Lisa LeBlanc developed a self-described nerdy enthusiasm for serving clients and understanding regulations when she worked in the legal field during high school. At the age of 25 when she started working at her dad’s insurance agency, that enthusiasm served her well.
Now 11 years later, she’s achieved her dream and is an owner in the agency. “After 11 years and learning lessons working through failings and embracing growth, I’m elated for the opportunities ahead.”
Outside of the agency, Lisa enjoys doing life with her husband, Aaron, and their rescue black lab/pit mix, Major. Their time is spent traveling, working on home projects, learning to golf, activities with church, their community, and nonprofits, including Adult & Teen Challenge and Then Jonah Project. And, in the summer, spending as much as time as possible at their property on the Pend Oreille River.
And, Lisa’s favorite thing about the insurance industry?
“Opportunities. The industry is full of opportunities to live our values, to engage with the community, to serve, to grow, to learn, to provide for ourselves.”
This is how Lisa LeBlanc works.
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Location:
Spokane, Washington
Current gig:
New owner of North Town Insurance Agency
One word that describes how you like to work.
Efficiently
Current mobile device:
An old Apple iPhone
Current computer:
Microsoft Surface Go
Project(s) you’re currently working on:
Growing the young agent enthusiasm and camaraderie in our area through events, collaboration and activities.
Accomplishments you’re proud of:
Earning my CIC designation. Purchasing the company I had worked at for 11 years.
What are your goals for the next 12 months?
Bring on a new like-hearted team member; achieve financial benchmarks to begin profit sharing with our team; start our own networking group with similar minded small businesses; some fitness goals; and building a retaining wall on the river property.
What are your biggest professional challenges?
Hiring! Taking the time to hire slowly and intentionally, with a focus on the correct fit for the team and position – regardless of how much we like the personality or experience of the candidate.
What do you like most about your job?
Aside from engaging with clients and finding new ways to set ourselves apart, I enjoy the potential. Potential new relationships, potential to deepen the camaraderie with our team, potential to find creative ways to give back to our community and potential success for our company.
Aside from your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
My earbuds – for books on tape, listening to music while working on tedious tasks.
Describe your workspace.
Functional and welcoming. Two monitors, desk riser and small desk space to help me stay paperless.
How do you manage your to-do list?
Time blocking. Being responsible for so many tasks from paying bills and marketing to team meetings and serving clients, I have to block time to dedicate to each task that uses a different skillset or part of my brain.
What’s your best time-saving tip or hack?
Utilizing all of our resources and vendor offerings to the fullest.
What’s the first thing you do when you get in the office?
Listen to an audio book and make a “toward move”– taking a small action toward achieving my goals. For example, learning our client management system’s new text portal and training the team. Or, evaluating our procedure for new clients. Or, getting quotes on upgrading our phone system.
What do you listen to while working?
Pandora. We take turns picking the station. Today is movie theme songs!
What are you currently reading?
Profit First by Michael Michalowicz
Favorite social network?
Night owl or morning person?
Neither! I’m a 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. sort of gal.
What are you watching on Netflix right now?
Alone
What does a typical day look like for you?
Intentional start to the day with a workout, strong coffee and a “toward move” (action toward my goals). Then, whatever the day throws at me – meetings, serving clients, team pow wow, endless emails. Ending the day with walking the dog and binge-watching Alone w/ my husband.
Who are your business idols and why?
Currently, I am admiring Christy Wright. How she lives a life of high values, moral integrity, servant leadership and pushing through our fears to achieve our goals.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Even if it’s scary, lean into progress and “do it scared.” (Christy Wright).
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
So many choices! The most recent is, “Don’t let the shame or fear of past failings stop your progress. The pain and negative feelings will pass, but the lessons will stay forever.”
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?
No one. I’m really enjoying this new season.
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