Eric Meinen, CIC

11 Questions with Eric Meinen

1. What does the American Dream mean to you?
   The American Dream is having the ability to pursue your interests without someone holding you back from doing so. It is the belief in one's own ability to make that happen. I will have achieved my personal goal if my legacy is a family that contributes to their church and society, and raises another generation that does the same.
2. What does the Ansay Way mean to you?
   It means doing the right thing, which by the way, is not always the easy thing. It also means bringing value to the client outside of the insurance contract.
3. In your personal experience, how does Ansay differentiate in the marketplace?
   We have competitors who can offer the same insurance contract as those provided by our firm. I feel we are more creative than most in the offerings outside of that contract. That type of creativity leads to relationships that are long-term in nature.
4. Why were you drawn to work at Ansay & Associates?
   I have been here for 22 years. That is somewhat unique in the insurance sales world. The longevity isn't accidental. It is the result of having leadership that is committed to both individual and company success. Company success means stability for all associates of Ansay. Stability was commonplace not that long ago but today less so.
5. Give us a view of the company – what is it like working at Ansay?
   I think by their very nature, sales organizations attract a wide range of personalities and skillsets. The funny thing is, it is a blending of those personalities and skills that allow the organization to work well. I think our organization is good at identifying individual skills and using them to benefit the organization. I have been in environments where that didn't happen which leads to other unhealthy distractions. Each day is different. If you think that sales and support are about sitting back and not needing to show up each day, you will be disappointed with our firm. If you understand that, Ansay is supportive. The mantra is the client comes first.
6. Describe your approach to working with your clients.
   This may sound a little cliche, but because of the way I was raised, I try to do what is right. For example, I have walked away from potential new business as I knew I might not be the best fit for them. With actual clients, I have brought others of our firm, who have a deeper understanding of a specific issue, to assist my clients with their questions or needs. The goal is to have honest conversations, help where I can, and be a resource for the client.
7. What is one of your favorite client stories?
   I would like to share two stories, one being a bit more general in nature, and other more specific.
   One of my responsibilities is to assist our producers with a telephonic nurse triage product meant to assist clients with injured employees. Helping employees obtain proper information about their health decisions is rewarding. A side benefit is a positive impact this can have on a buyer. When buyers understand those benefits, it elevates the product Ansay is providing and that is also rewarding.
   One of my clients was on the OHSA targeted class of business lists. Of course, they did their inspection and it resulted in some fairly substantial penalties. Through our Risk Management services, we were able to assist the client in responding to OSHA, and personally assisting and standing alongside the client at the OHSA follow up meeting. Our experience and ability to assist resulted in a dramatic penalty reduction. Each case is unique, but this particular situation is something the client still talks about.
8. Do you have any area of specific focus in terms of industry or market?
   I spend most of my time away from the office handling business that pertains to manufacturing, restaurants, and school districts/governmental agencies. In addition, I am responsible for helping Ansay clients understand there are better options available to them with regard to work-related injuries and a strategy for dealing with those injuries that benefit both the employee and employer.
9. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
   In addition to our dog, my desire to help someone in a positive manner.
10. What would your clients say about you?
    I believe people have a keen sense of who is and isn't genuine. If people trust you, they believe you will do what is right. That is a serious responsibility. I am not perfect, but they believe I will try to correct the wrong and make it right with the support of our management team at Ansay.
11. Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
    In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6)