A little while ago, we pulled aside one of our protection specialists, Laura, for a short “interview”. This month, please join us as we learn more about Erin Gross. Erin brings over eight years of experience in the insurance industry. She joined the McClain team three years ago and she quickly became another agent that our clients know they can trust for sound advice.
Erin is incredibly insurance-savvy and has the unique ability to make a well-rounded protection plan not only thorough but also FUN!
Give her a call some time and say “Hi” – we know she’d love it!
Hi Erin! Thanks for allowing us to interview you. Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about your family
I’d love to! My husband, Mark, and I have been happily married for seven years, and our 3-year-old daughter Makenna is the light of my life. She keeps us on our toes, and is definitely a young night owl and midnight reader in the making. But, who am I to complain about a child who loves books? We also have a labradoodle named Cash, who we couldn’t imagine life without.
And, there is also this brother-in-law of yours, right?
Ha! How could I forget him? I actually met (McClain Insurance Agent) Nick Pembroke almost ten years ago through McClain Insurance Services. I casually arranged for a small Cinco de Mayo gathering to which I invited both Nick and my sister Meghan….
The rest is history, and I’m now the proud Auntie to their young daughter, Ada. I’ve got to stay on Nick’s good side, though. After all, he is making my sister very happy!!
Aw! We LOVE your story and it’s so fun to see the McClain Insurance family bond in action. Tell us, what inspired you to join the McClain Insurance team?
Well, I’ve always loved and admired Claudia’s caring and sincere way of advising her clients and leading her business.
I worked for a large commercial insurance agency for several years, and I just missed the personal touch and interaction of working directly with individual clients rather than large corporations. I want to do meaningful work, and I want to help people. When I can help folks protect their families and the things that matter to them, I really feel that I am doing something good. That’s very important to me.
So when Nick told me about the open agent position with McClain Insurance, I was only too happy to put in my resume!
And we’re so glad you did! You just add a special touch to every call you make, and we just know that our clients are in good hands with you. How do you do it?
Aw, that’s kind of you to say! I don’t know what I’m doing, I just try to be thorough and look at a situation from several angles, so I can think through what’s best for the client.
And I like to laugh. Insurance doesn’t have to be a dry, heartless business. There is no reason to not have a little fun with everything you do. I love chatting and laughing with our clients!
So true! There’s nothing wrong with a little laughter in life. What else brings you joy?
Aside from Makenna? Anything that gets us outside enjoying the Pacific Northwest! Local hikes, trips to the beach with Cash, gardening in the sunshine, and snowboarding in the winter.
I also love to be creative with old furniture, or by updating items that we already own. Upholstering dining room chairs with a cute new fabric or polishing up a dresser with a coat of paint and unique knobs are certainly my idea of a weekend well spent!
Come on over to my house anytime – I’d love to enjoy some updated style! Last but not least, would you share with us how you decided to invest your 16 paid community service hours that McClain Insurance offers each team member?
Absolutely! I decided to get involved with the YWCA’s Working Wardrobe Program. This is basically a unique clothing bank that offers free, business-appropriate attire to homeless or low-income women in need of clothing for interviews or new jobs.
These women are on their way out of truly desperate situations, often fighting racism, abuse and violence while caring for their children. The YWCA not only provides shelter and assistance for these brave ladies, but also programs to guide them to a life of hope, self-sufficiency and independence. The YWCA Working Wardrobe Program offers free, work-appropriate clothing to empower women to make a good impression and feel good about themselves.
As a working mother, I feel I can very much relate to these women. I love volunteering for this cause, not only as a donor of professional attire, but also as an encourager and cheerleader!
This month, clients can support the YWCA simply by referring a friend to us for an insurance review. McClain Insurance will donate $25 per referral to the YWCA>
Wow! What a great cause – thank you for introducing “your” charity of choice to us!
Many thanks for your time and thank you for all that you do, Erin!