Regional Sales Agent Kara Sweet Argetsinger has worked for Agri-Services Agency (ASA) for 7.5 years. Argetsinger focuses on farm insurance. “My job is to sit down with people and find out what they really need,” said Argetsinger. “What’s important to me might not be important to them, and I want to know what they need to protect their business, and what they’re comfortable paying in case of a catastrophe.” Argetsinger has a bachelors in communications with emphasis on public relations from Mansfield College, and is based out of Syracuse, NY. She covers the Northeast region from Maine to Maryland.
Working in the industry, Argetsinger has gotten to know the farming industry intimately. “I really appreciate farmers in a way I didn’t before I got to learn what they did day in and day out. It’s a way of life, and a lot of them are doing it because it’s their passion. I have a lot of respect for that, and I’ve learned a lot and have a better understanding about where food comes from and what sustains our society.”
In turn, Argetsinger works to make sure her customers have an understanding of insurance. “I really try to make people understand how their insurance works, because statistically only 36% have a good experience with the industry. And it’s because they don’t know how their insurance works, what’s really included, and what they actually owe if something does happen. The last thing you want is for someone to call you up and say ‘oh my god this isn’t covered why didn’t you tell me?’ and that’s why it’s important to find out what people need, so you and they have a better understanding of what’s covered.
One insurance area that Argetsinger is really proud of when talking to clients is ASA’s workers compensation. “Our workers comp is top notch,” said Argetsinger. “We pay the first $750,000 of any claim. If someone really needs care, we’re going to do what needs to be done. Our job is to make things whole and we’re not afraid to spend the money necessary, and we’re not going to skimp on care. We also talk to people about different insurance coverages that are available for other areas of their business. We listen, which is a big thing, and find out the things that matter for them and making sure that we’re addressing their needs. I love what I do and I care about what I do, and at the end of the day I can feel good about what I’ve done.