Agency Profile: Calming Presence

Lakeside Insurance

Arvada, Colorado
Founded: 1962
Employees: 11

The husband-and-wife ownership of this small firm ($1.4 million in revenue) in the Denver area focuses on niche markets and bringing in new talent.

When Michael and Gillian McCarron purchased Lakeside in 1999 it was a very small, personal lines-only agency. They began adding small commercial lines accounts, but were hesitant about taking on larger accounts. All that changed, though, when they added a skilled commercial account manager—Margaret Rosa—to their team.

The McCarrons are both very active in leading the local Big “I” association—Gillian serves as the current state chair and Michael served as chair back in 2006—and believe it is important to give back to their industry. They volunteer and serve on multiple boards in their community, sharing a strong passion for service through the University of Colorado’s Risk Management and Insurance Advisory Council, which helps recruit young talent into the industry.

MARGARET ROSA, ACCOUNT MANAGER

I started in the industry when I was 23 working for a large carrier. I then worked at a large downtown Denver agency for more than 43 years specializing in large commercial and heavy construction accounts. I thought I would just retire and kick up my feet, but realized I needed to keep working in some capacity. While I’m not working as many hours or days as I was in the larger firm, I’m still able to contribute in a professional environment. It feels good to continue to give back.

GILLIAN McCARRON, VICE PRESIDENT

When we started, we tried to be all things to all people. While having a diversified book helped us during the [economic] downturn, we realized niche markets truly allow us to be experts in specific areas. They help us grow as our referrals have increased and people rely on us to be their trusted risk advisor. In the beginning, we had a hard time saying “no” to clients or weeding out problem clients. We have learned over time it’s OK to walk away from that revenue. It’s important that the clients we partner with fit into our agency’s culture.

MICHAEL McCARRON, VICE PRESIDENT

As a younger agency, our culture is fairly relaxed and technology-focused. We are very flexible with our employees, but at the same time have extremely high standards when it comes to client expectations. Early on, I had accounts I was uncomfortable to bring in due to staff expertise. Now I feel like we can bring on large accounts and exceed the client’s expectations. Having Margaret join our team was huge. She instantly handled my accounts at a higher level than what I was used to. She’s seen it all. Nothing fazes her.