We are asking business owners to tell us about their daily routine and how they accomplish goals for their businesses. First up, State Farm Agent Todd Jacob.
Jacob’s office is located at 411 Clarendon Ct Ste 100, Savoy, IL 61874 and can be reached at (217) 351-4800.
What is a typical morning like?
Honestly, in this business, every morning has the capability of being different. Generally speaking, I get to the office between 8 and 8:30 (the office opens at 8:30) and I go through my emails from the previous evening and the current morning. Some mornings I have scheduled meetings with clients in order to review their current coverage and other mornings are spent responding to customer needs, which can include anything from fielding questions regarding claims, quoting and completing applications for new insurance products, and making changes to current insurance products.
What keeps you motivated?
I am truly honored and humbled by the fact that individuals and families trust me and my team to protect some of their most important assets (home, car, life). Therefore, my motivation for this job and business really stems from not wanting to disappoint those that place their trust in me.
How do you keep the pressures of running a business from getting to you?
I try to have a healthy work/family balance and also an eternal perspective.
How do you make tough decisions?
First I pray and then I discuss it with my wife, Michelle. Depending on the nature of the decision I may also discuss it with my dad or with my brother-in-law, who are also in the same business.
How do you unwind?
Spend time with my family and friends. My ultimate unwind time comes when I am fortunate enough to get away and spend time in and around a body of water (either a lake or ocean).
What are you like as a boss?
Quite a few years ago for a conference with other State Farm agents, my staff was asked to comment on what I was like as a boss, and below was what they said. I hope I have continued to exhibit these traits.
“Todd challenges us to provide excellent customer service to every client every day. Todd is calm, collected and caring.”
What advice do you have for business owners?
Trust in yourself and as long as you are honest with yourself and others you will be successful. Also, invest in people especially your employees as they are your greatest asset as a business owner.
How do you set long-term and short-term goals for your business?
I have time set aside in the Fall of each year to create a business plan for the upcoming year and through that process, I discuss some of the specifics with a consultant that I work with. I also ask for and gain input from my team in terms of what they would like to achieve and how we can do that together.
How important is it to find mentors as a small business owner?
Very important as I think we all need someone that has gone through similar experiences to walk along with us throughout all of the highs and lows.
What is your philosophy on customer service and the importance of it?
Customer service is the foundation of everything that we do. I think our Mission statement speaks to the importance that we place on it.
You must be logged in to post a comment.