TheCareerCreator.com Interviews Victoria Gunvalson, Founder of Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
November 3, 2009 by careercreator
Vicki Gunvalson of Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
Today, we’ll hear from Victoria Gunvalson, better known as Vicki Gunvalson to viewers of the Real Housewives of Orange County. Vicki shares with us an inspiring story of how she turned turned her natural interests into a career she could be proud of and founded Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
TheCareerCreator.com: What is your “job”? Please tell us a bit about your company and what you sell or what service you provide?
Vicki Gunvalson: I own and operate a full service life, health, and annuity insurance agency representing every major insurance company in the United States called Coto Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. Additionally, Coto Insurance provides existing or prospective life insurance agents with training to become successful in this business. We provide exclusive internet life insurance leads, quoting software, weekly training calls featuring me and my team and our proprietary client data base system.
TheCareerCreator.com: How long have you been in business?
Vicki Gunvalson: Since 1992
TheCareerCreator.com: You had a natural interest in what that is now the basis of your job?
Vicki Gunvalson: I love people – I love working with people and I love helping people. Being in the insurance industry has been a very natural way for me to use those people skills and turn it into a successful career. I take pride in being a part of my client’s dreams – at all levels of their lifespan and business cycle.
TheCareerCreator.com: Tell us a little about how you got started…give us a bit of your Once upon a time… What was the turning point where you decided to turn your interest or hobby into a career?
Vicki Gunvalson: I learned the importance of insurance after my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 59. In the process of helping to pay for his care, I realized that I could help others as well to provide security for their families so they do not have to carry the burden of paying for medical care.
TheCareerCreator.com: What were some of the materials or technology you needed to get started on a very basic level?
Vicki Gunvalson: The tools that I offer to my agents are all of the same tools that have made me so successful in selling life insurance (internet life insurance leads, quoting software, weekly training calls, etc.). And of course, my laptop!
TheCareerCreator.com: The best part about creating your own job? Or any really cool moments that made creating your own job completely worth it?
Vicki Gunvalson: Being my own boss would be the best part about creating my own job. I have always been able to determine my own success. The harder I work – the greater the return. I have been able to provide an amazing, rich, blessed life for my children that I always dreamed for them to have. We have many lasting memories together through family trips and vacations that would never have been possible if I didn’t work as hard as I have.
TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve encountered in creating your own job…and how you overcame it?
Vicki Gunvalson: The toughest hurdle I have had in creating my own job is finding balance. I tend to immerse myself 110% in my career, and sometimes I don’t take the time I need to for my husband and my adult children. It’s still a daily battle for me in finding that right balance, but I’m fortunate to have found a career that I absolutely love and to me ….it isn’t work at all.
TheCareerCreator.com: Any words of wisdom or encouragement to anyone wanting to create their own job?
Vicki Gunvalson: I would say to never give up on yourself or your dreams. There will be lots of lows but through hard work and determination, the highs will outweigh the lows. When you are your own boss, there is no limit to your own success.
TheCareerCreator.com: Any favorite resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs? Products, supplies, tech tools, etc?
Vicki Gunvalson: For those interested in the insurance business, I have a fantastic book called “Internet Life Insurance Selling Made Easy” that I highly recommend. Running an organized office is extremely important to me as well. I am a big fan of label makers to keep all of my files organized.(TheCareerCreator.com note: Click here for more information about Vicki’s book!)
More About This Company:
Company name: Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
Founder: Victoria Gunvalson
Website: www.cotoinsurance.com
Awards & Special Recognition Received:
Victoria is a Senior Insurance Specialist and is an Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor, member of American Association of Long Term Care Insurance, Past-President and Founder of LeTip of Coto de Caza International, Member of the National Ethics Bureau, and a member of Saddleback Community Church.
Victoria has continually received national recognition as a qualified member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Top of the Table. For more than 100 years, the Million Dollar Round Table has honored the very best individuals in the financial services profession from around the world. Less than 1% of insurance agents in this industry ever meet this benchmark of outstanding performance and service to clients and Victoria is a proud to be a member of this organization.
Vicki, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to tell us how you turned your people skills and a desire to help others into a flourishing business!
More to Come…stay tuned!
~TheCareerCreator.com
