INTRODUCING...
Jun 11, 2009 12:08PM ● By Super Admin
T.D. McNeil Insurance Services
750 Oak Avenue Parkway, Suite 175, Folsom
916-983-2561
mcneilinsuranceservices.com
Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?
One of my professors at the University of Wisconsin offered me a job as the “first cooperative education student” at Sentry Insurance. Once I learned about the insurance industry, I discovered it was a good fit for me.
What was your vision when you first started your business and what is it now?
I have over 35 years of experience as an underwriter, agent, claims manager, risk manager, and I have testified as an expert witness on high-value insurance coverage disputes. I wanted to use that experience to help as many people as possible – so I decided to start up an insurance agency. Soon after I started, two of my daughters and their husbands came on board. We now have a family-owned and operated insurance agency. Most insurance brokers charge fees, particularly on non-standard automobile and on small, commercial accounts. We believe the standard commission paid on insurance policies is enough compensation, so we never charge additional broker fees. We realize that the right insurance can make a huge difference in a person’s life. One of the best ways we can help people is by keeping our costs down, so they can afford the best program to meet their needs.
What is the best part of doing business in this community?
We really like the people. They are hardworking, loyal Americans with strong personal values. There is an excellent balance between strong economic growth and protection of the quality of life and the environment. We feel blessed to live here.
How are you involved with both the community and your customer?
We are active members of Lakeside Church. This has provided several opportunities to serve others. I traveled to Mississippi on a week-long trip to help build new homes for Hurricane Katrina victims. I am also a member of the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.
What is the best thing about being the boss?
We can focus on what is best for our customers. Sometimes we do things that probably cost us money, like spend too much time on a very small account, but that’s okay. To quote Benjamin Franklin, we want to “do well by doing good.” We measure our success by the success of our customers.
What life accomplishments are you most proud of?
We are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters who are all responsible, happy, independent adults. While I have had a very successful career, in the long run it is one’s positive impact on other people’s lives that really matters.
And finally, customer service is…?
Providing the same level of service for your customers as you would want for yourself. It is putting your customer’s interests first and making sure they have the right insurance program to meet their needs. It is treating everyone with dignity and respect.
3 Generations Improvements
101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 100, Folsom
916-932-2315
3generationsinc.com
Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?
Home improvement is a big part of our family’s history, so it very much found us. My father, Bob, started in the industry in 1956, followed by myself in 1975, and my son, Jeremy, in 2002. We specialize in exterior home improvements such as siding, windows and decking, and we genuinely enjoy what we do. We are constantly learning about current issues in the home improvement industry, such as using products that are beneficial for our environment.
What was your vision when you first started your business, and what is it now?
Our slogan essentially explains our vision: “It’s not just your home, it’s our legacy…” and it has been a guiding force for why we started and how we continue to run our company. We view each project as though it is our own home because we truly see our company as more than a business. We feel that our legacy, as well as our integrity, is tied to each job.
What is the best part of doing business in this community?
It is the place we call home, where our friends and family members live, where we go to church and where our children will be raised. We share common values, needs and ideas with the people here and we love the idea of being a part of maintaining its beauty and appeal.
Why is your staff the best in the business?
We are all family, we believe in what we do, we are genuinely thankful for our customers and we care about the success of our company. Our wives are also very much involved in running the business, and of course, we think they’re the best!
What life accomplishments are you most proud of?
Speaking for both my son and I, we are most proud of the families we have. I have been married for over 35 years, and am very close to my two sons. Jeremy is married with two daughters of his own, and we give thanks every day for our time with them. We are proud of this business too, but family is the reason we began in the first place!
And finally, customer service is…?
The chance for us to utilize our gifts and knowledge in such a way that our actions will speak louder than our words, and the end result will be a more beautiful home, with very happy homeowners living in it!
Shocking Rides
601 Riley Street, Folsom
916-397-7795
shockingrides.com
Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?
My business definitely found me. After watching the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car, I was mad and motivated to try something...anything to get electric cars in the American driveway. I was fortunate to find the wonderful people at Davis Electric Cars. They offered support and are an incredible resource for my business of selling electric vehicles in the Folsom area.
What was your vision when you first started your business, and what is it now?
My vision was to help people become carbon-neutral while having fun at the same time. Now my vision is to offer people as many alternatives as possible to the oil burning madness afflicting our country. Electric vehicles are not the perfect solution, but they offer some great utility for in-town errands and short trips to pick up the kids. We hope to offer a freeway-speed vehicle with the ability to take you 100 miles on a single charge.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from the experience?
My first job was bagging groceries at Richard’s Food Center in Medford, Oregon; I learned that the customer should always come first. This job, and several others like it, motivated me to continue my education.
How are you involved with both the community and your customer?
I want people to be happy with, and feel good about, the products they buy from me. People can exchange anything they buy within two weeks, for another model or brand, if they are not satisfied with their purchase. We will soon offer special incentives to local school PTA groups who encourage people to make EV purchases with shockingrides.com.
Why is your staff the best in the business?
Because we are all related and very motivated. In this regard, we ask for patience as we control costs and offer only limited hours of operation. (Check our Web site or call for business hours of the week).
What is the best thing about being the boss?
Implementing ideas at your discretion and seeing the results of your effort first-hand.
What life accomplishments are you most proud of?
I can easily say that marrying my beautiful wife and having two healthy children has been the most rewarding accomplishment of my life.
And finally, customer service is…?
Essential and hard work, but worth the loyalty it creates.
Ryan Higgins, D.D.S.
2180 E. Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom
916-984-9933
dentistinfolsom.com
Describe your business.
It’s dentistry as it should be.
What was your vision when you first started your business, and what is it now?
To build a dental office where patient comfort is a high priority. We have a completely paperless office with dual rotating overhead movie screens, and overstuffed memory foam leather massage chairs.
What is the best part of doing business in this community?
The opportunity to develop new and lasting relationships with friends and neighbors.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from the experience?
I started a lawn mowing business when I was 12 years old. It never really took off…I only had one client. I realized it was time for a career change.
How are you involved with both the community and your customer?
We offer free sealants for all kids with permanent molars. We don’t feel finances should get in the way of a cavity-free environment.
Why is your staff the best in the business?
We work extremely well together to reach a common goal of dental health.
What life accomplishments are you most proud of?
Although I don’t consider my family an accomplishment, it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Who is your role model in business or in life, and why?
I like to think that everyone has something to be modeled. I try to find that in people and learn what I can.
Where do you go when the going gets tough?
I get on my bike and try to find a trail that I’ve never taken before to see where it goes.
And finally, customer service is…?
Everything.