Michael Binns

I am an insurance broker and owner of Michael Binns Insurance and Financial Services. For me, owning my own business means I am in control of everything I do, when I do it and, ultimately, the end results. People look to me for expertise and advice to insure they are protected with the right coverage.

I am a part of Famers Insurance Group which has over 20,000 corporate employees and approximately 15,000 agents. My agency, which I started in October of 2010, currently has one full-time employee plus three contractors who provide customer support services. I currently have one business location producing 40 to 80 new business policies per month and written premiums of more than $200,000.

Here’s just a bit of what we can cover in our PivotPlanet session(s):
• Agency structure and operations.
• Client relationship development and cultivation.
• Goal setting and measuring results
• Activity and process – the what and how of the business
• Self Development - specific actions, attitudes, and philosophies required to succeed.

As an agency owner, I have grown my top line revenue by 40% and policies in force by 65%. I have attained the consultative sales designation and qualified for championship
level for my production and profitability performance as a career agent, a level achieved by only 8-10% of the company agents.

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I have held a variety of roles in the insurance business: underwriting, business development, business and technology integration, personal lines business operations and service operations. I started with Farmers Insurance out of college in 1988 and celebrated my 25th year in the business in September of 2013. I knew insurance was for me in 1989, when I saw how insurance agents can help people in terrible times (i.e. Malibu fires) by being there for them and helping rebuild their lives - very meaningful work.

I transitioned from the corporate side of the business to the agency side in 2010. This was pretty much a second career. Starting over at age 45 was a scary proposition, but I knew I could do it. Before making the switch, I developed and executed several developmental actions which aided my confidence level.

I am proud of my accomplishments in the business including my work in supervisory and vice president roles, attaining the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, passing my Series 6 and 63 examinations and being able to pay for both my kids’ college educations without borrowing a dime.