After being located in Oceanside for 60 years, Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance moved its agency to Carlsbad last November.
“After being in the new location for over eight months now, we definitely recognize it was the right thing to do,” said Scott Purdy, president of the agency. “It has put us in the center of our customer base and enables us to service all of our clients in a more efficient manner.”
The agency serves the insurance needs of 6,000 individuals and families, as well as 1,600 businesses throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. It uses a state-of-the-art computer system to securely and confidentially maintain client information.
The full-service agency offers personal, commercial, group, life and health insurance, as well as retirement plans. The Carlsbad Business Journal interviewed Purdy about the independent insurance agency and the business of offering clients the best rates by comparing several different insurance carriers.
Carlsbad Business Journal: What is your professional background?
Purdy: I graduated from Loma Linda University with a degree in biology and I entered the insurance industry in 1978. I've been with Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance since 1983. In 1990, I obtained my certified insurance counselor designation.
CBJ: What is the company's background and history?
Purdy: The agency was originally founded by Wally Hatter in 1947. He formed a partnership with Bruce Williams in 1964. The agency was located in Oceanside until we moved to our Carlsbad location.
CBJ: What is the company's philosophy and mission?
Purdy: Our goal is to provide our customers with the best products at the best price and with the best service in the insurance industry. But we really emphasize the service function.
CBJ: What is unique about your company?
Purdy: Most insurance agencies are turning to customer service centers that are operated by insurance carriers. Their customer service representatives are reached via an 800 number and may be located anywhere in the nation. Our philosophy is different. We service all of our accounts locally. We have a very professional and experienced staff that work hard to get to know all of our customers individually, which allows for a partnership between our customers and our agency. I'm constantly receiving compliments on our staff, which makes my job a lot easier.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of this company?
Purdy: Our agency is focused on continued steady growth. However, we never want to outgrow our service philosophy, which is to return all calls promptly, with a friendly and professional demeanor.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Purdy: Being an independent insurance agency, we represent several different insurance carriers. This is great for our clients since we always have several different options to offer and they aren't limited to just one carrier. However, it can be challenging staying abreast of all that our insurance carriers have to offer.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Purdy: Forming relationships with customers. I can't tell you how many times it starts out as a business relationship and turns into a lifelong friendship. To me, that is the most satisfying aspect.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Purdy: The agency has more than tripled in size in the past 10 years. I believe our growth is a tribute to the excellent products and outstanding customer service that we provide
CBJ: What other information would you like to share about the company?
Purdy: In the recent wildfires, we had seven of our customers lose their homes. I can happily report that every single one of them has been taken care of and their homes are in the process of being rebuilt.
For more information, call Hatter, Williams & Purdy at (760) 795-2002 or visit www.hwpinsurance.com.
“After being in the new location for over eight months now, we definitely recognize it was the right thing to do,” said Scott Purdy, president of the agency. “It has put us in the center of our customer base and enables us to service all of our clients in a more efficient manner.”
The agency serves the insurance needs of 6,000 individuals and families, as well as 1,600 businesses throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. It uses a state-of-the-art computer system to securely and confidentially maintain client information.
The full-service agency offers personal, commercial, group, life and health insurance, as well as retirement plans. The Carlsbad Business Journal interviewed Purdy about the independent insurance agency and the business of offering clients the best rates by comparing several different insurance carriers.
Carlsbad Business Journal: What is your professional background?
Purdy: I graduated from Loma Linda University with a degree in biology and I entered the insurance industry in 1978. I've been with Hatter, Williams & Purdy Insurance since 1983. In 1990, I obtained my certified insurance counselor designation.
CBJ: What is the company's background and history?
Purdy: The agency was originally founded by Wally Hatter in 1947. He formed a partnership with Bruce Williams in 1964. The agency was located in Oceanside until we moved to our Carlsbad location.
CBJ: What is the company's philosophy and mission?
Purdy: Our goal is to provide our customers with the best products at the best price and with the best service in the insurance industry. But we really emphasize the service function.
CBJ: What is unique about your company?
Purdy: Most insurance agencies are turning to customer service centers that are operated by insurance carriers. Their customer service representatives are reached via an 800 number and may be located anywhere in the nation. Our philosophy is different. We service all of our accounts locally. We have a very professional and experienced staff that work hard to get to know all of our customers individually, which allows for a partnership between our customers and our agency. I'm constantly receiving compliments on our staff, which makes my job a lot easier.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of this company?
Purdy: Our agency is focused on continued steady growth. However, we never want to outgrow our service philosophy, which is to return all calls promptly, with a friendly and professional demeanor.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Purdy: Being an independent insurance agency, we represent several different insurance carriers. This is great for our clients since we always have several different options to offer and they aren't limited to just one carrier. However, it can be challenging staying abreast of all that our insurance carriers have to offer.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Purdy: Forming relationships with customers. I can't tell you how many times it starts out as a business relationship and turns into a lifelong friendship. To me, that is the most satisfying aspect.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Purdy: The agency has more than tripled in size in the past 10 years. I believe our growth is a tribute to the excellent products and outstanding customer service that we provide
CBJ: What other information would you like to share about the company?
Purdy: In the recent wildfires, we had seven of our customers lose their homes. I can happily report that every single one of them has been taken care of and their homes are in the process of being rebuilt.
For more information, call Hatter, Williams & Purdy at (760) 795-2002 or visit www.hwpinsurance.com.