Chara Kautz

Experience

• 

  Farmers Insurance

  Jul 1995 - Aug 2023

  Led the strategic direction and managed the distribution footprint in AZ, NM, UT, & GA. Oversaw all channels of distribution to drive sales and profitability along with initiatives to improve customer service.• Designed and executed tailored corporate and state growth strategies for over 1 billion in annual premium and 1 million policies for all product lines including Property and Casualty, Specialty, Commercial, Life, and Financial Services. • Led 22 District Managers, 985 agents, and employee teams (14 in GA and 12 in AZ, NM & UT). • Ranked #1 Market Leader on the Emerging Market Scorecard in 2019 and #2 in 2020. • Perform strategic review of the market results and leverage analytics to identify opportunities to develop and execute plans for improved business results. • Mentored and trained next-generation leaders. • Worked closely with agency owners to equip them with sales, marketing, and operations tools needed to consistently acquire new clients and deliver an exceptional overall experience. Show less Led 8 District Managers, 270 Full-time Agents and 4 territory office employees in Colorado.• Direct and coordinate all phases of the Division marketing efforts to accomplish individual and collective goals established by the Company.• Responsible for the attainment of profitable Policy-in-Force growth, loss ratio, service and Farmers Insurance Group learnings objectives.• Provide guidance, leadership, communication, and assistance to District Managers and to Agents. • Supervises business units including personal lines, life and financial services as well as commercial to insure company objectives and growth goals are met.• Facilitate and monitor District manager progress to insure appropriate agency development for territory distribution goals based on local market. Show less Oversaw the strategic direction and distribution footprint of the Mountain Territory - Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Implemented distribution strategies tailored to local markets with tactics to improve the success rate and size of districts and agencies within the territory.• Built top-producing territory and achieved new agent appointment goals reaching #1 Territory Agency Manager for three consecutive years (2016-2018). • Grew territory policies in force by 14K+.• Responsible for all aspects of agency development within the territory including applicant sourcing, selection, new agent appointments and new agent success. • Created training, marketing, and sales tools for agency owners to increase sales and provide excellent customer service. • Coordinated sales activities, programs and promotions with team members, District Managers and agents. • Developed the Mountain Territory Women’s Conference and served on the board for the Mountain Territory Agent’s Conference. • Trained and mentored the Mountain Territory Area Sales Managers. • Prepared and administered the Mountain Territory budget and provided analysis monthly Show less Oversaw 10 District Managers, 300 Full-time Agents and 4 territory office employees.• Direct and coordinate all phases of the Division marketing efforts to accomplish individual and collective goals established by the Company.• Responsible for the attainment of profitable Policy-in-Force growth, loss ratio, service and Farmers Insurance Group learnings objectives.• Provide guidance, leadership, communication, and assistance to District Managers and to Agents. • Supervises business units including personal lines, life and financial services as well as commercial to insure company objectives and growth goals are met.• Facilitate and monitor District manager progress to insure appropriate agency development for territory distribution goals based on local market. Show less Served as point-of contact and liaison – supporting the field’s activities through the tools and initiatives developed by the University of Farmers. • Assisted agents and district managers with existing product training, sales training, and introduced new initiative roll outs on a state by state basis. • Created entire training modules and programs for agents and employees from inception and managed the full implementation to the field. Developed Agency Business Modules – Orientation and Training, Sales Concepts and Approaches. • Provided analysis and evaluation of sales data to Zone Training Managers and VP of Field Operations.• Promoted and drove attendance to the University of Farmers. Show less Directed the handling of 48,000 medical auto and home related claims yearly for seven states which include Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, & Utah. Led and managed over 90 employees. • Set up and established the Med/PIP Office in Sandy, Utah. • Developed and implemented new programs to handle Med/PIP claims efficiently. Initiated and established best practices for all Med/PIP offices within Farmers.• Created Med/PIP Supervisor and CR certification tests to ensure quality leadership and skills across all Med/PIP offices nationwide. • Served on the Med/PIP Supervisor Advisory Board. Show less

  • Sales and Distribution Leader (AZ, UT, NM & GA)

    Jun 2019 - Aug 2023

  • Area Sales Manager

    Oct 2018 - Jun 2019

  • Territory Agency Manager

    Sept 2016 - Oct 2018

  • Area Sales Manager/District Consultant/Division Marketing Manager

    Jun 2008 - Sept 2016

  • Zone Training Coordinator/Marketing Consultant

    May 2007 - Jun 2008

  • Senior Marketing Specialist

    Aug 2006 - May 2007

  • MED/PIP Operations Manager

    Sept 2000 - Aug 2006

  • Multi-Line Claims Adjuster

    Jul 1995 - Sept 2000