Entrepreneurial Spirit:  Nicholas Schrock is In Good Hands in Ferndale

(Nov. 18, 2012)

Ferndale has been good to Nicholas Schrock, owner of the Allstate office at 23225 Woodward.  In November 2011 when he bought the business from a former Allstate agent, the office was in a small, cramped space and customer levels had simply been steady.  Since taking over “the book” of customers, Schrock has grown the business substantially.  After less than a year he has doubled the number of clients, brought the number of employees up to six, and moved into a luxuriously large space that used to be the home of Street Legal Customs.

“For the past eight years the previous owner didn’t solicit much new business.  I brought in staff so we could make the business grow,” Schrock said. The 30-year-old also brought a lot of energy and dedication, focusing most of his time making the business grow and making sure his existing and new customers are taken care of.

After spending several years in sales and management with Cintas, Schrock was determined to become a business owner himself.  He grew up watching his father run his own business and knew that was what he wanted to do one day.  He said that being an Allstate agency owner gives him a way to do that, while still having an expert team for support and strong marketing behind him.

“I liked my previous job, and have always enjoyed selling products that help my customers.  I really enjoyed my last position at Cintas, but this is a lot different.  I can make decisions without having to go through a lot of red tape” He explained that he was very successful in his previous roles, but knew that he was capable of more.

Now he puts in 60 or 70 hours a week instead of the normal 40, and he couldn’t be happier knowing that his hard work is paying off, and that what he’s building is for himself and for his potential future family, not just for an employer.  “Years from now I’ll give this business to my kids or nephews,” he said.

Owning his own agency also gives him the opportunity to be involved with the community in different ways.  “The Chamber came out and did our Grand Opening.  I was able to be one of the sponsors for their 5k run, and I have been able to participate in several Chamber and DDA events.  It feels good to be able to make those decisions about how to give back to the community.”

Schrock grew up in Southfield, and went to University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  When it came time to start his own business, he chose Ferndale because it reminded him of the culture in Ann Arbor.  “It’s just a great city and a great location,” he said.  “We moved into our new office right before Dream Cruise so we could have an even more visible presence.”

Through Allstate, Schrock sells Auto, Home, Life, Business, and Motorcycle Insurance.  They also do Financial Planning and sell investment products.  He researched the various companies, and decided this was the best fit for him.  “I wanted to make sure I could have ownership and equity in the business and the products I sell,” he said.  With Allstate I can help people save money and get them better coverage than with other companies.  One of the ways Allstate got ahead of the game was with the purchase of E-Surance, which was huge. This has expanded our offerings and allows us to meet the needs of more people.”

He hopes that by providing good service his clients will continue to renew through his office.  “We listen to what the customer wants.  Every customer is important, whether they’ve got one policy or several…we treat them all the same.”

Though he still lives in Southfield, Schrock says he will probably end up moving to Ferndale, because “it already feels like home.”  He said he enjoys the networking he’s done through the Chamber of Commerce and loves that there is always something going on.  When he does take time away from building his business, he enjoys watching baseball and football and spending time with his family.  He also makes time to work out and is an avid golfer.

To learn more about Nick Schrock and his Allstate Insurance office, give them a call or stop in… 23225 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220, (248) 547-4010.

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