Declaration of Independents: Leandra Heil

By: williamjones
September 4, 2018

By: Jacquelyn Connelly

Leandra Heil

Licensed Producer, Service Representative
Weedin Agency, Inc.
Loveland, Colorado

After 10 years in the retail industry, Leandra Heil was ready for a career change—but wasn’t willing to relocate from her beloved hometown, Loveland, Colorado.

A friend pointed her in the direction of Weedin Agency, Inc., a local independent agency that was looking to recruit young salespeople.

Nearly six years later, she has no intentions of leaving anytime soon. “I always expected it to last. I could feel it right away,” Heil says. “Everybody who has worked for Weedin has retired from here.”

AGENCY VALUES?

Family, teamwork, relationships and honesty. Weedin is family-owned, and for those of us who aren’t biologically related, they still make us feel like family.

FAMILY TIES?

As a single mom, my kids are my biggest motivation. My daughters really look up to me. I work hard here because I love it, but ultimately, I do it for them.

COMMUNITY ROOTS?

I was born and raised here, and I love letting customers know that I’m a native of Loveland. It’s not as common anymore because the city’s grown so much, so it’s fun to share my story. It’s been great raising my children here.

I’ve formed great relationships with my customers that way, and that’s what I really enjoy about insurance. I get to know my customers first. Then we talk business.

THE TRUSTED CHOICE®?

When I first started, I knew nothing about insurance. I used to be one of those people who price-shopped. Now, that’s the last thing on my mind, and that’s the last thing I want my customers asking about. I really want them to understand the value of insurance and working with an independent agent. They can walk in here and see me—they don’t have to wait on hold and call an 800 number.

We try to educate our customers and make them really understand what it is that we do—what values we bring. It’s not just insurance; it’s not just a premium. There’s a lot more to it. It’s protecting your family and your business. That’s our mission statement—to help put lives back together when bad things happen.

ROLE MODEL?

Eric Weedin, the agency principal. He’s so, so smart, and he’s hands-on—he helps us out with literally everything. We just hired someone brand-new, a 24-year-old who doesn’t know anything about insurance, and he sat with her for two hours today so she could take her test tomorrow.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG AGENTS?

Just keep going. Stay motivated. It’s an awesome industry where you’re going to help other people. I have days where I’m very overwhelmed, but I don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged. You’re going to get those customers who are really going to care.

Photo by Shannon Kerr