yours.
Anyway, I can teach you.
Host Storie (14:33):
So you are kind of mentoring new agents.
Do you help mentor new agentscoming in or give advice?
I do.
Danyelle (14:40):
I don't have any individuals underneath me right
now.
Host Storie (14:42):
Right.
Danyelle (14:44):
But that is one of my goals.
It's actually a part of my fiveyear plan Nice clientele before
.
I bring on an agent because oneof the biggest problems in this
industry is it's so hard to getinto it, because it's not
something you get into easy.
It's something you have tostart it part-time.
(15:06):
You have to have a cash flowbecause the money doesn't come
in, it's trickled down so youcould be selling.
I the first six months I workedsix months without a paycheck.
Host Storie (15:16):
Wow.
Danyelle (15:16):
So it's completely on commission base right now.
And that's something that it'sa struggle.
That's one reason it's astruggle to get good agents
because they can't, they don'thave it.
Host Storie (15:29):
They don't have that time.
Danyelle (15:30):
They don't have that monetary, you know, backing and
that's, that's one of the thereal, true challenges of this
industry.
Host Storie (15:40):
That's exactly what I was going to ask you.
What advice would you givepeople that are interested in
coming into this industry ifthey don't have a book of
business, or if they know a fewpeople that already need it and
maybe start out with a smallbook of business?
What advice would you give themif they're just coming in to
help them over that hurdle?
Danyelle (15:57):
my big advice with that would be don't try to bite
off more than you can chew.
Basically, mine would be if youhave, you know, your nine to
five, you have, you know,whatever your main source of
income is, don't quit.
Don't just, you know, make itgo away.
Use this honestly as a sidehustle until you build that book
of business, because then itovertakes your income and then
it's your main source of incomeright.
(16:19):
I was yeah, I was extremelyblessed to to walk into my mom's
book of business and I I see itthat way.
I see it as a huge blessing,even though it came through a
hardship right so for someonewho is just starting, definitely
use it as a side hustle.
Make it.
You know, if you, if you get100 clients during an OEP,
(16:43):
that's 200 I'm sorry, that's alot you get.
You get roughly, um, typicallyyou get about 25 dollars ahead.
So if you have 100 clients,then you're sitting there and
you're at $2,500.
And that's monthly income.
So that's something that youcan supplement your actual
(17:05):
income with until it overtakes.
Host Storie (17:08):
Right, that's a great point.
So, on that point, for thosewho are already in the business
but struggling to grow, what'sone thing you wish you had known
earlier?
Danyelle (17:21):
that could help them possibly my biggest thing is I
wish I'd joined B&I sooner.
I mean really.
B&i has really helped me grow.
I am now in more circles andtouched more industries since
April than I have since 2021.
Host Storie (17:37):
Wow, that's incredible.
All through the networkingpartnership.
Danyelle (17:42):
Yeah, through the networking you have individuals
that they think of you first andthat's the primary thing.
So there's not I'm not sayingthere's not other ways, because
I do practice grassrootsmarketing and that's really
that's hitting the pavement,that's talking to people, that's
handing out flyers and that's alot of work and you don't see
(18:03):
as much immediate growth fromthat, but you still see growth.
So there's always growth withinthat hard work.
But it's also let's work whereyou know you're gonna be able to
get not necessarily animmediate return, but A return
on your investment.
Yeah, at the end of the day,it's your time, it's your money
(18:25):
and it's how you want to spendit, right yeah, so if anyone
wanted to join you at BNI, youdo have visitors and invite
visitors to.
Host Storie (18:34):
BNI to join, if they wanted to come and visit
visitors and invite visitors tojoin if you got, if they wanted
to come and visit or anynetworking group.
If they're just starting out,would you suggest them get?
Just get involved with somekind of group to help expand
your audience definitely there'schamber of commerce.
Danyelle (18:48):
I've been to several over in the Arlington and Grand
Prairie.
I've been to several events inchamber of commerce.
It's all about gettingconnections and meeting people,
getting in front of somebody andbuilding that relationship.
