What was the biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make when starting your business?

The journey of launching a business isn't for the faint of heart. For me, the greatest investments were time and financial resources. When I embarked on building my first insurance agency, my daughter was just six months old. To get the company off the ground, I poured in countless hours and weekend work. On top of the time commitment, we were financially strapped! We were determined to be self-sufficient and avoid taking out loans, so we operated on a shoestring budget. The road to profitability was long and arduous, taking about six years before I could finally support myself.

What called you to your line of work?

Right out of high school I got a job in the financial services industry, getting my Series 6 License. Bored, I enlisted in the Air Force, leaving for Bootcamp on my 21st birthday. I enjoyed my 4 years as an Intelligence analyst but was eager to return to civilian life. Once back in Colorado, I went back to college to get my bachelor's degree and, while doing so, worked in the floor-covering industry as a territory sales rep. I graduated college, met the love of my life, and soon became a mother. It changed my outlook on life and career. Work-life balance became more important than ever, which inspired my desire to own my own company. Farmers Insurance reached out to me due to my financial and military background and asked if I wanted to own an agency. This was the perfect combination of financial knowledge, analysis, and sales. I sold my Farmers agency in 2017 and went independent, establishing Siegfried Insurance Group. Best decision I have ever made!

What does the world need more of?

The world needs more female leaders! Like many females, I find myself in a 'man's world' quite often, simply being outnumbered when in a room. Women bring a different perspective and energy to their work and how they run their companies. Women have slowly proven to be as competent and intelligent as men (or more so) in the workplace, however, in several industries, we continue to be the minority in the room or not chosen for leadership roles. In the insurance industry, women do make up a large percentage of the industry's administrative positions, but only 31% of agency owners!

Tell us about the company culture you’ve built.

I wanted to own my own business so I could employ people. More specifically, I wanted to create a company that put the needs of the woman first. If that meant adjusting their schedule to accommodate the ever-changing schedule of their children that would be no problem. I wanted to create a culture in which women were viewed as equals and could soar as high as they desired. Women still struggle in the workplace and in the family unit as they are seen as the ones who need to take off work when children are sick or if there is a family need. Family first, work second, with no repercussions.

What’s your advice for anyone opening their own business?

You must have realistic expectations when you start a business. It is going to take longer than you think it should to start making any real money and/or to fill your pipeline. In addition to the business basics of setting up your business, branding, and advertising, I encourage you to talk with others in your career field. Learn as much as you can from them. One of my biggest regrets is not becoming friends/confidants with other female insurance agents earlier on in my journey. I often viewed them as competition, especially if we were in the same networking circles. I now know this was a huge mistake. When women get together and share their struggles, their wins, and their stories, it empowers all. My female counterparts make my world a better place.

What rituals could you not live without in your workday?

Exercise. I can sit down to work and not get up for 8 hours. It is not only my workload but my dedication to getting the most out of my work day. Now, at 45, I know that exercise must be a priority. Four days per week I have my pilates classes scheduled and make that a priority along with everything else. I feel stronger and more focused than ever. Meditating and setting my intentions for the day is also important. In a career with high stress such as mine, mental focus, and a good attitude are needed. We have to take care of our mental and physical health in order to give to others in a meaningful way.

Jami Siegfried is the owner of Siegfried Insurance Group, an insurance broker offering business and personal insurance in Colorado and Nebraska.

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