Who are the people that our clients talk to, trust, and work with year after year?  Get to know more about our agency by getting to know the people through our Employee Spotlight Series. 

What do you do here at Wells and how did you get started?

I am the personalized performance manager. Basically, I write the procedures, do the training and try to keep us in compliance. I'm also in charge of the fun committee and all of the fun in the office.  

Favorite Book:

I read a lot of Amish books for whatever reason. I'm intrigued with the way they live. 

Favorite Movie:

My favorite movie is White Christmas. I'm a cold weather, Christmas themed person.  

Why Wells? What do you like most about working here?

The family atmosphere and because they're a local family-owned company. They were competitors for many years, but as I told Harold years ago, I made a good change. I've met a lot of good people. Wells has got their tradition, their vision. I agree with them. They're sincere to work for. I know that if something happened, I could call them after hours and they would be there to help me or my family if I needed it. So basically, it's the people. It's a great group of people. I'm a nurturer by heart, and I like to help people. I like being able to help the employees when they have questions and explain to them how to get the results they want.

What is the most memorable moment of your career?

The most memorable moment was in the 90s and it was in March. It was the “no name storm” and we got up on a Saturday morning and it was just like it is now, nice with a little bit of wind. I took my grandmother out to eat and by the time we were done with lunch we had hurricane force winds coming through with no warning. So basically that weekend we were in the office handling a hurricane that we didn't know was coming. I think it was a nor’easter and it was true chaos back then.

What's the best advice you've been given?

Take accountability if you've done something wrong or upset someone. Usually if you go back to them and say I did this, or apologize if I made them feel a certain way, it usually ends up with a good outcome. 

How have you used your experience to help your clients?

My husband's best friend was electrocuted working at a house at Wrightsville Beach. That homeowner was held accountable for something they didn't do that ultimately ended in a death. I reference that experience to explain to clients the necessity for liability insurance, the higher amounts, and why it’s important. 

What's at the top of your bucket list?

The top of my bucket list is cheesy. I want to go to British Columbia. I'm a hallmark junkie and everybody laughs at me and it's just so pretty up there, and I want to go see it! It just looks like a neat place. I have no desire to go South. I'm not a warm person. I like cold weather. So my friend and I are trying to figure it out. It's our three-year plan. I told my husband I'll be gone for a little while but he's like, “Have fun!”

Favorite TV Show:

Here lately I've been hooked on Friends. I don't know why, I guess it just looks like they're having a lot of fun. When I go home, I want meaningless stuff. I don't want anything too in depth. They look like they're having fun and I didn't do that. I dropped out of college, and I didn't do all that fun stuff. I went straight to work.

Favorite Musician:

I listen to country, so I'd have to say George Strait is my favorite. 

How do you define success?

I define success as liking what you do and helping others to accomplish what they need to accomplish. When I help people, I feel successful. I feel like if I can make something easier for somebody else that's success to me. 

What's your favorite volunteer organization?

I've supported St. Jude's for years as one of those monthly supporters. Really, anything dealing with children. I like to help kids. If we're not there for them, then no one's there for them.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

Well, I'm a new grandmother, and I've got a one year old and a four week old. So right now I like spending time with the one year old. In fact, I have her tomorrow night, so I'll probably come into work Friday with no sleep, but that's OK. LOL.

What's the best advice you've been given?

The best advice I've been given was from my mother. Make sure that when you leave at the end of the day, you've done all that you can do so that someone can pick up where you left off, in case you don't make it in the next day. Now, I tell my kids to have the courage to go after what you want, be kind getting there, and be humble when you succeed.

You can reach out to Laura for help with any Personal Insurance questions at 910.251.5413 or lknowles@wellsins.com.