Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Mlotek.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Terri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Insurance is a particular industry. Once you find yourself in it, you rarely if ever leave it. It’s a constant and comfortable career. For me, it was by chance that I ended up in this industry. But, it was the most interesting career move I had ever made. Many years ago, I was a single parent trying to find a job and happened upon an add for a receptionist in an insurance agency. Little did I know that I would quickly find the industry fascinating. Suddenly, I was asking questions about policy coverage and wanting to know more. I immediately obtained my insurance license and quickly began to find ways to achieve greater power within the industry. The nuances were endless. And the potential for stability, being a single parent was everything that I needed. But like everything in life, there was a lot to learn. And, I did learn from everyone who had been in the industry for many years before me. You don’t gain experience from just doing. You gain experience from listening and watching. That for me was the real education.
I am now going on 28 years in this industry. Today, as Vice President of Operations at Heil & Heil Insurance, I am well respected in by many of my peers. I sit on the Agency Councils of Kemper, Selective and Safeco Insurance Companies. I help make changes for better products and prices that help the consumer. It’s a terrific feeling knowing that I can make a difference. It’s a testament to the trust that these companies put in myself and many of my partner council members. Our successes have brought us to the forefront of change within the industry.
In my free time, and yes I have free time. There should be a good work, life balance for everyone. I love to run! That is a true passion! I also love to write. I try to do contributing articles to various publications when I can. I always strive to leave something of myself that can lift people up. I guess I will always look to lead.
I never imagined the possibilities that could have come from this industry. The people, the friendships, the ability to lead and teach. Why would anyone leave?
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This has not always been a smooth road. First and foremost, being a woman in any industry is difficult. But the insurance industry has historically been a male dominant industry. There are still more men in it than women. And certainly more men in high power positions than women. But, my father always said; “no matter who stands in front of you, male or female, you deserve the leading role in every show.” I always felt that about myself. I have never been a follower.
My very first insurance job was met with chauvinism. I still recall an incident from over 25 years ago, where I was made to feel small and meek. Almost invisible. That may have been the pivotal moment in my quest to climb the ladder of success in this industry. Never again would anyone make me feel insignificant and not able to speak up for myself.
I must say, I have the utmost respect for those who started this industry many years ago. It may have begun as a man’s world. They did a fabulous job creating this insurance industry. And, I would be remiss if I didn’t give respect where it was due.
But that was a long time ago and it still is a constant reminder that as a woman, it will always be an uphill battle. But the tide is changing. Our friends, daughters, granddaughters and nieces dictate that those of us who can, continue to lead the way
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Heil & Heil Insurance was established in 1885. Its history runs deep in Chicago and on the Northshore.
While ownership has changed hands a few times in its history, the agency has flourished thanks to the ingenuity of the current ownership, leadership and staff. Over my 15 years here, I have helped change the culture along with the President, Al Schroeder. Currently, many of our agents are young, vibrant, progressive and ambitious. We push the barriers of technology and marketing. As one of the leaders of this organization, I pride myself on the direction we have taken. We are looking towards the next generation of educating our future clients on how to manage themselves and their assets through protection. Moreover, we are trying to keep the “Independent Agent” alive in the ever changing world of immediate gratification. By countering the “on-line insurance portals, which remove the conversations about proper coverage, we can continue to educate the consumers. A true consultative agent will always endure in the ever changing world of insurance.
We specialize in all lines of insurance from home, auto, business, health and life, medicare and med supplies.
What sets us apart from other agencies like us, is that we are also consumers and we recognize that. We want to treat our clients like we would want to be treated. With respect, honesty and compassion. We are not salespeople. We are educators. We prefer to educate our clients on how their insurance works, rather than what it costs. When you understand what it does and when, then you can purchase it for your needs and budget for it.
That makes an educated consumer and those are the ones we love.
In addition, if you have Comcast on the North Shore or along the Lakefront, you may very well have seen me come into your home talking about the great things that my agency provides. You see, I am the face of
Heil & Heil Insurance. My commercials run 2000 times per month on various stations. Because of this, I have become a recognizable figure. It’s a testament to how we do business. But, also to the confidence I have in myself and what I do. The belief that putting myself out there for everyone is more valuable than living behind the scenes.
We are known for our longstanding commitment to Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We are known for giving back to the communities.
I am most proud of the people who work under me. They are the true back bone of this organization. I could not do my job without them.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the comedian, the actress, the singer. I always had to be in the spotlight. I loved to perform in front of an audience, which is why I am so comfortable in front of the cameras I guess. My grandfather owned an advertising agency and I would often be in print ads for products in magazines, posters and billboards. I loved to perform with my father and sing with his band. I guess I have always secretly wanted to be in show business somehow. Anytime there was a school play, you could count on me being in it. And, there wasn’t a moment in time when I wasn’t singing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heilandheil.com
- Phone: 847-866-7400
- Email: tmlotek@heilandheil.com
- Instagram: Heilandheilinsuranceagency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heilandheil5215/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heilandheil5215
Image Credit:
Terri Mlotek
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