We recently connected with Dan Shaw and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect. Those core values are the base of every decision I make in business.

Honesty is first for a reason. You not only need to be honest with your clients, guests, and employees, but you also need to be honest with yourself. Are you doing what is right for your business AND your family? Are you having those hard discussions with your staff to improve their skills? If you cannot master this skill, you will not make it very far.

Responsibility to perform each and every day. You say you are going to do something; you need to come through and do it. At times, this may feel daunting or overwhelming, but you need to be a person of your word. You also have the responsibility to do what is right. You may not gain the business by telling a client you are not a right fit, but you may gain their trust and future business.

Respect. I respect everyone I come in contact with. Your staff especially will appreciate this core value the most. Remember they have lives outside of work. Most have families they want to spend time with. Respect their time, and they will return the favor.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hospitality was a career I always enjoyed. I graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. I worked in the restaurant industry for 17 years prior to becoming an Insurance Agent.

Being an Insurance Agent, I truly get the best of both worlds. I get to educate and meet new people daily. Teaching clients how to properly protect themselves and their assets is a rewarding career.

I cover most lines of insurance including home, auto, business and life insurance. Helping a first-time home buyer learn how they are covered though their homeowner’s policy along with setting up their life insurance plan is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. Being able to give them the skill of understanding what they are paying for and why is very self-rewarding.

What truly drives me the most is my amazing family. I would not be in the field I am without my beautiful and supportive wife Nicole. Together we have 5 great kids who constantly push me to be a better person and a better father. I am very grateful to have them in my life.

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

Networking. It’s simple. Get your name out there and meet new people daily. The best source of new clients for me comes from people I have met at local events. Join your chamber, join your local networking groups, and if you are younger join your local young professionals’ group. In my honest opinion, you cannot network enough. Most importantly, when you are meeting these people, remember the core values of honesty, responsibility, and respect.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Circling back again to my core values. Honesty is the main trait I can say helped build my reputation. I know I am not always the right fit for everyone that calls in. I will 100% of the time answer any and all questions that person has and if they have a better option, I will be the first to tell them. Now while that sound like horrible business, I can confidently say, I did right by that person. Often, those are the people that refer new clients my way as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://floridafarmbureau.com/agent/fl/alachua/gainesville/dan-shaw-insurance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanTheInsuranceManFL/
• Other: https://linktre.ee/DanShawffbic