We recently connected with Lana Petrovich and have shared our conversation below.

Lana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

What sets my business apart from other small businesses is that I operate it based on my own unique understanding, experiences, and processes that I have developed through personal trial and error. Rather than following industry norms or mirroring similar businesses, I rely on my intuition and knowledge to shape how my business functions. This approach allows me to adapt and innovate in ways that align with my vision, ensuring that every decision reflects what I believe will work best. By trusting my own processes, I create a business model that is authentic, flexible, and tailored to meet the specific needs of my customers.

Lana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I come from an immigrant background, and when I first arrived in this country, I didn’t speak a word of English. I knew the odds were stacked against me, but my parents instilled in me a strong belief that we came here for a better life — and that if I wanted to achieve success, I had to work hard for it. That mindset shaped my approach to business and life. Through perseverance, determination, and a relentless drive to succeed, I built my businesses from the ground up, relying on my own intuition, knowledge, and a willingness to learn through trial and error.

Today, I operate multiple businesses, including Argos International, which produces and sells high-quality perfumes, and a company that supplies building materials. I’m also expanding my expertise by learning BuilderTrend software to streamline operations and improve efficiency. What sets me apart is that I don’t follow a conventional blueprint. I run my businesses based on processes that make sense to me — rooted in my personal experiences and tailored to how I believe things should be done. This approach allows me to innovate, adapt quickly, and create solutions that genuinely meet the needs of my customers.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come despite the challenges I’ve faced. I’ve built something meaningful through resilience and hard work, and I want my clients and followers to know that my brands reflect that same dedication to quality, authenticity, and excellence. Whether it’s providing exceptional perfumes or reliable building materials, my goal is always to exceed expectations and deliver value. My story is a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anything is possible — and that’s the spirit I bring to everything I do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first entered the life and health insurance industry, I didn’t want to settle for just being an agent — I had bigger aspirations. I wanted to become a broker or even an FMO (Field Marketing Organization), which was almost unheard of for someone as new to the industry as I was. Typically, agents are expected to spend years building a solid book of business before they’re even considered for that kind of opportunity. But I knew I had the capability, and I wasn’t willing to wait. I reached out to several major carriers, but they all turned me down, saying I lacked the experience they required.

Despite the rejections, I refused to be discouraged. I kept pushing forward, believing that I could prove myself if given the chance. Finally, a small carrier took a chance on me. I seized that opportunity and delivered exactly what they needed. That one chance was the turning point in my career — once I proved myself to that company, everything began to fall into place. My determination and belief in my abilities allowed me to break through the barriers that usually take years to overcome. This experience taught me that resilience, persistence, and unwavering confidence in yourself can open doors that others may think are closed.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to lead by example. As an owner, I make it a point to work just as hard — if not harder — than my employees. I never ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself, which builds trust and respect. I stay calm and fair when facing challenges, approaching problems with a solution-oriented mindset. I also believe in making sacrifices when necessary and showing my team that I have their backs. By understanding every aspect of the business inside and out, I’m able to guide my employees effectively and create a supportive environment where they feel valued and motivated to give their best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.apidesigners.com
• Facebook: A+ Insurance Designers
• Other: I only listed one of several companies I actively run currently

Image Credits

I don’t really take any professional pictures. Just images from phones taken by friends or so.