Business

BUSINESS PROFILE: Maricopa’s small-town feel an attraction

Dec 26, 2013

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Lance Lane State Fram Insurance Agency

When and why did you start your business? I started the Lance Lane State Farm Insurance Agency in September 2005. I had worked in auto claims and management for State Farm in various positions since 1986, and decided I would like to start helping people before they had an accident by helping them put in place the insurance products and financial services that are right for them.

Why Maricopa? When I first visited Maricopa, I was taken in by the small-town feel combined with the potential for growth. The city and residents do a great job of staying friendly while the population grows. I grew up in a few different places, but always appreciated the Midwest for how friendly and helpful the people are. I get that same feeling here.

What challenges have you faced? The housing-market collapse and downturn in the economy was the biggest. We approached it as an opportunity to help people regroup and redesign their plans. We managed to grow even through those years, but it was certainly a difficult time for everyone.

What are you most proud of? I am proud my team and I do things for the right reasons – for the customer. We could focus on sales – instead we focus on taking care of people and doing whatever is in their best interest, and sales are just a byproduct of that.

What is your best business tip? Develop a strong business plan with contingency plans for worst-case scenarios, and separate business and personal finances.

What is your passion outside of work? My family. I have been married to my wife Brooke for almost 22 years now, and we have two incredible daughters, Peyton (18) and Danielle (16). I am also blessed to have my brother and his family and my mom close by.

What’s your favorite book? My favorite book of all time is “A Time to Kill” by John Grisham. I walked around chanting “Free Carl Lee” during the whole time I was reading it.

Where is the best place you’ve ever visited? I love Hawaii, but Rocky Point, Mexico is my favorite. In just a few hours, you are worlds away, and I love the ocean.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? My father. He passed about three years ago, but I still think about what he would do or what he would say to help guide me.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian who played professional football.

What was your most embarrassing moment? As a kid playing football, one of my positions was kicking. I was decent at kickoffs, but had never tried or practiced onside kicks before my coach called for one in the middle of a tight game. I missed the ball entirely, had to double back, and then kicked the hell out of it. I was called for off sides – the only time I have ever seen that call against a kicker.

What is the best advice you have to offer others?
Be true to yourself, and put others’ needs ahead of your own. Everything else will take care of itself.