Coal Dust to Confidence: Thriving as an Insurance Agent

Eric Dotson - Owner of the Eric Dotson Agency Eric Dotson is the owner of the Eric Dotson Agency, located in Milton, West Virginia. He is known for his professionalism and dedication to his customers.

What inspired you to pursue the career path you're on now?

I worked underground in the coal mines for about 10 years, which could be one of the most unstable careers. There were always rumors of the mine shutting down or laying off workers, so I decided to go a different way. I ended up working under two other agents for a few years before finally opening my own agency.

Eric Dotson multitasking at their office desk, wearing a hard hat while on the phone, surrounded by paperwork and a computer, with a playful basketball hoop on the wall for lighthearted moments.

How did you break into your current industry?

I just got on Indeed and started filling out some applications. I got a call for an interview, and the interviewer wanted to meet me that same day. I was on my way home from the mine with coal dust all over my face and told him, but he didn’t care. So, I went to the interview and was offered the job. After a year, he relocated, and I was considering doing something else, but another agent recruited me to his agency with the goal of helping me get my own agency. In May 2019, that happened, and I opened my own agency.

Can you describe a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?

Not necessarily a project or achievement, but the proudest moment for this agency would be being able to help people in their time of need. I’ve delivered life insurance checks to a widowed stay-at-home mother with three kids. Because of our office and what we did to help get the life policy in place, they now have some financial stability. That’s just one example of how we have impacted people’s lives. Awards and achievements are great, but nothing compares to knowing you helped a family during probably the most heartbreaking time of their lives.

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What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Helping people 100% of the time. The excitement I see when we save someone a ton of money or the relief they feel when they know they are properly covered is the best thing I could do.

How would you describe the current state of your industry?

I feel like in my 10 years in insurance, things are always changing. Now, since COVID and with advancements in technology, customers are shopping around more. I think that’s why we have to provide excellent customer service. We all know that if we aren’t receiving great customer service, we shop elsewhere. I used to be more sales-oriented, but now I’m focused on both sales and service. I want my office to provide the best customer service in the business, and we do a great job of that.

Location Overview 1733 US-60 Suite B, Milton, WV 25541 is home to the Eric Dotson Agency, a State Farm office situated within a commercial building. This location is conveniently positioned amidst a blend of natural scenery and residential neighborhoods. Nearby Businesses HPT Physical Therapy Milton Edward Jones Investments State Farm Office (Eric Dotson Agency) Surroundings The area surrounding the commercial building features a picturesque backdrop of trees, enhancing the appeal of the location while providing a serene environment for both customers and visitors.

What’s your leadership style, and how did it develop over time?

I think I have definitely changed over time. When I first opened, I tried running my agency like a coal mine and was probably tough to work for. As I’ve grown and evolved, I think I am more laid back, but I still expect the same results. My approach has changed, and one of the biggest keys is to find out what motivates your team. I’ve had people who weren’t motivated by money bonuses, but when offered time off, they became more motivated than I’ve ever seen. I think it is important to have my style, but also to cater to each individual employee.

How do you maintain focus and avoid burnout?

Burnout happens to everyone. I use the same rule for myself as I do for my team members: take time off to avoid burnout. If I see one of my salespeople showing signs of burnout, I’ll tell them to take some time off, and I do the same for myself. Once you take a little time off and reset, you come back fresh and ready to go.

How do you approach building professional connections and relationships?

I feel like this is easy to do when you let your work do the talking for you. A lot of owners and agents in the insurance field want to criticize competitor owners, agents, or companies they don’t represent. To me, that makes you look weak and desperate. No one wants to work with someone who is always bashing others. I want to see everyone do well. I believe that if you just do your part, take care of your customers, and even have a working relationship with competitors, it benefits everyone. I have a great relationship with a couple of competitors, and it works out great.

How do you handle failure or setbacks when they happen?

Learn from them. I know that’s what everyone says, but we analyze anything that fails and put systems in place so that the failure doesn’t happen again.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I want to leave a legacy that my office did things the right way, was built on honesty and integrity, and was there when our customers needed us the most. We have already changed the lives of people in so many ways, and now we just want to continue doing that.

Get comprehensive coverage for RV, auto, life, home, and renters insurance with Eric Dotson Agency. Contact us at 304-390-4515, located in Milton, WV, or visit our website at agentdotson.com.