Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Bates McGrath, CFP®, RICP®, CRPC®.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was a Senior at Suffolk University in 1988 I had plans to continue onto Law School but take a year off in between. In discussing my plans with my father one day he inquired as to what I would do during that year off. I replied that I really hadn’t thought about it and that’s when he looked at me with a big grin and he replied back that he had and that he wanted me to come to work for him! I thought OK I can do that and here I am almost 30 years later! I never did end up going to law school and I have not a single regret. I put all my time and energy into learning the insurance and financial planning business and attaining my professional credentials in both fields and growing my business. In the early days, my focus was primarily on running the insurance agency but as time went on my focus expanded over to the financial services side and that’s where I spend most of my time today. I love helping people simplify and organize the complications of their financial lives so they can have what they need and live how they want in retirement. Luckily, I am able to engage in work that I am passionate about and the day to day operation of my Insurance Agency is run by my sister in law Joan Bates and my nephew Daniel Bates III.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been both and sometimes at the same time but as you become more experienced you learn to take it in stride. The start was smooth because the business was already established and had a great reputation. The struggles came with growing as a business person and growing the business. In the early days, there were times where my father and I butted heads. I wished I had listened more and talked less back then.
To this day, I am still learning things he was trying to show me but I was too smart for my own good to listen. Struggles lead to growth so I have never been afraid to struggle. Struggles also came with competition and keeping up with the ever changing marketplace, competition and technology. Running a P & C Insurance Agency while trying to grow a financial planning practice while being actively involved in the community and managing life is a daily challenge that keeps me focused and on my toes so the struggle continues!
Please tell us about Bates Insurance Agency.
We care about our customers and our community and we owe our success to both. To our customers we give the very best we have to offer. We work with the big Insurance Companies so you can work directly with us locally and we can provide you with personal and professional advice from a technically skilled licensed insurance expert.
We don’t just write your policy and forget about you. We want to develop a long term relationship with you. We stay in touch to keep you informed with a monthly newsletter and social media postings. We continue the discussion with a comprehensive annual review so we can further advise you on your personal risk exposures.
To our community we don’t just write the check. We give of our time and talent as well. Our entire staff not only works in Medford but they live here too. We all have a vested interest in participating and giving back and doing what we can to make a difference.
Whether it’s sponsoring the book marks at the library, the iPad covers at the high school, sponsoring sports teams or golf tournaments I try to do my part. I personally put most of my efforts into the Medford Kiwanis Club and am currently serving as President. A 90+ year old organization that’s purpose is to serve the children of Medford.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Coming from a family of 10 kids, we did not have a summer cottage on a lake. What we had was a 20 year old 40 foot cabin cruiser captained by my father and the Boston Harbor was our lake. He entertained clients, family and friends on a regular basis. We enjoyed Island hopping, tying up at Words End, the Tallships, the 4th of July fireworks, performing some rescues while working as an auxiliary coast guard unit and not to mention the adventures of getting under the Alford St bridge without having to have it raised. My father would count the boards to make sure we would make it and there were times cars above were inches from our heads! Those were some of the best times of my childhood and luckily my girlfriends shared in those adventures and memories. Today when I have the opportunity to be out on a boat, I realize how lucky I was to have had that experience while growing up.
Contact Info:
- Address: 92 High Street, Suite B1, Medford, Ma 02155
- Website: Www.batesins.com and www.andreabatesmcgrath.com
- Phone: 781-396-4985
- Email: andrea@batesins.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bates-Insurance-Agency-Inc/264899587259
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/batesinsurance
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/NqcosjIQ2o4AqX8uqnGjJA?return_url=%2Fbiz%
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/BatesInsAgency
Image Credit:
Douglas Shoop Photographer
Andrea Bates McGrath
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
