This is the Way: Tracy Cotton of Morrow Insurance Agency

There might not be a job in the insurance industry that Tracy Cotton hasn’t done. So, how did she end up at Morrow Insurance Agency focused on insuring farms and other small businesses connected to the farm to table movement?

Tracy was born and raised near Nashville, Tennessee, and made the move to Asheville, North Carolina 25 years ago. She began her career in the insurance industry as an underwriter but has also worked as a call center supervisor, a personal lines customer service representative, and as an agency management consultant.

With eight different roles in her career journey, it’s safe to say Tracy is well-versed in insurance. But, a journey this diverse is not without its fair share of challenges.

In 2011, Tracy was laid off from her job as an account executive in commercial lines at Morrow Insurance Agency. Although she was devastated at the time, she found a new opportunity to work at a digital marketing company focused on independent insurance agencies.

At this digital marketing company, Tracy was able to consult with agencies in 15 states. When she was called back to Morrow Insurance, she was able to use the lessons she learned during her time consulting and they have served her well.

In the eight years since her return to the agency, Tracy has focused on small businesses and farms and works to educate her clients on what insurance can do for them and how to keep it as affordable as possible.

What is Tracy’s favorite thing about the insurance industry?

“Its ability to change and bring anyone who cares enough to change along with it. Instead of having to go from career to career throughout my life, I have been able to stay in insurance and continue to reinvent myself.”

This is a profile we can’t wait to share with you. This is how Tracy Cotton works.

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Location:

Marion, NC

Current gig:

Farm to Fork Insurance Agent

One word that describes how you like to work:

CREATIVELY

Current mobile device:

iPhone X

Current computer:

Dell laptop at the moment (working from home)

Project(s) you’re currently working on:

Farm insurance podcast

Accomplishments you’re proud of:

2006 NC CSR of the Year, 2019 Main Street Champion – Marion NC

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

Grow my book of farms, food and beverage makers

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Farm insurance carriers that are not understanding the needs of the current agribusiness climate to include agritourism exposures

What do you like most about your job?

Being the connector in my niche to help get my clients and prospects the resources they need to be successful

Aside from your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?

It’s not a gadget – its old school – The Passion Planner.

Describe your workspace:

At home and work, I brighten my space with farm theme items plus photos of friends and adventures.

What’s your best time-saving tip or hack?

Time blocking and using an actual timer (I love trying to “beat the clock”)

What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?

I make a to-do list for the day. Recently have been trying to change this habit. I want to start making a list at the end of the day for next.

What do you listen to while working?

Usually, silence, but now that I am home, I am trying ambient noise.

What are you currently reading?

Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt – my friend Jared Bellmund loaned it to me, and I am determined to give it back to him when we can meet for coffee again.

Favorite social network?

Twitter – more specifically #AgTwitter

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, espresso, latte, did I mention java?

Night owl or morning person?

Morning -#5amclubins

What are you watching on Netflix right now?

I am not. I have watched Frozen 2, and that is it. I don’t enjoy watching TV alone.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Since COVID19 - Up at five, including taking care of my two dogs and morning necessities, workout by 6, breakfast, shower, work from 8:30 – 5, then walk around neighborhood, dinner, writing, or Zoom meeting for church or Facetime with friends. Prior the same except two hours of commuting and more after-work meetings and less virtual.