Meet Alyssa Palermo, Owner of Shopper Insurance Agency. Alyssa is also a graduate of the 2022 FCOED EmPOWER Mentorship Program. Let’s get to know more about Alyssa and her business!
Q: What is your business and what goods/services do you provide?
A: Shoppers Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency partnered with more than 15 insurance carriers. We help people save money by doing comparison shopping for you. We can issue policies for car insurance, homeowners’ insurance, motorcycle insurance, classic car insurance, pet insurance, special event insurance, small business insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, commercial auto insurance, and insurance for truckers.
Q: What inspired you to start your own business?
A: I come from a long line of business owners going back to my great grandfather who owned a neighborhood store selling candy and ice cream. My grandfather owned a hardware store, and my grandmother and mother owned an antique store. Those two businesses were connected by a corridor; my mother would bring me to work with her and I would observe how both businesses operated from a young age. I loved seeing the connections my family made with their customers and how they treated everyone like family.
Fast forward to 2005: After 2 years of successfully training entrepreneurs who were opening captive insurance agencies, the director of the program approached me and asked if I had considered opening my own agency. That conversation changed my career path and soon after I opened my own captive insurance agency in Frederick.
Q: What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
A: I began my insurance career in 1998 with GEICO in the Virginia Beach regional call center. I was hired as a sales agent and obtained my Property and Casualty license within two weeks of being hired. I held positions of Sales Coach and Sales Trainer during my 8 years in the call center. As the GEICO Local Office Sales Trainer, I worked closely with the newly appointed GEICO Agency Owners. I gained an in-depth knowledge of what is required to open and run an agency from the new and seasoned agency owners. My previous work experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Office Management combined with the skills I acquired from GEICO were beneficial as I became the GEICO Local Agent in Frederick in 2006.
Q: What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
A: I’m inspired to help people find the best coverage at the best value because I am a neighbor and friend in the community, and I appreciate the trust that people place in me and my agency. I have a reputation for honesty and integrity and require the same of my staff. You’ll find that I am an excellent listener, patient and willing to go above and beyond.
Q: Why do you enjoy doing business in Frederick County?
A: Frederick County is extremely supportive of small businesses and the resources available are tremendous. Most importantly, it’s the people in our community who make doing business enjoyable.
Q: Where can people learn more about your business?
Website - www.shoppersinsuranceagency.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/shoppersinsuranceagency