We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Alliston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Truth be told, I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. I knew early on that working for someone else was just not where I saw my career going. So, at age 25 I started my own business, in a completely different industry. It was that drive and passion, that led me wanting more. Once I had kids, I wanted to leave a legacy behind for them and show them the hard work of entrepreneurship.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Prior to opening my agency, I worked in a completely different industry for 23 years. I have always been in some form of sales but coming in to insurance changed my mindset on my career and how I want to function as an agency owner. Being an agent is far more than “selling anything.” It’s become more enjoyable every day and has turned in to an opportunity to really educate people. More times than not, I hear, “I didn’t know that” or “I never even looked at what my insurance covers.” That’s alarming. When protecting your assets, anyone should know what they are covered for and where their money is going. We service our customers first before providing them policies. And by servicing, I mean we ask a lot of important questions. Owning a business is never easy. It never has been. But, if you look at every day as something new and exciting, read all the positive reviews customers have left you and know every day you work to benefit others, not yourself, then running a business is rewarding. The payoff will come from that.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father in law, Jim Alliston. He was my mentor and he taught me so much, in such a little amount of time. After he passed 2011, my husband and I continued to help run his claims adjusting business. It’s then my love for insurance grew.

Website: https://agents.farmers.com/tn/brentwood/sarah-alliston/

Instagram: @theallistonagency

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Sarah-Alliston-Farmers-Insurance-Agent-100078848389784/

Image Credits
@lifestylebylablanc Shannon LeBlanc

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.