We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brenda Heulitt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brenda below.

Brenda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

When we think of leaving a legacy we tend to think about things. I prefer to think of the personal touches I hope to bring to this world every day. I want to leave a legacy of connections, honest interactions, and reliability. I want people to remember my commitment to helping any way I can – even when it isn’t necessarily convenient. My ideal legacy extends to include the accomplishments of rebuilding more times than I cared to, raising amazing children who bless their corners of the world, and treasuring the people I was fortunate enough to know. I want people to know that I really always tried to do things the right way and to the best of my ability. I gave up along the way so many times on so many levels – but I still kept getting up and going forward. Whether the memory is of me personally or professionally, I want the same picture of me to be seen. I want that image to reflect all the ups and downs I faced, because we all have that. My legacy will be one of community and lifting each other up when someone is too far down to do it themselves. Of course, I certainly hope to leave monetary treasures to my children that include some items that will hopefully evoke some special memories. The memories, though, are my main interest in my legacy. Thoughts of a woman who made mistakes and probably wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Thoughts of a woman who built a life to be proud of in spite of the consequences of her own mistakes and of the world’s circumstances.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Everybody dreams of becoming an insurance agent, right?!?! Except for me, I grew up dreaming of being a teacher. I love everything about educating others and know how critical it is for people to be able to think for themselves. Life delayed those plans, but they did come through for a while. I loved the Special Education students I was able to assist in my time in this field. When I left education, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I knew one thing for sure – I wasn’t going into insurance. I had seen some things and had a very low opinion of the industry. I believe the words to the man who would become my boss when I became an insurance agent were something along the lines of insurance agents being as low a lawyers. (No offense to lawyers intended, I have some very dear friends in this industry as well!) I found I was actually doing more educating as an agent than was being allowed in the classroom at that point. I learned so much along the way and relished the fact that every day brought something new to learn. I’ve never considered myself a salesman by any means, I simply explain the options and risks then let people decide for themselves. This, I think, is what makes me different. The policies are never about me – my main focus is ALWAYS on the client and what is right for THEIR needs. I will steer them somewhere else if I’m not the best choice for them, always doing the right thing the right way for the right reasons. Every situation – even a simple home and auto insurance client – is unique, and I treat them that way. My clients tend to become my friends through the process, and that brings my so much joy. Knowing about them has allowed me to help build their networks, solve their needs far beyond insurance, and find resolutions to things in my world as they happen. I often tell my clients I never want to feel the need to hide if I see them in HEB. Even as our little town grows so massive, we are still a tight community. I believe being honest and dedicated is exactly what each of us deserves. It is what I expect when I trust someone, and what I give when someone trusts me.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth. I know it’s an old cliche, but it’s so true. I have built a successful agency this way. The quality of clients is amazing and the interactions are priceless.

Some of my biggest referral partners actually aren’t even my clients! These are the people I worked with and directed to a better option than I could offer. I stay in touch with them and continue to answer any questions for them. I even continue to review with them to see if I may ever be the best option for their coverages. They know I looked out for THEIR needs and they share that with others.

People who know me and how I am as a person and/or agent often refer others to me for help. Having that connection just makes things so much better than if I were trying to make “cold calls” and “hard sales” all the time.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the lesson of “Always Be Closing” in order to become successful. With so many insurance agents around, everyone gets inundated. The industry promotes the always be closing idea because it’s a numbers game. Insurance is a commodity and things are always changing. In order to put food on the table, you do have to issue the policies. When your focus is on the issuing and the food on your table, your focus shifts to an unhealthy place of self-concern.

While I offer the policies to protect people’s personal and business assets, I am more interested in the person who is going to be here to help them along the way. I may be helping you move, take care of a kid, get the right coverage, or file a claim – but I’m always helping. I never do any of the things – personally or in the community – as a means to and end to close. I think it goes back to doing the right things the right way for the right reasons. If I am helping only as a means to close a deal, then what happens when you help and still don’t get the business? People who operate with that mindset become very bitter and discouraged. Operating from a true spirit of empathy allows you to be genuine and then your energy becomes a magnet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brendaprotects.com
• Instagram: @brenda_heulitt_agency
• Facebook: facebook.com/brendaprotects
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brendaheulitt

Image Credits
Headshot courtesy of Tammy Lechner Photography