United Insurance Agencies and Affordable Auto Insurance have been serving the Omaha metro for almost 75 years combined. The secret to that longevity can be traced to the companies’ shared operating philosophy.
“We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence in the products we sell and the knowledge we provide. We foster an environment of collaboration and promote honesty and integrity in everything we do,” says Heidi Vescio, president of United Insurance Agencies and Affordable Auto Insurance.
Heidi grew up in the industry. Her father, Wayne Miller, founded Atlas Insurance in 1969, which grew to become United Insurance Agencies. Heidi worked for her father throughout high school and, by 1985, was a full-time agent. She started her own company, Affordable Auto Insurance, in 1991 and purchased United Insurance Agencies from her father after his 1998 retirement.
“We are honored to continue to serve the Omaha community and call it home,” Heidi says.
Winning Insights from Our November Winner:
- Providing an Excellent Customer Experience
“We understand that buying insurance isn’t at the top of everyone’s list so we go beyond just worrying about being bigger and focus on being better. Each policy we sell is created specifically for that customer and their particular needs.
“We check in with our customers annually (at a minimum) to make sure their needs haven’t changed. We’ll sometimes check in if we think we can find them a better rate – even if that means less commission for us! That kind of service has translated into customer loyalty.”
- Empowering Employees and Creating a Culture in which They Can Grow and Succeed
“Creativity is respected and fostered. We encourage employee feedback and create an open atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Many of their ideas have been implemented in the form of revised workflows, marketing and community involvement. We communicate this vision to everyone so employees can share in the ownership of our success.”
- Best Practice Tip
“We know that what has kept us in business after half a century is our commitment to following the Golden Rule. We take every opportunity to treat our customers as we would want to be treated ourselves. We strive to do what is right – not just what is profitable.”
- Value of Chamber Involvement
“The Chamber was one of the first groups we joined at the start of Affordable Auto Insurance to connect with other area business owners. Even today, we recognize that networking is so critical to growing your company brand. Exposure paves the way for expansion.”
- Prioritizing Community Involvement
“We are passionate about getting involved in the community. We support several local events throughout the year and this year, we were proud to announce our own charitable event: The Cutest Canine Photo Contest. Dog lovers from all over Nebraska and Iowa posted and voted for their favorite pooch pics on our Facebook page. We were honored to be able to give $1500 to the nonprofit dog rescue groups Heartland German Shephard Rescue (HUGS) and Short Nosed and Friends United (SNAFU).”
Want to learn more about United Insurance Agencies and Affordable Auto Insurance? Check out the companies’ website.
United Republic Bank is the sponsor of the Small Business of the Month award. View more information or nominate a small business online.