Today, with Tim Chaix as President, R E Chaix & Associates has over 35 employees of which 14 are brokers/underwriters. They provide property, casualty, professional liability, commercial auto/garage, marine and inland marine with a premium volume of more than $32 million.
Tell us about your business
We are generalists. We’ve been in business 28 years now. We’ve seen it all. We once covered an elephant ride, where people could ride on an elephant.
What makes your business stand out from the competition?
The service we provide to our clients. That’s how we’ve built our reputation.
How did you get into the insurance business?
My dad started the agency. I’m the second generation.
Did you ever think about doing anything else?
Yes. I was a swimming coach for two years right out of college. It was fun, but I knew I would join the business eventually. When I wanted to start a family, being a swimming coach didn’t really seem like the way to go.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
I get it all the time and I repeat it to others: We are in a relationships business. Connecting with people is how business gets done.
What do you see as the ideal insurance professional?
We look for people with a drive to do the work and to succeed at whatever they do. The biggest key to success in this business is wanting to make a career out of it. The image of the business has improved a lot in the last 5-8 years. People are excited to come into the business today. They see a chance to succeed at a real career. I think the technology in the business today attracts young people.