Who are the people that our clients talk to, trust, and work with year after year? Get to know more about our agency by getting to know the people through our Employee Spotlight Series.
What do you do here at Wells and how long have you been here?
I currently am a senior client advisor for the Marine Department so boats, boats, boats. I have worked at wells for almost 10 years.
How did you get started?
This was my first job coming to North Carolina from New Jersey. Started out not knowing anyone or anything, but I would say everyone here, whether it is the head of the whole company or anyone in between, are just great people (real people). It's a company, but it's a company of friends and family. It's not just workers and coworkers. 
What specific industry/customer base do you focus on, and what’s your expertise?
So for the marine side, I not only service existing clients policies, but we also write new business depending on the size of the boat, what you're doing with the boat, and finding your perfect niche. I write more of the business that is any type of boats that are 27 feet and under.
Why Wells? What do you like most about working here?
I’m very fortunate that out of the gate I found a great company to work for and not only was it a good fit as far as a job, but also with the people..jpeg?width=799&height=599&name=image000001(3).jpeg)
What do you like most about your specific job here at Wells?
What I like most about the marine side is definitely speaking to the clients, because a lot of clients have specific details of what they do with their boat. It’s very fun and interesting to hear about different trips they plan, where they've gone and who they've met.
How has working here positively impacted your life?
Working here has positively impacted my life in many different ways, including enjoying the people that I work with, and enjoying your customers. You get to learn a lot about different people.
What's the best lesson you've learned in your career?
The insurance world is ever changing. Every day is a school day and there is there is no end of the learning path. The path of learning is forever going and forever changing. Never get too comfortable because as soon as you do, everything changes. 
What is the most memorable moment of your career?
I do have a most memorable moment and that would be Hurricane Florence. It was a large turning point in my career. We weren’t just dealing with insurance policies, we were dealing with people who have experienced loss, tragedy, and don't know where to turn or who to talk to. People that have never experienced anything like what we went through. So now you're not just an insurance agent, you are a counselor with someone who's going through grief and confusion. That was definitely a pinnacle moment for me, because you now are someone that is an advocate for these people and trying to help ease their minds a little bit by letting them know you are going to do everything you can for them. Hearing some of their stories was so sad and it was just heartbreaking.
Favorite TV Show?
I used to love Sons of Anarchy before that went off the air. I'm going to be honest, but I kind of like the Bravo shows because it just shuts everything down. I hate to admit that, but I also watch Below Deck of course...I mean...How could I not watch that? 
Favorite Movie?
Maybe The Crow. That was an old school, but good movie that I always used to love. Throw in, Just Go With It too, because I feel like, that's just the story of my life. Gotta love that movie.
Favorite Book?
So the last time I read a book that was not Good Night Moon would have to be James Patterson. I love a good mystery/who-done-it . 
Favorite Band?
All types of music, from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. If you want to get into some harder stuff, we can do some Disturbed and Thousand Foot Krutch and then if you want to get into a little island mood, we can do some Pepper and some Iration. So I am all over the board. 
What's your favorite non-profit/volunteer organization?
Anything to do with dog rescues, especially pit bulls and anything to do with the bully breeds. I used to help out at a shelter back home. 
How do you define success?
Nothing's black and white. Everything is mucky or there's way too many ways to go about certain things, and I think to define success I think is just to do everything that you can as best as you can, you know and knowing no matter what the outcome is that you put your all into whatever it might be that you've, you know, done everything you possibly could and gotten as far as you could.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
When I'm not working, I have three children from the ages of 13 to two and so I’m just running, running, running and running. With three children, soccer and soccer and school and soccer. 
What's the best advice you've been given?
The best advice that I have been given...Just keep swimming. I like that. Just keep swimming. Yes, that's awesome, and I use it on a daily basis.
You can reach out to Lauren for help with any Marine Insurance questions at 910.251.5426 or lsmith@wellsins.com