Host Storie (19:01):
Absolutely I would definitely say because you just
you asked me to have aone-on-one with you to see where
I was and if we would even bebeneficial knowing the
relationship we have now andyour authenticity.
You will forever be the personI go to for this now, because I
know that you're going to do itwith honesty, integrity, and I
truly appreciate that.
(19:22):
By the way, Thank you.
Danyelle (19:23):
Thank you so much.
That's the biggest compliment.
Host Storie (19:25):
So if anyone wants to reach out to navigate through
health dental insurance if theyalready have it but maybe
they're paying too much how canthey reach you?
Danyelle (19:35):
I have a Facebook page .
It's Insurance Made Easy.
I have my email attached toeverything and my phone number,
so call email text whatever'sbest for anybody.
That's how I get in touch witheveryone.
Host Storie (19:51):
Awesome, and I'll be sure to add all that to the
podcast when we post it so theycan just go and click and reach
you.
But one last word is thereanything else you wanted to add
today about your business orwhere you're going, or any
personal insights before weleave today?
Danyelle (20:09):
Um, I, I guess my, my only thing is this business is
not where I figured I'd be inthis point in my life and I'm so
happy.
I've never been happier to bewrong with where I thought I was
going to be.
Host Storie (20:23):
Sometimes you just don't know where it'll take you?
Danyelle (20:25):
Yeah, definitely, this has definitely changed my life
for the better.
Host Storie (20:29):
Wonderful.
Well, thank you for coming onthe show today, Danielle.
I really appreciate all thevalue you've contributed.
Danyelle (20:35):
Thank you so much.
Appreciate y'all having me.
Host Storie (20:38):
Awesome.
Appreciate all the value you'vecontributed.
Thank you so much.
Appreciate y'all having meAwesome.
And to all of our listeners outthere, I'm your host Story and
we will see you next time onMarket it With Atma.
Welcome back to Market it with Atma, where we
share the tips, tools andstrategies to help your business
be successful.
I'm your host Story and todaywe have on the show an inspiring
individual who I personallylove.
She is the president ofInsurance Made Easy, mrs
Danielle Frederick.
Welcome, danielle.
Danyelle (00:35):
Hi, thank you, Story.
I am really excited to be here.
Thank you for having me.
Host Storie (00:40):
I'm so glad you're on the show and everyone gets to
hear your story on how you cameinto the insurance industry and
what your personal mission iskind of in this industry.
Can you share that with ourguests today?
Danyelle (00:52):
Absolutely so.
I got my license in 2021 and Istarted in this industry because
my mom my mom had been ininsurance for almost a decade
and her and my aunt actually, myaunt's been in it even longer
than my mom, um and they werepartners together.
Well, in 2021, my mom got sick,so I I got my license and I
(01:17):
took off and spent six monthswith her to to help her and grow
the business and make sure thatthis is something that we could
keep on for generations.
Wow.
Host Storie (01:28):
Now, were you in the insurance industry at the
time you started helping yourmom?
I wasn't.
Danyelle (01:33):
I was in a completely different industry.
Still helping people in servicethat's truly something I feel
like is in my heart is service,and I used to be actually a
restaurant general manager andthen, when my mom got sick, I
went and helped her.
And then, in 2023, I waspregnant with my first child and
(01:56):
my mom passed away while I wasstill pregnant.
I'm sorry, thank you.
It's been a little toughtransition, but I like to see it
the bright way.
My mom left something for me tobe able to pass on to my
daughter.
Host Storie (02:11):
Right, and so you inevitably kind of took over
your mom's clients and herbusiness, right so?
That's no small task.
Danyelle (02:21):
So that's no small task.
Yeah, I did.
I had contacted every one of mymom's book of business
individually and reached out andlet them know.
Hey, you know my mom had passed, but don't worry, you're still
going to be taken care of.
I'm Danielle, I'm her daughter,I'm going to be taking care of
you, and many of them alreadyknew me from having worked with
my mom.
Yeah, so that transition herbook of business, my mom was
(02:43):
that person that she reallybuilt that connection and so for
me to be able to reach out Ihave so many people who
accidentally call me Chrissystill- oh, that's so sweet.
