Randy Russell built his eponymous insurance company with the help of great employees, his wife and a former boss. Staff photo
As a longtime insurance agent in Corpus Christi and Portland, Randy Russell likes to keep his business simple, to the point and friendly.
“We like to think we offer a different atmosphere than the normal insurance office,” said the owner of Randy Russell Insurance in Portland. “We’re big on greeting our customers and being friendly with our customers. Not all insurance offices can do that.”
The proof came as cheerful voices answered the constantly ringing phones and walk-in customers interrupted this interview for a friendly word or two with Russell or his wife, Gloria, who was working at the next desk over. While Russell sipped on coffee and talked about his 25 years in the business, Gloria took a call about an accident that had just happened. Her first question was, “Are you OK?” Once reassured there were no injuries, she got to business processing the claim.
“I’m an everyday guy who really enjoys the insurance business,” Russell said over the cacophony of calls. “I like helping these folks get their claims taken care of smoothly and their cars get fixed in a timely manner.”
Russell has had only three jobs in his life, all centered on customer service. He moved from hotel work to managing a convenience store, where a friend and co-worker talked him into going into the insurance business. When the company for which he worked was sold and the new owner cut everyone’s pay, Russell decided to branch out on his own. He moved into an office across the street from his former place of business and got to work — slowly.
“For the first six months, I sat here, and it was quiet,” he said. “The phones didn’t ring, and I was a little concerned for awhile.”
Once word got out that he had started his own business, customers moved from across the street and new ones came on board, he said. He now has two offices in Corpus Christi along with the home office in Portland. He might open an office in Rockport as well, he added.
“Finally, it snowballed,” Russell said of his budding business. “I was fortunate. I had good employees.” Help also came from his former boss, he said, who provided a severance package and encouragement.
Quick to give credit to the people on his team, he also credits the products he sells.
“My offices are nonstandard insurance,” he said. “In the nonstandard industry, we can modify the products.”
Russell Insurance represents 21 companies and can cover everything from automobiles to golf carts and RVs to motorcycles. Customers can customize their policies to get the best price without being forced to pay for roadside assistance or what Russell calls “bells and whistles” they don’t need. Most nonstandard companies also don’t base rates on credit scores — another big plus for his clients, he pointed out.
“I don’t sell a lot of the credit-scored products,” he said. “That’s not what the customer wants. My policies are rate-driven based on the type of car and driving record.”
He also insures drivers who have been ticketed for driving without insurance or have serious moving violations and are required to obtain an SR-22 (financial responsibility certification) from an insurer. Customers who need SR-22s have to maintain insurance coverage for a certain period of time before restrictions can be lifted from their licenses.
“I’m real familiar with SR-22s,” Russell said. “A lot of standard companies won’t touch you if you need a SR-22. I’ve got a dozen who will.”
Russell Insurance also sells homeowner and other types of insurance, though auto policies represent the core of his business.
AFTER HOURS
When not working, Russell is, well, working. He and his wife run a lawn maintenance company, GMR Landscaping, along with their son. The company is Gloria’s brainchild. She came up with the idea when her then-16-year-old stepson asked for a car and gas money.
“Her answer was to get out the mower and set him up to go earn the money,” Russell said. “It’s blossomed from there. He’s been doing it for 11 years now and has a whole crew that works for him.”
Randy works weekends on the crew, while Gloria takes off each afternoon to work with the landscaping company. It helps that both love the local weather and being outside.
Russell also enjoys watching the Corpus Christi Fury, an indoor football team, while Gloria is devoted to her cats. Both are devoted to the insurance business, which takes up most of their time and energy.
“I don’t have any intensions of getting out of the business anytime soon,” he assured Corpus Christi Business News. “I just turned 50, and I really enjoy what I do.”
Randy Russell Insurance’s main office is located at 1101 Railroad Ave. in Portland. Call (361) 643-2600 for more information.
