|
By FBNews.net
In July of 1978, Nicolas Estrella started his automotive insurance business, building it from the ground up. He focused his business in what was a very unattractive niche, selling automobile insurance to immigrants and the working poor, and he did so at a time when auto insurance mandates were minimal in Florida. He grew his business carefully, managed the financial affairs of the company shrewdly, and built a base of very loyal customers. He has since created a highly successful business model for serving the insurance and financial needs of the Hispanic community in South Florida. His customer-driven business model has produced a consistent stream of earnings over the years, to where The Estrella Insurance Group today operates from forty-four agencies and last years sales approached the M level.
Nicolas Estrella is an articulate, engaging conversationalist. While urbane and sophisticated, he has clearly never lost his scrappy, "street smart" edge and his first hand knowledge of what it takes to survive in business. He is soft-spoken but has a reputation as a demanding boss and a tough negotiator.
Rick grew up working in the family business until he joined the U.S. Army. Upon leaving the military after Desert Storm, he worked at The Prudential Insurance Company to broaden his perspective and gain outside experience. Afterward, he returned to Estrella and functions as his brotherīs strong right arm.
During our conversations, it became clear during our conversations that Nicolas Estrella runs a tough, demanding business in which true competitive advantage come from the strength and integrity of his organization. In reporting the interviews, I have organized our discussions to illustrate how the characteristics of authentic leadership mentioned above are evident in his business practices.
A Guiding Vision
Daniel Elash (DE): "Nicolas, would you discuss the vision that drove you to build the business and sustained you over the years?"
Nicolas Estrella (NE): "I did it for the love of the work. On the one hand, itīs about power. I wanted to be able to make things happen, to be in control. On the other hand, I wanted to provide for my children, to give them the things I never had. Iīve always been very responsible to the rest of my family as well. I have a sense of responsibility that weighs very heavily on me."
DE: "Why the insurance business?"
|