Host Storie (02:53):
It's almost like a testament to your mother every
time you get to talk with them.
So you mentioned the transition.
How was that for you personallyand professionally, to
transition from a generalmanager and speaking with people
every day in person to takingover your mom's legacy Was that
difficult?
Did you find it almostinspiring to be doing what your
(03:14):
mom was doing?
Danyelle (03:16):
It was a big change and transition for me.
Not only was I taking over anew business, I was a new mom.
Host Storie (03:22):
Right.
Danyelle (03:23):
So it was a big shift.
My Aunt Tamara actually wasphenomenal in helping me.
She had been partnered with mymom before and she helped me
make that transition because Iknew what I was doing with the
basic building blocks.
My mom gave me that foundationin insurance, but I didn't know
how to run a business notinsurance, not by myself, Right.
(03:44):
I knew how to run a restaurantnot not insurance, not by myself
, right, I knew how to run arestaurant, like the day-to-day
operations, but I did not knowthe the step-by-steps and how to
promote and be in charge of myown business.
Host Storie (03:54):
So that was a big one for me, I feel like with any
entrepreneur, when you jumpinto it especially the way you
did, after a loss it's you'reused to the structure.
You have a corporate officethat gives you the structure and
you have to make your ownstructure, and then you're
making your own structure athome with your new child, and so
I can't imagine having to takeon all that at once.
But through you helping me,I've personally seen you do it
(04:17):
with such grace and personalityand you're like one of the
happiest people I've ever met.
So I want to ask kind of, howare you doing with not only
managing your mom's currentclients but growing that
business?
Because now you've jumped intoit full force, right, absolutely
(04:37):
.
So how have you been kind ofoutreaching to bring in new
clients, or are you even tryingto bring in new clients?
Danyelle (04:45):
I am absolutely trying to bring in new clients, or
even, are you even trying tobring in new clients?
I am absolutely trying to bringin new clients.
Um, my primary um way ofgrowing my business is through
referrals.
So a lot of my mom's clientshave passed me referrals Um.
But honestly, I've gotten on myown social media and I um and
actually a part of um a bikercommunity.
So my, my husband's in a in aChristian biker club and we
(05:07):
posts on on there and have notjust done that but gone through
our own little biker communityand that's something people
don't really realize.
There's so much goodwill andcharity and family and
brotherhood in that communitythat I have found so much
support that it's it's beenphenomenal.
(05:28):
So I got several clients justfrom just reaching out to my own
friends and community that way.
But I actually also joined, asyou know, a networking group
called BNI and that has beenphenomenal for me, just not as a
place to get referrals but asown personal business growth,
(05:49):
because I did jump into notreally knowing how to run my own
business.
So I've been able to grow andmeet people who are really kind
of, either have been throughwhat I'm going through or are on
the same path or going throughright now as a solo entrepreneur
.
Host Storie (06:07):
Wow, and I know you and I are in B&I together.
But I think most people whenthey think networking group,
they think, okay, we're going topass referrals.
But I don't know about you, butI feel like you have a
mentorship program.
Almost it's like you have sucha strong community in our group
of BNI especially.
I don't know if it's for all ofthem, but I've learned a lot
(06:29):
from you, from other people inthe chapter.
Is it the same for you and thatrelationship building?
Danyelle (06:35):
Absolutely.
Bni has changed my outlook.
I'd never done any real formalnetworking because it was all
new to me.
And actually our president, DrJoe, reached out to me.
He found me through an ad I hadon Facebook in the Arlington
business marketing and I hadmade a post and he reached out
to me about me and I and I wasso skeptical.
(06:58):
It sounded too good to be trueto me and, honestly, it has
changed the way I do business.
Wow.
Host Storie (07:14):
It's made me realize that there are
structures that apply not justto my industry but all
industries generally to help runa business Right and you've
seen a lot of success in thatgroup and the structure that
it's created for you.
Danyelle (07:23):
Absolutely, I have already.
So I took over my mom's bookand I have almost, if not,
doubled it.
I'm like right at doubling thatbook of business.
