A Dynamic Duo
Aaron and Sara Hoffman take partnership to a whole new level. They have been partners in almost everything since 1995. Married for 26 years, Sara and Aaron have three daughters aged 22, 20 and 18, a dog named Ruby, and a successful insurance agency they own together in Westminster, Colorado. They began their insurance career at RSS about 25 years ago and purchased the agency from Sara’s father almost seven years ago.
Like many people, Sara and Aaron didn’t originally plan on working in the insurance industry. In their case, you can say insurance runs in the family. Sara’s dad, Ernie, worked at Hartford Insurance Company for 23 years before purchasing their agency in 1995, with the dream of it becoming a family run agency.
A Family Legacy
Ernie knew that both Aaron and Sara needed to be part of the agency he had just purchased, as both had key skills that would help grow and strengthen the agency. Aaron had a keen interest in learning about others, loved meeting and talking to new people, and had a natural sales ability and a strong aptitude for insurance concepts. Sara’s strong organization skills, attention to detail, and creative mind, with a marketing degree, would prove useful as the agency’s bookkeeper retired and someone needed to begin a marketing plan for the agency.
Ernie convinced both Aaron and Sara that they would make great additions to the agency. Aaron began his career as a part-time producer (at age 22), while he continued to work other part time jobs and attended college. Sara joined RSS a year later, starting out as the agency receptionist, CSR, and bookkeeper-in-training. Talk about multitasking! The rest is history.
Tag Team CIC Designees
Sara and Aaron both believe that education is crucial for success in the insurance industry. They wanted to set a high standard and commitment to professional development at their agency. Like all great leaders, they wanted to lead by example. They decided to earn a Certified Insurance Counselors designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
As an insurance producer, Aaron makes sure he is up to date on policy forms, language, and coverages. His leadership style encourages others to always take advantage of learning opportunities in our industry. Since the CIC curriculum is continually updated in response to changes in the risk and insurance industry, he knows he is always providing clients with the most accurate information available.
Sara admitted she doesn’t typically discuss coverages, etc. with clients since she primarily focuses on the accounting and marketing side of the business. However, she still wanted the education and knowledge that comes with earning a CIC designation. The rigor needed to maintain her CIC enables her to be more knowledgeable in her roles as an agency owner.
How did they do it?
There is no doubt that Sara and Aaron are busy people! So, what was their secret to earning their designations while being actively involved in their day-to-day responsibilities? Sara and Aaron took advantage of the subscription memberships offered by The National Alliance and were able to earn their CIC designations within a short period of time.
“Subscription memberships made it super easy and convenient for us to both earn our CIC designations. Since we knew that we wanted to take at least two classes a year, it was a no-brainer and saved us money and time.”
Sara Hoffman, CIC
Meet Aaron & Sara
AARON HOFFMAN, CIC
Aaron jumped into the insurance industry after graduating from Colorado State University and has been with RSS ever since. He is licensed in 16 states in property, casualty, health, life, and surplus lines. He loves learning about new people and new businesses and has made it his passion to help our customers make sure they are properly protecting what’s most important to them. Aaron enjoys woodworking, camping, hiking, motorcycles, traveling, reading, and spending time with his family.
SARA HOFFMAN, CIC
Sara joined the insurance industry after graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Business Marketing. She’s been married to her husband, Aaron, since 1995. When not at the office, Sara enjoys cooking, doing anything crafty, decorating, reading, traveling, exercising, and entertaining.
RSS Insurance Services is a third-generation family business serving the Colorado community since 1967.
