Creating Generational Wealth: A Q&A with Agency Owner Sev Tamayo

Hi Sev. You’ve been an agency owner with Goosehead for six years. Tell us more about yourself and why you chose to sell insurance.
I still feel like I'm a newbie to the insurance world compared to many agents out there, yet I am a seasoned vet here at Goosehead, always learning more. I am a father to three and love to help people; that is part of my core. It’s why I love what I do. We are always helping people understand insurance to put them in a better position to protect themselves.

Why did you decide to make the switch to Goosehead all those years ago?
I was with State Farm for two years but knew I wanted to be an independent, not captive agent. There were other franchise models that I was looking into, but the model here made the most sense for me and my success.

What’s your favorite thing about owning a franchise over being a captive agent?
We have the ability to run the business as we see fit, and we still have the support of the corporate structure behind us.

What does your team look like, and are you planning to continue growing your business?
I just hired my second producer and plan on hiring one per year to continue the growth.

What excites you most about the future of your business?
The unlimited potential ahead of us, and that this is a generational opportunity. My son works with me, and this will be left to him in the future.

Tell us about a career moment you’re most proud of.
I built a book of $4.5 million by myself before hiring my first producer, and this was at a time when premiums were at an all-time low, so there were a lot of policies written to get there.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Helping clients understand the policies and getting them better coverage while lowering their premiums.

What do you enjoy most about being part of Goosehead?
The amount of people I have met here from all over the country, and I am proud to call them friends.

Finally, what advice would you give to those interested in opening an insurance franchise?

"This is going to be the toughest thing you will ever do. Prepare yourself. Talk to others ahead of time and buy lots of ramen before you start."