And that's just since I tookover and that's the year and a
half span.
Host Storie (07:39):
That's incredible.
So I don't think we've had.
We've talked about insurance,but what type of insurance do
you help people with?
Danyelle (07:48):
So I, my primary focus , is individual and family
health.
So I do anything for a humanbeing.
I take care of people.
So you know dental vision,major medical accident, cancer
plans, life insurance, anythingthat's going to take care of you
and your family.
Let me help with that becausethat's my goal.
(08:09):
I want to be able to take careof people like I felt, like my
mom did for us and how do youapproach those clients and how
do you work?
Host Storie (08:18):
you work with your clients.
That separates you from theseother agents I guess you would
call her entrepreneurs in theindustry.
What separates you from therest that help you make your
success so far?
Danyelle (08:30):
I would honestly say I'm not.
There's a horrible connotationwith agents.
It really is, and it makes mereally sad, but they're a fly by
night, they're looking forthemselves.
I'm not, I'm not going to tryand do that.
I want to make sure you getwhat fits with you and your
family, your budget.
I want to make sure I mean, ifI don't make the sale, I don't
(08:52):
make the sale, that's fine.
I'm going to be able to helpyou, educate you, that you know
what you have and you know howto use it.
Because if you don't know whatyou're paying for, what use is
that to?
Host Storie (09:02):
you Right and I feel like when I've worked with
agents in the past it's almostintimidating because we don't
understand the industry.
We don't understand what youguys are saying, but I feel like
you walk through a process withvisuals that I've never
experienced with another agentbefore and really help break it
(09:22):
down the understanding of eachand every offering that you have
and the costs associated.
So I know you helped me with myinsurance and my husband's.
You've also helped other peoplekind of within our network.
But I feel like your interestin what we have going on right
now is really how you kind ofbuild what plan is best for us.
(09:44):
Is that is that kind of right?
Danyelle (09:45):
on.
Yeah, no, absolutely.
I want you to know what you're,what you have.
So, yes, there are.
There are a lot of technicaljargon that insurance agents use
very much yeah and I'm.
If I hadn't been around theindustry, I wouldn't know what
it was right so it's not taughtin schools.
It's not um.
(10:05):
You know, sometimes our parentsaren't educated in this, so I
feel like it's my job as anagent to be able to tell you hey
, this is what this means andthis is what it does for you.
Host Storie (10:17):
And, to that point, many business owners face
challenges in educating theirclients, and not only that, but
also running a business.
So how do you balance workingon your business and while
working in your business?
That's a lot, it is?
Danyelle (10:36):
It definitely is.
I honestly have big peaks intime.
So most health agents we haveopen enrollment.
So it's that 10 week busyperiod and that's the time where
, honestly, I don't focus on alot of personal business growth.
I focus on my clients, mybusiness, like on a case by case
(10:59):
.
Let me make sure who I havetaken care of I get taken care
of.
Host Storie (11:03):
And.
Danyelle (11:03):
I will still grow within that because I get a lot
of referrals during that timeperiod and I do encourage that.
But my primary concern is myexisting clientele to make sure
that they're taken care of firstabsolutely.
Host Storie (11:16):
I know you take care of me, even when sometimes
I'm not paying attention.
I'm like Danielle help.
She's like I told you.
I told you to do this already,so thank you for that constant
reminder.
So, as you know, in AdventTrinity we have kind of the
build launch, grow scalemethodology that we have our
clients follow and we follow aswell.
Where would you say you're atin the build launch, grow scale
(11:37):
phase of your business?
Danyelle (11:39):
I feel like I'm probably definitely at the build
stage, but maybe likeencroaching upon the launch.
Yeah, because I do feel like Ihave that strong foundation and
I have that piece.
I just need to take it to thatnext level.
I feel like that's where I'm at.
Host Storie (11:54):
Yeah, absolutely so .
What are your goals for thisupcoming year?
Since you've already doubledyour clientele this last year,
what are your goals for thisnext year?
Danyelle (12:03):
My goals for this next year is, in 2025 season, to add
an additional 150, which is, Ifeel like it's a reasonable goal
for the year.
