Meet Kasie Ricart | Insurance Agent & President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kasie Ricart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kasie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Initially, I was prompted to start my own business so that I could be in charge of my own destiny. I knew I could “Do anything I put my mind to,” as my parents used to say, but I was quickly finding out that corporate America had a different timeline and salary scale. I was tired of being an overachiever, and my contributions heavily outweighed my compensation. Fed up, I was commiserating with my parents one day – when my dad nearly knocked me down with one statement. “I’ll buy you an insurance agency, you’re an excellent manager and with your top sales skills, you could be awesome!” Two thoughts instantly surfaced. “Insurance? Who wants to do that?” Of course, my response was a little better polished, “Wow Dad, that’s a really generous offer. I’ll think about it.” It wasn’t a few days later when it hit me. Why had I never thought of this before? Sure, Jake from State Farm was far from my fashion-loving, vibrant self – but what if I could be different? I decided it was exactly what I wanted – in an unexpected package. I could have my own business, educate clients with zeal and passion, and change the insurance industry to be more modern and tech-forward. It was an antiquated space – I could change it! It was perfect. But, I had to do it on my own. I had watched him fight his father’s insurance shadows for almost forty years. If I was going to do this – my success had to hinge on me alone. I declined my dad’s offer and refused the financial help, although he promised endless free advice! Ricart Insurance Agency opened October 2014 from “scratch” as we say in the industry – meaning I had no existing clients, not a one! I built the agency my way, from the ground up. Best decision I have ever made!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I saw a massive gap in the insurance buying experience. People were frustrated at pricing, poor claims experiences and oftentimes, with the lack of care they received from their agent – if they even had one. With direct insurance companies offering quotes directly to the consumer – while pricing seemed to be cheaper, the consumer usually found out post-claim that the coverage they purchased wasn’t what they needed. I knew I could improve the client experience. We have three core principles at Ricart Insurance Agency; bring true value in everything we do, maintain a long-term connection with clients and our community, utilize technology to make doing business with us convenient. We’re a modern tech-forward agency that truly cares about simplifying the insurance buying process and wants you to understand the coverage you are purchasing! We’re not quoting robots – we truly care and treat you as family.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a self-proclaimed foodie and espresso snob, we’re lucky to have so many incredible places in Dallas! For coffee, you can’t go wrong with Merit Coffee on Oaklawn or Houndstooth on Henderson, pastries have to be from Boulangerie! Their chocolate croissant loaf, laminated brioche and zucchini bread are out of this world! For brunch, Meddlesome Moth or Hudson House (red velvet pancakes and lobster benedict, yes please!). Our home away from home and go to seafood spot and fresh market – Rex’s Seafood! They have the freshest East and West coast oysters in town and Beau’s Salmon Salad is my go to! There is no better place for a burger than Rodeo Goat! And Pie Tap wins hands down for best pizza in Dallas if you ask me! If tacos is what you’re craving – Velvet Taco is the only way to go! Uchi is a must for sushi, and there’s nothing better than their Omakase dining experience, divine! For dessert, you have to go with Emporium Pies! The patio view from HG Supply is great for sunset, and during the day a walk on Katy Trail, visit to Klyde Warren Park, Ross Perot Musuem or shopping at Highland Park Village are all winners!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have many people to thank for my success. I’ve been the lucky recipient of endless love and support from my family, friends, clients and referral partners over the years. But there’s a clear moment that jumps off the page for me, when I have never felt more supported. For every entrepreneur, there is a time when you have to decide if you’re going all in, which usually includes leaving the comfort of your day job and regular paycheck. I’ll never forget a distinct moment when my husband looked at me and lovingly said, “Is this a business or a hobby?” I had been trying to juggle it all with my current job and starting my business, and I was exhausted. I had seen the possibility of how great my agency could be, but there were only 24 hours in a day. I quickly responded, defensively – “It’s a business.” My husband smiled and said, “Exactly. You’re quitting your job on Monday, you’ve got this and I support you one hundred percent.” It was exactly what I needed to hear – which is why I adore him! He has perfect timing and he knows I expect him to keep me accountable, and he was right. It was time to let go of my past and focus on my future. With my business and marketing plan at the ready, I jumped in feet first! Game on!

Website: ricartinsurance.com
Instagram: @ricartinsurance
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kasie-ricart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricartinsurance
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ricart-insurance-agency-dallas
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCufN3dXzSJJ2KO9xMMAYNgw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Bryson G Visuals Megan Weaver Photography