BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The Dynamic Trio Overman Insurance Excels in Customer Service by Maria Gus With over 65 years of combined experience, Steve McConnell, Stacy Fowler, and Linda Schoonover are a dynamic trio of customer service. Paired with a century of experience in their company, the Overman Insurance Agency, this Bartlesville team provides a personal touch with the support and knowledge of an Oklahoma insurance institution. Overman Insurance began in 1921 when James S. Overman bought an existing agency with one contract in Cleveland, Oklahoma. As the agency grew and changed, they started to branch out all over the state. With offices now located in Cleveland, Norman, Antlers, and Bartlesville, the company has insurance expertise they can draw on to meet any customer’s needs. “Being in business 100 years is great,” said Steve McConnell, who has been serving Bartlesville for 20 years. “Not many people can say that.” McConnell began his work with Bartlesville Insurance Associates and has been building business and community partnerships ever since. They partnered with Overman Insurance 20 years ago because of their 80-year insurance history. Fowler handles the commercial lines and Schoonover takes care of personal lines, personal auto, home, boat, and motorcycle insurance. “I do whatever Linda tells me to do,” McConnell said with a laugh. “It works better that way.” McConnell said that he and Fowler work hand-in-hand. Fowler is a pro at preparing quotes and handling submissions, and the entire team works closely together. “We all support each other, working quickly together,” added McConnell. Schoonover has worked in the insurance world for more than 16 years. "Every time I am presented with the opportunity to offer an estimate that completely covers the insured’s needs and also results in a lower premium, I have the greatest feeling of happiness and satisfaction," said Schoonover. "Especially when seeing a smile on their face." McConnell has taken a steady and strategic approach to how he builds his book of business and it has certainly paid off. He introduces himself to a potential customer, explains what he does, how long he’s been in insurance, and simply says he’d like a chance to earn their business. “I’ve been told ‘no’ a lot,” McConnell said, but he doesn’t give up. He’s slowly built his customer base by proving himself through home and auto. Soon, customers began to ask for quotes for business or non-profit insurance. The team’s hard work has proven to be a great return on investment for their customers. Fowler said insurance is all about the details. She gathers details from the customer and then works with underwriters to find the best quote that fits the customer’s needs. "There are so many different businesses out there," said Fowler. "It’s always interesting!"
"No one really likes dealing with insurance," added Fowler. "But we try to make it as painless as possible. We explain all your options and hope that you leave with a better understanding of your insurance needs than when you came in." McConnell credits some great connections that helped Overman Insurance find their niche in the community. Several people introduced him to the nonprofit world in Bartlesville and the company is proud to support and insure several of Bartlesville’s favorite service providers. McConnell also credits a few Bartlesville community leaders with helping him grow the company. He called on one long-time resident, not knowing him at all, and developed a great and humorous rapport. “He kind of took me under his wing and introduced me to people in Bartlesville,” said McConnell. The Overman Insurance Agency has provided great support to the McConnell, Fowler, Schoonover team in Bartlesville. More importantly, the trio of insurance pros offer strong, consistent customer service. The company is one of the quiet supporters in the community but the team of three speaks volumes with their hard work, dedication, and desire to help Bartlesville in any way they can. NOVEMBER 2021 | bmonthly
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