So primarily, you do most ofyour client growth in that
10-week period and youroff-season.
Because of the regulations, youhave to have what's called an
(12:26):
SEP, so a special enrollmentperiod to be able to enroll in
major medical at that point anytime outside of open enrollment.
Because of those stipulationsit is harder to grow individuals
during that off season.
But that doesn't mean it'simpossible and it doesn't mean
that I can't help them in adifferent way.
If we can't do a major medical,there is another solution.
(12:48):
We just got to work through ittogether.
Host Storie (12:50):
Right and actually setting down with them and
giving that personal interest inwhat's going on in their life,
do you think really helps?
Absolutely.
Danyelle (12:56):
That, that personal interest in what's going on in
their life, do you think reallyhelps absolutely that one on one
, because everybody's differentand I have people asking me all
the time hey, you know, I have afamily of five, what is it
going to be for major medical?
Okay, well, that's fine, I'msuper happy we got a family of
five, but there's slidingfactors that it's individually
based.
I can't give you a generalizedquote because there's not a
chart for me to look at.
(13:17):
It's sliding factors foreverybody and everybody's
different, just like everyone'shealth is different.
Host Storie (13:22):
Right, and I'm sure that can almost be frustrating
at times if you have a client ora prospective person coming in
and they really just don'tunderstand.
So that's entrepreneurship,though, right.
I mean, you go through highsand lows and tough days.
How do you get through thosetough days?
Um, especially, what keeps youmotivated during those highs and
(13:44):
lows and your busy times andbeing a mom and helping other
people.
Danyelle (13:50):
Um, really really being a mom.
Host Storie (13:53):
It keeps you motivated.
Danyelle (13:54):
Yeah, and, and my, my mom wanted to be able to have
this business, to pass it down.
So now that she did, she passedit to me, maybe not the way we
wanted or expected, right, but Iwant to be able to do that as
well.
I want to pass it to mychildren and I want them to see
that you can do what you want.
You can be independent andstill have a family life.
(14:16):
You can do this business, notjust this business, any business
that you want.
You can do it and still have afamily life.
Host Storie (14:24):
That is wonderful.
It's almost inspiring.
You make me want to go intoinsurance sometimes.
Danyelle (14:30):
Yours.
Anyway, I can teach you.
Host Storie (14:33):
So you are kind of mentoring new agents.
Do you help mentor new agentscoming in or give advice?
I do.
Danyelle (14:40):
I don't have any individuals underneath me right
now.
Host Storie (14:42):
Right.
Danyelle (14:44):
But that is one of my goals.
It's actually a part of my fiveyear plan Nice clientele before
.
I bring on an agent because oneof the biggest problems in this
industry is it's so hard to getinto it, because it's not
something you get into easy.
It's something you have tostart it part-time.
(15:06):
You have to have a cash flowbecause the money doesn't come
in, it's trickled down so youcould be selling.
I the first six months I workedsix months without a paycheck.
Host Storie (15:16):
Wow.
Danyelle (15:16):
So it's completely on commission base right now.
And that's something that it'sa struggle.
That's one reason it's astruggle to get good agents
because they can't, they don'thave it.
Host Storie (15:29):
They don't have that time.
Danyelle (15:30):
They don't have that monetary, you know, backing and
that's, that's one of the thereal, true challenges of this
industry.
Host Storie (15:40):
That's exactly what I was going to ask you.
What advice would you givepeople that are interested in
coming into this industry ifthey don't have a book of
business, or if they know a fewpeople that already need it and
maybe start out with a smallbook of business?
What advice would you give themif they're just coming in to
help them over that hurdle?
Danyelle (15:57):
my big advice with that would be don't try to bite
off more than you can chew.
Basically, mine would be if youhave, you know, your nine to
five, you have, you know,whatever your main source of
income is, don't quit.
Don't just, you know, make itgo away.
Use this honestly as a sidehustle until you build that book
of business, because then itovertakes your income and then
it's your main source of incomeright.
(16:19):
I was yeah, I was extremelyblessed to to walk into my mom's
book of business and I I see itthat way.
