50 Most Admired Companies of the Year 2023
‘We provide specialized insurance services and expert consulting, with a focus on serving the needs of the Hispanic community’: Saray G Uribe, Agency Owner of CharSan Insurance & Consulting
The Silicon Review
“CharSan focuses on assisting new Hispanic customers who are venturing into entrepreneurship by creating new businesses. CharSan provides them with insurance solutions that align with their specific requirements.”
CharSan Insurance & Consulting is a bilingual commercial insurance agency specializing in construction accounts. Each customer is unique, and the agency tailors each policy to address the needs of their clients. CharSan provides a personalized approach to educating customers and providing consulting services. The firm also emphasizes an understanding of contractual liability in construction contracts and the impact they have on insurance policies and subcontractors’ agreements.
Saray G Uribe, Agency Owner of CharSan Insurance & Consulting, spoke exclusively to The Silicon Review about how she and her team are maintaining the highest level of customer service and offering their clients the best experience possible.
Interview Highlights
Please provide a brief summary of the events that led to the founding of CharSan Insurance & Consulting.
After gaining valuable experience working for an independent insurance agency in Charlotte, I was deeply moved by a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Hispanic community residing in the Charlotte Metropolitan area. This heartfelt aspiration to assist and empower the Hispanic community, coupled with a personal passion for the construction side of the insurance field, led to the establishment of CharSan Insurance & Consulting. The company was founded with the mission of providing specialized insurance services and expert consulting, with a focus on serving the needs of the Hispanic community.
Q. As a bilingual commercial insurance agency, what are CharSan’s key focus areas?
CharSan focuses on assisting new Hispanic customers who are venturing into entrepreneurship by creating new businesses. CharSan provides them with insurance solutions that align with their specific requirements. We also help customers navigate the complexities of risk management, insurance requirements, and compliance related to contractors. We offer expertise in the unique risks associated with the construction industry and provide comprehensive coverage to protect these businesses. CharSan places great emphasis on educating Hispanic customers who may not be familiar with insurance terminology. We strive to empower our clients by providing clear explanations and guidance on insurance concepts, ensuring that they can make informed decisions regarding their coverage.
Q. What strategies does CharSan implement to maximize client satisfaction?
CharSan prioritizes staying informed about the latest news and changes within the insurance industry. By keeping abreast of trends, new policies, and regulations, they can offer their clients the most relevant and up-to-date information. Being updated on recent court cases and insurance rulings allows CharSan to offer accurate advice and guidance to their clients. We can help clients understand the implications of legal developments on their insurance coverage, ensuring they have the appropriate protection. This personalized approach fosters stronger client relationships and enhances satisfaction. CharSan ensures that clients receive prompt responses, clear communication, and reliable assistance throughout their insurance journey. By implementing these strategies, CharSan aims to create a positive client experience, build lasting relationships, and ultimately maximize client satisfaction.
Q. Can you introduce us to your services? What are their primary features?
We offer tailored insurance solutions for small, medium, and large companies. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, we have the expertise to provide the right coverage to protect your business from potential risks. Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the construction industry’s intricacies and risks. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and understanding. As part of our services, we provide education and consulting on various aspects of business insurance. We offer expert assistance to streamline the audit process, ensuring that you comply with regulatory requirements. If your business is involved in construction projects, especially those with Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs (CCIP) or Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP), we can assist with enrollment. Our team is well-versed in handling the intricacies of these programs, ensuring that your project is adequately covered and compliant with program requirements.
Q. Can you provide us with one or two success stories describing the challenges your clients faced and how CharSan helped them overcome those challenges?
One of my clients sought assistance with the CCIP enrollment process for a million-dollar project with a tight deadline. For many contractors skilled in various construction areas, handling clerical tasks may not be their strong suit. This can become particularly challenging for those running larger companies. Many of my clients, who are admired immigrants experiencing rapid growth with their construction businesses, sometimes struggle with paperwork and computer skills. In this particular case, I felt incredibly honored to offer my help, and when I received the email confirming, “You are good to go,” I was nearly moved to tears. Witnessing the success of my clients always fills me with immense pride.
Q. No doubt, CharSan is charting new territories in this segment. Given how frequently circumstances change, what plans for transformation are you pursuing to remain relevant now and in the future?
Our plan is to be receptive to change and stay current with emerging risks and evolving insurance trends. We plan to embrace openness to new ideas and adaptability. That will allow us to undergo continuous transformation. As the world evolves, so do insurance needs, making it crucial to remain open-minded and flexible in addressing these ongoing shifts.
Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?
As I consistently advocate, “Keep Learning, Keep Growing,” I emphasize the vast opportunities for learning within the insurance industry, which undergoes continuous changes. Embracing a proactive approach to learning fuels personal and professional growth in diverse aspects of life.
The Visionary Leader Upfront
Saray G Uribe, is a Business Insurance Specialist and Agency Owner of CharSan Insurance & Consulting. She was born in Guines, a town located just an hour away from Havana City. In 2004, at 21 years old, she immigrated to the USA, teaching herself the English language along the way. Two years later, she embarked on an insurance career, starting as a front desk personnel at an insurance agency. Captivated by the insurance industry, she specialized in commercial accounts and construction risks, leveraging her bilingual abilities to serve the Hispanic community in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. Continuously committed to learning, Saray attended webinars and classes to expand her expertise and stay updated with industry trends.
After 14 years of devoted service at the agency, Saray took a brave leap and established CharSan Insurance & Consulting in September of 2020. Even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she forged ahead with her vision. Saray’s pursuit of professional growth is evident in the array of designations she earned, including CPIA from the AIMS Association, CRIS and MLIS from the IRMI, and CIRE from the NWC Alliance, highlighting her specialization in the construction industry.
Saray’s efforts garnered recognition within the insurance community, and CharSan Insurance & Consulting received prestigious accolades, such as the 2023 Fast Brokerage and 2023 Fast Starter awards from Insurance Business America. Moreover, HR Tech Outlook acknowledged the agency as a Top Workers Compensation Services Provider in 2023, and CorporateLiveWire Global Awards honored them as the Commercial Insurance Agency of the Year for North Carolina. Individually, she was acclaimed as the Independent Retail Agent of the Year by Synchronosure. Saray’s unwavering dedication to her clients and continuous pursuit of excellence has solidified CharSan’s position as a respected and successful insurance agency.