On work life…
What’s the very best part of your job and why?
The best part of my job is having the opportunity to communicate with my clients. I understand that when my clients call, they have a problem. It is my job to find a solution. Through our conversation, I am able to learn more about their specific cares and concerns. Then, taking these into consideration I can do my best to work with the insurance companies I represent to come up with a solution.
What’s the best piece of advice you can impart to a prospective insurance customer?
The best piece of advice that I would give to a prospective customer is to consider many factors in choosing an insurance agent, not just the price of the policy being considered. Other factors you should be looking at include coverages offered, limits to the policy, and the service you will receive at a particular agency. You need to choose an agency that is going to be there when you need them. To be assured you will have enough coverage to protect you, ask questions. Make sure you understand exactly what you are purchasing and why you are purchasing it.
What makes you the most proud of where you work, and why?
At the Thomas J. Woods Insurance Agency, I am most proud of the people with whom I work. We have a great staff, all are people who really care about doing an exemplary job for our clients. Members of the staff go out of their way to work with our clients and find solutions to their problems, whether it be an issue with an auto, home or commercial policy. I am proud that our agency has been rated the best insurance agency in Worcester for the past four years. This rating is because of our caring, professional staff.
What’s the most needed, yet overlooked line of insurance that you’ve seen first-hand that people need?
The most overlooked coverage that people need to consider is a jewelry floater. Most people think they have automatic coverage for all of their jewelry under their homeowner’s policy. Unfortunately, the homeowner’s policy has only limited coverage for jewelry. A jewelry floater is necessary which lists each item along with the individual value of each item. By adding this floater, you will have a much broader coverage, at home and away from your home.
A little more personal…
Tell us about what you’re the most proud of in your life.
I am most proud of my two daughters and how hard they work to do well in school and as they embark on careers. My oldest daughter, Caitlyn, is a new college graduate. She is spending this year working as an Americorps volunteer in Florida. She is working in a literacy program, helping to prepare high school students for college. Most of these students have will be the first in their families to attend college if they make it. My second daughter, Megan, is at Northeastern University and working hard toward a degree in Criminal Justice. I am proud how they have accepted challenges and apply themselves to reach their goals.
Who is your role model and how have they shaped you?
My most important role model was my father, Walter M. Conlin Sr. He also was an insurance agent and growing up I admired his ability to help people by helping to solve their various problems, including insurance issues. He was also a very caring and charitable person, admired by many, who believed in helping those who are not as fortunate as oneself. He instilled the desire to work with and for others in my community.
What’s on top of your bucket list? When do you plan to do it?
My bucket list is long so I hope to be around a long time in order to cross them all off and start again. I love History so one of the top things on my list is to go and visit Normandy, France to see where the allied forces invaded Europe during WW II. There is so much to see and admire at this historic site.
What is the charitable cause that means the most to you, and why?
I believe charity is very important and we need to try and help those less fortunate as much as possible. The one charitable organization that I support locally is the Worcester County Food Bank. This organization provides food to the numerous hungry families in Worcester County. I feel it is important that no individuals go without the basic necessities of life.
