What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Flaugh Insurance
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company?
Cory Flaugh
Location:
Benton Harbor
Nominator’s Name:
Joanne Krettek
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
4-5
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
This local insurance company is family-owned and was started in 1943 by the current owner’s grandfather. It focuses on local customers and provides services that many insurance companies no longer offer, including daily office hours of 8:30-5:00, the acceptance of in-person check payments, the ability to meet with the agents in person, and a wide range of life, auto, and home insurance for both business and personal clients.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
I worked here on a temporary basis last fall. Having worked at a number of local businesses previously, I was impressed by the top-notch service for EVERY client, no matter how big or small. Calls were promptly answered. Clients were welcome to stop in for payments, documentation printouts, changes in insurance, questions, etc. Every client receives a birthday email. Some clients stop in weekly and are always welcomed, often by name. Employees are treated respectfully and free to take bathroom breaks or make calls to family when needed. The owner interacts personally with all staff, makes coffee every morning, and often brings in snacks. The company pays well and is concerned about the safety and well-being of staff.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
The owner is willing to teach staff new skills on an ongoing basis and encourages them to work toward certification, if desired. There is no pushing of incentives to sell more or meet quotas, which creates a stress-free and supportive environment that focuses on genuine customer service.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard but also for playing hard.
Highly competitive pay and ongoing training. Volunteering at or supporting community events, socializing with workers’ families. Cory Flaugh is a proud member of various local organizations and actively contributes to community events.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
Insurance payments (by check) are accepted in the office with a smile and no service fees.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Friendly personal interaction with the owner
- Ability to suggest improvements
- Team environment
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its leadership, etc?
Being in business since 1943 (and in the same building since 1988) is quite an achievement. Few businesses have lasted as long in Southwest Michigan and still remained family-owned.
