When in high school, a friend showed Jason Smith his mother’s State Farm office and shared what she did as an insurance agent. That planted a seed that would lead Jason to one day owning his own insurance agency.
Later, when Jason was in real estate school and selling suits at JCPenney’s, he met a few men who worked in the insurance industry. That watered the seed, which started to grow. After real estate school, Jason decided to get his insurance license instead of pursuing real estate.
In 2003, Jason opened an agency and started selling life insurance, which he did until 2010 when he sold his share of the agency. That same year he decided to move into P&C insurance and opened Carolina Capital Insurance Group.
Jason credits his grandfather with his work ethic and ambition as his grandfather impressed upon him the importance of hard work and honesty. Another influence on his drive to own his own agency were Jason’s parents, who were both entrepreneurs.
There are many things Jason likes about the industry, including helping his clients and making his own schedule. “I enjoy the marketing and networking side of the business the most.”
This is the way Jason Smith from Carolina Capital Insurance Group works.
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Location:
My company is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Current gig:
Running Carolina Capital Insurance Group
One word that describes how you like to work.
Passionately
Current mobile device:
iPhone and I love it. Siri knows me well and keeps my agenda on point!
Current computer:
Apple Macbook Pro
Project(s) you’re currently working on:
Currently, I’m working on expanding my agency as well as purchasing my own office.
Accomplishments you’re proud of:
I can say that seeing my business grow over the past eight years has been one of the biggest accomplishments. Hiring my staff and seeing them grow into mature insurance professionals. Starting my agency from scratch to now having a profitable book of business and five team members is a big accomplishment. Being able to remodel my house has also been a blessing. I give God the glory for all I have accomplished.
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
My goals for the next 12 months are to purchase my own office location, hire two new licensed reps, and continue to expand my online presence.
What are your biggest professional challenges?
Hiring and training new team members.
What do you like most about your job?
Making people happy and marketing.
What technology, apps or tools can’t you live without?
My laptop, cell phone, rating software, client management system, email, printer/scanner/copier, efax, high speed internet and phone lines.
What’s the most recent app you’ve downloaded but have yet to use?
Snapchat
Describe your workspace.
Homie, relaxing, cozy, welcoming, professional, energetic, non-stop environment.
How do you manage your to-do list?
Very carefully and scattered at times.
What’s your best time-saving tip or hack?
I can’t say that I have any but would love to have some shared with me
What’s the first thing you do when you get in the office?
Say good morning/buenos días to my staff.
What do you listen to while working?
We alternate genres from classical to top 40 to Christian hits.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading “What On Earth Am I Here For?” from Rick Warren. “Spanish for Dummies,” “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Myers, and “Millionaire Success Habits” by Dean Graziosi.
Favorite social network?
Facebook. I do a lot of marketing there.
Night owl or morning person?
Night owl, but working to be an early bird.
How do you decompress?
Gym, hot tub, sports, quiet time with God and enjoying good movie.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My dog Jaxson. Literally he comes upstairs and wakes me up.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Coffee, reading in the morning, calls, emails, customer service, non-stop action.
Who are your business idols and why?
My grandfather. As a child he would regularly pull me aside, sit me down and share different verses in the Bible pertaining to hard work, morals, ethics and faith. He would share different passages in PMA business books with me. He always had advice and a golden nugget to share with me. He constantly instilled wisdom, knowledge and successful ideas in me. He always stressed the importance of arduous work and being honest. His famous words were “It’s amazing how lucky you get when you work hard.” I do not doubt one bit that much of my success stemmed from time spent growing up with my grandfather.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“Our strength is in our relationships.”
What would you be doing if you weren’t working at Carolina Capital Insurance Group?
Selling real estate or running a marketing firm.
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