I see it as a huge blessing,even though it came through a
hardship right so for someonewho is just starting, definitely
use it as a side hustle.
Make it.
You know, if you, if you get100 clients during an OEP,
(16:43):
that's 200 I'm sorry, that's alot you get.
You get roughly, um, typicallyyou get about 25 dollars ahead.
So if you have 100 clients,then you're sitting there and
you're at $2,500.
And that's monthly income.
So that's something that youcan supplement your actual
(17:05):
income with until it overtakes.
Host Storie (17:08):
Right, that's a great point.
So, on that point, for thosewho are already in the business
but struggling to grow, what'sone thing you wish you had known
earlier?
Danyelle (17:21):
that could help them possibly my biggest thing is I
wish I'd joined B&I sooner.
I mean really.
B&i has really helped me grow.
I am now in more circles andtouched more industries since
April than I have since 2021.
Host Storie (17:37):
Wow, that's incredible.
All through the networkingpartnership.
Danyelle (17:42):
Yeah, through the networking you have individuals
that they think of you first andthat's the primary thing.
So there's not I'm not sayingthere's not other ways, because
I do practice grassrootsmarketing and that's really
that's hitting the pavement,that's talking to people, that's
handing out flyers and that's alot of work and you don't see
(18:03):
as much immediate growth fromthat, but you still see growth.
So there's always growth withinthat hard work.
But it's also let's work whereyou know you're gonna be able to
get not necessarily animmediate return, but A return
on your investment.
Yeah, at the end of the day,it's your time, it's your money
(18:25):
and it's how you want to spendit, right yeah, so if anyone
wanted to join you at BNI, youdo have visitors and invite
visitors to.
Host Storie (18:34):
BNI to join, if they wanted to come and visit
visitors and invite visitors tojoin if you got, if they wanted
to come and visit or anynetworking group.
If they're just starting out,would you suggest them get?
Just get involved with somekind of group to help expand
your audience definitely there'schamber of commerce.
Danyelle (18:48):
I've been to several over in the Arlington and Grand
Prairie.
I've been to several events inchamber of commerce.
It's all about gettingconnections and meeting people,
getting in front of somebody andbuilding that relationship.
Host Storie (19:01):
Absolutely I would definitely say because you just
you asked me to have aone-on-one with you to see where
I was and if we would even bebeneficial knowing the
relationship we have now andyour authenticity.
You will forever be the personI go to for this now, because I
know that you're going to do itwith honesty, integrity, and I
truly appreciate that.
(19:22):
By the way, Thank you.
Danyelle (19:23):
Thank you so much.
That's the biggest compliment.
Host Storie (19:25):
So if anyone wants to reach out to navigate through
health dental insurance if theyalready have it but maybe
they're paying too much how canthey reach you?
Danyelle (19:35):
I have a Facebook page .
It's Insurance Made Easy.
I have my email attached toeverything and my phone number,
so call email text whatever'sbest for anybody.
That's how I get in touch witheveryone.
Host Storie (19:51):
Awesome, and I'll be sure to add all that to the
podcast when we post it so theycan just go and click and reach
you.
But one last word is thereanything else you wanted to add
today about your business orwhere you're going, or any
personal insights before weleave today?
Danyelle (20:09):
Um, I, I guess my, my only thing is this business is
not where I figured I'd be inthis point in my life and I'm so
happy.
I've never been happier to bewrong with where I thought I was
going to be.
Host Storie (20:23):
Sometimes you just don't know where it'll take you?
Danyelle (20:25):
Yeah, definitely, this has definitely changed my life
for the better.
Host Storie (20:29):
Wonderful.
Well, thank you for coming onthe show today, Danielle.
I really appreciate all thevalue you've contributed.
Danyelle (20:35):
Thank you so much.
Appreciate y'all having me.
Host Storie (20:38):
Awesome.
Appreciate all the value you'vecontributed.
Thank you so much.
Appreciate y'all having meAwesome.
And to all of our listeners outthere, I'm your host Story and
we will see you next time onMarket it With Atma.
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