Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dawn Freeland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dawn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

My agency differs from some in my industry in this one major aspect. We focus on making the clients experience easy, simple to understand, and based on their specific need.

We educate them on their options so they understand what they are purchasing, and don’t overwhelm them with too many choices. We ask a few specific questions to weed out the plans that don’t work for their personal needs.

We manage their account once the plan is implemented, we are a one stop shop and they reach out to us for any income, address, policy changes, etc.

This takes the frustration of waiting on hold for long periods of time, to then get a customer service agent that doesn’t understand their need and unable to assist them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dawn Freeland, I am a licensed and certified insurance agent in Michigan since 2006, I am passionate about educating and assisting individuals purchase health insurance plans that are tailored to meet their specific personal and family needs.

Why use Freeland Insurance Solutions for your health insurance needs?

Product Knowledge- We ensure the coverages offered meet your personalized healthcare needs. We ask key questions upfront, to help limit the plans shown as to not overwhelm you with too many plan options.

Education- Health insurance is confusing and focusing on no more than 3-4 plans that work for you, helps us spend more time breaking down those plans so your able to make an educated decision when the time is right.

Customer Service- Once plans are implemented, we manage them for you. Taking the frustration of sitting on hold for hours or not getting your issues resolved. You contact us direct for all of your questions, changes and updates, making the process less stressful.

Annual Reviews- We encourage meeting or speaking with you each open enrollment to make any needed changes, or updates to your plan for the upcoming year. We send emails and letters to all clients annually as a reminder and easy options to schedule a time.

We are happy to work with your accountant and financial planners to make sure the income stated is as close to accurate as possible. This helps avoid any penalties at tax time if you get a subsidy with the Marketplace.

Services offered-

We specialize in individual health ( those ages 0-64) find options on or off of the Marketplace, We do all of the quoting (that way you avoid the 100’s of solicitations that come with shopping for health insurance online yourself), we work with the carriers direct or if you qualify for discounts through the Marketplace deal with all that encompasses.

We also specialize in Medicare (those age 65 + or on disability for 24 moths) we research plan options based on your healthcare needs and usage. we submit the applications and once the plan is implemented service your account with any needed changes or updates.

This way you can focus on what really matters, your family.

I frequently am asked why I don’t offer home, auto, and commercial insurance. To stay current and able to advise my clients and potential clients accurately, you cant specialize in everything.

I spend many hours yearly recertifying, going to meetings, and reading articles to make sure the information I am stating is accurate and in your best interest.

Health insurance is an ever changing market and we are continuously learning and adjusting to changes. Helping us advise you in the best way possible.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me has been being client focused. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy but it is best. We want you to know and trust us.

Purchasing health insurance isn’t just asking a few questions and recommending a few plans. You have to build trust and repour.

In order for me to recommend plans that work for you, we have to ask hard questions that some don’t feel comfortable with. For example. finances and health issues.

I do a lot of listening, by the end of our meeting/s I either make a plan recommendation for proposed plans I offer. Or if you have Cobra options, I am happy to compare and give honest advice on the best choice for you. This leads to me not getting you as a client sometimes.

Being transparent and focusing truly on what is best for you and your family goes a long way.

I have received the majority of my clients by personal referrals. Most from current/past clients, and those I have advised to take Cobra plans.

I pride myself on doing to others as I would want done to me and my family.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have focused solely on health and life insurance since 2013. I worked for a large agency in town and built an amazing book of business, many of which have become friends.

In 2021 I made the decision to leave the agency I loved, in search of a better work life balance and better opportunity for my family.

This decision did not come easily as I had contemplated it for 3 years before actually pulling the trigger. It was the hardest decision I have made so far. I loved my co-workers and the agency that had been like family to me for years,

But, once covid hit I realized my work life balance was not healthy.

I started my own agency in 2021 and had to rebuild my entire book of business from the ground up. I was terrified but, knew it was the right thing for my family and that the money would come in time. My families happiness however, couldn’t be on the back burner any longer.

I had a name in the community but the business was not branded. I ramped up my social media presence by hiring a marketing firm to get the word out. I also focused on educational videos, and went to as many networking groups and events as possible.

I was so surprised by the support I received from my community. They seemed to rally around my small business and helped spread the word.

I am am beyond thankful, for the growth I have experienced, and the trust my clients put in me. I even won health insurance agency of the year in Portage for 2022.

I have learned so much the past few years and am thankful I trusted myself to make the leap.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.freelandis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnfreelandhealth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.healthinsurance
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfreeland29/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYGy91aT-Bsbn9CwAvg3cCg

Image Credits
Shannon Jacobs Photography