Eldon Swingler
This success story is written a little differently because, more than learning about entrepreneurship, this interview was a testament to the good that exists in our community.
Before every success story I write, I research the business and the entrepreneur I’m interested in. When I went on to the Insurance Plus website, it was hard for me to pinpoint who owned the agency. There wasn’t a page about the founder; instead, you could tell it was a business that values its people because the website tells the story of a collective, not an individual. When I walked into the office, this was even clearer. Every piece of marketing material had pictures of the employees at the forefront, not Eldon Swingler.
One of the first things Mr. Swingler shared with me was, “We deliver great products and great service.” And that could not be more true. He has built a culture where every single person in that office greets you with a smile and shows a genuine desire to get to know you. That culture, built since 1994, is exactly why Insurance Plus still serves many of the same clientele from when they started. Now, they also serve the children and grandchildren of their first customers.
But it’s not just Insurance Plus; Mr. Swingler has consistently invested back into our community through a variety of businesses. He says he selects businesses that have long-term success potential. You have to look for areas of business that will be lasting. He shares that location is just as critical. But when it comes to building clientele, he says it all comes down to the relationships you build. Your clients have to feel valued, and it has to be genuine, not just transactional. They aren’t a 1-800 number; their philosophy is client-centered. It’s personalized service, tailored to each person’s specific needs. He emphasizes that they are building relationships, not just a customer base.
Collaboration with fellow business owners is also important because you can invest in projects together. He shared the value of growing your sphere of influence and contacts. Connections with others are vital, not only to help you flesh out ideas, but also to find funding for projects. When you have quality relationships, you also build a support system around you.
As for the business itself, the landscape of the industry is rapidly changing. He shared that they embrace technology. With many clients, proprietary software and industry-specific tools have been vital for keeping workflows efficient. They are also actively learning about AI and even sending employees to conferences to learn how to leverage evolving technology within their office. Yet, when you call in, you will have a person who answers the phone, not an AI system. He shared that he never wants to mass-eliminate people. He believes that all people are good; “take the good, leave the marginal,” he says. You have to find their aptitude and help them build their skillset. People are key. Communication is key. You have to be personable. At a time when many insurance companies are under pressure or going out of business due to rising natural disasters, independent insurance companies are uniquely positioned for long-term success.
An educator by training, the core component of his entrepreneurial journey has been giving back. He shared that he wants to invest in our community and continuously reinvest in others. But he leads by example. Rather than merely preaching the value of giving back, he has inspired his team to do the same. He shared, “We are a small community, so I challenge those around me to give back to the community that has given us so much.” He strives to build a family atmosphere. You will find Insurance Plus volunteering every Monday night at the rodeo during fair week or helping out with the Boys and Girls Club. A consistent theme throughout this interview was that people come first. He shared how they’ve built a culture that prioritizes you as a human; if an employee has a soccer game for their kids, they work around their schedule.
He truly believes in the power of giving back. He shared that it’s not always the safest or easiest path, but the risk he took in helping others start their companies and watching them thrive has been one of his greatest achievements. Having a mentor, or mentors, is instrumental in your entrepreneurial journey and in life at large. For those looking to enter the business arena, he shared that you need to prioritize “BAIL”: Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, and Lawyer. You need that crew, an advisory committee to bounce ideas off, people who help you learn and understand the industry you’re entering, and those who challenge you to think outside the box. Surround yourself with people who share similar philosophies, culture, and mindset.
He ended our conversation by sharing: encourage others and help them where you can. The catchphrase of Insurance Plus is “Because… Things Happen.” Thankfully for our community, there are individuals like Eldon who show up and help build a better tomorrow when things do happen.
