Beth Pearson of Pearson Wallace Insurance Featured in Women of the Berkshire's Spotlight Issue
Whether it’s a new business venture or the finish line of a half marathon, Beth Pearson knows that grit and determination are the keys to success. After more than two decades of living in the Berkshires, she took a chance with her years of experience in the insurance industry and opened a woman-owned independent insurance agency, one of the few in Berkshire County and in the Commonwealth. They have assisted countless businesses and individuals find the coverage they need.
What does your business do?
We have the unique opportunity to provide personal and business insurance products in all New England states including New York and New Jersey. Personal insurance products include, home, auto, boats and jewelry/art collections. For business clients, we provide commercial packages, business automotive coverage, workers’ compensation, cyber–to mention only a few. Pearson Wallace Insurance provides tailored insurance solutions while optimizing affordable premiums and coverages.
How and why did you get started in your line of work?
My dream has remained the same since I was a small girl, I enjoy helping others to achieve success. I learned after 12 years working in the insurance industry that I could continue to pursue my dream by starting an independent insurance agency. In 2018 the insurance industry was viewed as a boring commodity driven business and certainly not a cool, trendy, start-up business like that of tech, but I did it anyway! I spent 12 years learning the industry, worked with agency principles and developed strong client relationships. I believed that with a strong financial plan, carrier partners and a smart, hardworking team of knowledgeable insurance professionals, we had a good chance of being successful. Though many of my industry friends told me it was impossible, I did not listen! The first year was tough; convincing clients, friends and my husband that we could be successful. I was fortunate enough to have my own financial resources and a very supportive husband, Dad and family who encouraged me to open the agency in December 2018. I hired a part-time employee from UMASS Isenberg School of business, and we were on our way! Currently, we have five employees and are planning to scale our agency operation to other geographic areas.
What do you enjoy most about what you do for a living?
I love helping people to achieve their dreams of opening or growing an existing business, or helping a first or second home buyer, or assisting a buyer of their first or fourth auto. I enjoy creatively solving clients’ problems through analysis of insurance products,identifying gaps and creating a tailored insurance product.
Tell us about some impactful initiatives you’ve been involved in so far.
I am fortunate to have two successful and impactful enterprises. After a long career at GE Plastics, I developed newly built affordable workforce housing units in downtown Pittsfield, the first in 30 years! This became 80 beautiful apartments, called New Amsterdam Apartments. The second enterprise was opening a woman owned insurance agency, Pearson Wallace Insurance. This endeavor is very special, as I hoped I could employ some of my family members. My son joined me in 2020 as our VP of Business Development.
What does a successful day of work look like?
I start (almost) every day with a run or a weight workout. Every morning I review our client testimonials, respond to them and thank clients for feedback. To date we have 90 client reviews with 5 stars. I head into the office for a team check-in and out to meetings with clients, client meetings are the highlight of the day. You can also find me working on the event committee with the Berkshire Museum, currently working on the Festival of Trees, volunteering to help a client from the Elizabeth Freeman center or working with the Great Barrington Triplex Theater
What advice would you give to any woman who hopes to be successful in your field?
Pursue your dreams, believe in yourself, do not let the naysayers discourage you. Garner support from family and friends or mentors and then plan to work harder than you have ever worked before!
As published in the Berkshire Eagle’s Life in the Berkshires 2023 winter issue.