James Downey
Canton,MI
Summary
Insurance industry professional experienced in marketing and sales of multiple lines of insurance and insurance claims services. Energetic and enthusiastic with demonstrated success in fast-paced and deadline driven environments. Collects and analyzes data, provide cost-effective solutions and meet the needs of clients by recommending suitable insurance products to provide financial security.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Agent
Auto Club Group AAA
Canton , MI
11.1996 - 02.2024
- Built relationships with existing clients by providing exceptional service.
- Processed applications and paperwork related to policy issuance or renewal.
- Assisted clients in selecting appropriate coverage options for their needs.
- Identified cross-selling opportunities among existing customers.
- Followed up with clients regularly to ensure satisfaction with services provided.
- Responded to inquiries and explained product features and service advantages to potential customers.
- Generated leads through cold calling, networking, referrals, and other marketing initiatives.
- Answered customer questions and responded quickly to problems and complaints in person, on phone and by email.
- Identified opportunities for cross-selling additional products and services.
Insurance Agent
Nationwide Insurance Company
Fremont, OH
03.1994 - 11.1996
- Educated customers on the importance of maintaining adequate insurance coverage.
- Prepared documents such as applications, endorsements, renewals, cancellations, or other forms required by law or company procedures.
- Responded to customer inquiries and problems to promote great service.
- Provided customers with information regarding plan features, pricing, and availability.
- Maintained accurate records of all insurance transactions using computer software systems.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Processed payments received from clients promptly according to established procedures.
- Received underwriting approvals after accurately completing applications for insurance coverage.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies while selling insurance products.
- Advised customers on the best ways to minimize risks associated with their assets.
Insurance Agent
Century 21 insurance/Metlife
Livonia, MI
03.1989 - 03.1994
- Educated customers on the importance of maintaining adequate insurance coverage.
- Responded to customer inquiries and problems to promote great service.
- Responded quickly and accurately to inquiries from clients regarding their coverage plans.
- Maintained accurate records of all insurance transactions using computer software systems.
- Researched insurance plans to find good options for clients' needs.
- Gathered detailed information from customers prior to offering quotes or making recommendations.
Sales Agent
John Hancock
Livonia, MI
11.1987 - 03.1989
- Generated leads through cold calling, online searches, and referrals from existing clients.
- Developed relationships with customers by providing excellent customer service.
- Created presentations and proposals for prospective clients.
- Attended meetings with current and prospective customers to discuss their business needs.
- Negotiated contracts with customers to secure sales deals.
- Performed daily analysis of sales figures to identify areas of improvement within the team's performance.
- Coached new employees on best practices for closing deals quickly and efficiently.
- Identified opportunities for cross-selling additional products and services.
- Reported directly to regional Sales Manager regarding progress towards goals.
- Continuously met sales goals via strategic prospecting.
- Kept calm and applied strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts.
Sales Manager
Washington National Insurance
Southfield, MI
06.1984 - 11.1987
- Developed and implemented sales strategies to increase market share.
- Identified and developed new markets for products or services.
- Established relationships with key clients, while maintaining existing customer base.
- Managed daily operations of sales department, including supervision of staff members.
- Trained, coached, and mentored junior sales personnel to ensure success in their roles.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to review goals and objectives for the quarter and year.
- Implemented process changes designed to streamline workflow within the department.
- Developed sales plans, goals, strategies and objectives to achieve team goals and revenue objectives.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Achieved company growth and brand development through market expansion and sales.
- Reduced process gaps by hiring, supervising and coaching employees on sales strategies and protocols, optimizing performance, growth and profitability.
Management Trainee
Payless Shoes Source
Westland, MI
01.1984 - 06.1984
- Assisted with the development of new policies and procedures for daily operations.
- Provided on-the-job training to new employees in accordance with company standards.
- Performed administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, and document preparation.
- Prepared monthly reports detailing project status, budget allocations.
- Resolved client issues by delivering excellent customer service and maintaining positive attitude.
- Maintained inventories through spot checks, complete physical inventory and reordering.
Education
BBA - Marketing
Adrian College
Adrian, MI12-1983
Skills
- Customer Retention
- Insurance Sales Strategy
- Email Marketing
- Account Retention
- Customer Service
Timeline
Sales Agent
Auto Club Group AAA
11.1996 - 02.2024
Insurance Agent
Nationwide Insurance Company
03.1994 - 11.1996
Insurance Agent
Century 21 insurance/Metlife
03.1989 - 03.1994
Sales Agent
John Hancock
11.1987 - 03.1989
Sales Manager
Washington National Insurance
06.1984 - 11.1987
Management Trainee
Payless Shoes Source
01.1984 - 06.1984
BBA - Marketing
Adrian College