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Looking out for
your future
Most individuals and businesses just have to have insurance. In some cases, it's even required. But the product doesn't just sell itself. Someone has to pitch it -- someone such as Jim Moylan, with Allstate Insurance, at Ewa Point Marketplace in Ewa Beach. The 42-year-old Moylan work with his wife, Monica, whom he met on Guam, where the two grew up. They have two girls, ages 7 and 11, and live in Ewa Beach.
Question: Among the products you sell, are there any that sell themselves?
Answer: I wish it would be that easy. You could say that the state of Hawaii does require everyone to have auto insurance, so people do know that. And for home insurance, lenders require all their customers to have home insurance, but it's a competitive market.
JIM MOYLANTitle: Exclusive agent, Allstate InsuranceJob: Sells and services Allstate Insurance products, including auto, home, life and commercial insurance, and variable products such as mutual funds, retirement funds for businesses and individual IRAs.
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A: Home insurance.
Q: What's your take on renters' insurance?
A: A lot of renters don't realize that their landlord is not responsible for their possessions. So in case their property gets stolen or damaged, it's in their best interest to acquire renters' insurance. It's very reasonable -- less than $200 a year on average. You'd be surprised how all the little stuff adds up if you need to replace it, from bedding to shoes and even socks.
Q: How's business lately?
A: It's been improving, and we're happy about that. We've been involved in the neighborhood, so people are learning about us.
Q: What kind of neighborhood involvement?
A: The Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board, the West Oahu Business Association, Junior Achievement of Hawaii and the Boys & Girls Club in Ewa Beach. I'm also president of Our Lady of Perpetual Health School, as well as a voter registrant and a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Q: How many people work in your office?
A: Just me and my wife (Monica).
Q: What does she do?
A: She tells me she's my boss. (Laughter) She's actually the office administrator, and she's also a licensed insurance agent with the state.
Q: What is your typical work day like?
A: I do a lot of work on the phone, a lot of administrative stuff, but ideally I'm looking for the customer base, following up on leads. I get a lot of referrals, from various mortgage companies and others. Word of mouth is the best.
Q: How long have you been in the insurance business?
A: Over seven years, and with Allstate, two years.
Q: Why did you join Allstate?
A: I did some research into the company and found they were very financially strong. I also got to meet the management team, and I understand the company's philosophy of taking care of the customers, and I feel good about that. I can safely say that my product will be a good product. I live in the neighborhood and I hate to upset my customer. (Laughter)
Q: When did you move to Hawaii?
A: I moved to Hawaii two years ago, with the intent to open my own insurance office and fulfill the dream of moving to Hawaii, with its beautiful weather and nice people.
www.allstate.com
