Women in Business: Lori Davis
July 30, 2013
Woman in Business: Nicky McKeon
July 30, 2013
As an insurance agency owner, Stephanie Hebert is there for her customers when tragedy strikes.
“It’s nice to know you are there when people need you,” Hebert said. “That’s what I like most about being in the insurance business. We are there for customers when they have a death in their family or when their home floods or burns. It’s a very rewarding feeling.
“I enjoy helping people and making sure they are safe and their belongings are safe, covered, in case of a tragedy.”
Hebert began her insurance career selling commercial insurance with Bailey, Martin and Fay, and today she owns Stephanie Hebert Allstate Insurance Agency in Houma. The business owner knows the one thing that can make or break someone from a successful career in the insurance industry.
“Make sure you are able to handle rejection,” she said. “Most people don’t like buying insurance, but you have to have it. You have to be good at handling rejection. I would not be here today if not for my first job.”
According to Hebert, an agent must also maintain drive and determination throughout his or her career, and the business owner expects the same from all of her agents.
“You have to have good people working for you as a business owner,” Hebert said. “I couldn’t do this without my staff. I can’t do this on my own, and I am smart enough to know that.”
In addition to being there for her clients, Hebert is also involved with the Kiwanis Club of Houma, the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce and the South Central Industrial Association. Hebert also works with the Terrebonne Child Advocacy Center and funds an endowed scholarship at Nicholls State University.
“It’s important to give to the community that gives to you,” Hebert said. “I like to be in business with people who are involved in the community.”
Hebert credits her community involvement with keeping her a successful business woman. Allstate, the country’s second-largest personal lines insurer, awarded the Houma franchise owner for her active role in the community with the Ray Lynch award for community service in 2006.
“You are nominated by your region, and only one agent in country is given award each year,” Hebert said. “I was the first female to win the award, and I’m still the only woman in the southern region to have won the award.”
