An Augusta University graduate is blazing a trail for herself by being one of the first agents for an insurance company that is new to the area.
Madison Tapp, 26, who has a master of business administration from Augusta University, has helped create a virtual presence for Stonebridge Insurance as internet sales manager.
Stonebridge Insurance’s main office is in Owensboro, Ky., and it has branched out into multiple states. The company sells all forms of commercial business insurance as well as individual products such as car insurance, homeowners’ insurance, as well as life insurance and annuities.
“I have always been interested in the insurance business, and it is something every business needs. Throughout my MBA studies, I realized customer service and the personal touch seem to be an opportunity for growth since the pandemic,” Tapp said. “I enjoy person-to-person contact with others and hope to (make) that connection in person and through different media channels. I have always had a passion for helping others, and I am able to do that and add a personal connection with insurance sales and service.”
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As many have been doing already during the pandemic, Tapp works out of a home office.
“I have a home office as I work remotely while developing the internet portion of our business. I also do personal production… (But) Stonebridge does mainly commercial sales, so I plan to work primarily small to medium businesses here in the CSRA area,” she said.
Stonebridge Insurance may eventually have a brick-and-mortar presence in Augusta in addition to a virtual one.
“It is very possible, but we have not finalized our expansion plans yet,” Tapp said. “We are just getting off the ground locally, but we have already connected with several businesses. We are very small right now and looking to expand.”
Even with a virtual presence for the company, fulfilling the need for customer service has been challenging post-pandemic.
“We have seen several changes in the fact that customer service seems to be a challenge. Many companies are having the same problems as other businesses filling their customer service positions,” she said.“Customer service is our top priority. Our daily mission is to ensure our customers get the best service available regardless of these post-pandemic circumstances. Hence, the reason my position was created is to give modern technology with old-fashioned service.”
Part of this old-fashioned service is handled like it is with most traditional insurers.
“I handle claims in person or online, whatever best suits the customer,” she said.
Another relatively old-fashioned business concept that still works for Tapp is word of mouth promotion, yet modern methods are employed as well.
“Thus far, word of mouth has been pretty successful, but we are also starting to add social media into the mix and have just launched our new website…” she said.
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Tapp received her undergraduate degree from American Military University. While working on her master’s degree at Augusta University, she was the graduate assistant for Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
Unlike some corporate insurers who have been around from close to a 100 years or more, Stonebridge Insurance PLLC is less than two decades old, but it still has the goals of many longer-running insurance companies.
Tapp said, “Stonebridge Insurance PLLC is a business that focuses on giving amazing service whenever you need it. We know that when people have to deal with obstacles, they can come to us with full confidence that we will help solve their problems. Stonebridge has been in business for the past 15 years, and I am glad to continue this amazing tradition of service and customer satisfaction here in Augusta.”
For more information about Stonebridge Insurance, see https://www.stonebridgeanytime.com
Ron Baxley Jr. is a correspondent for The Augusta Press.
