(Note: This story appears in the January 2023 issue of ED Magazine)
Kara Siracusa of Comp Insurance Solutions has been whipping up insurance solutions for her clients for nearly a decade.
ED: What’s one trait about yourself that people you conduct business with wouldn’t know about you or would be surprised to find out?
SIRACUSA: I am a very social, outgoing person so I think my clients and colleagues would be surprised that I strongly dislike being the center of attention at any event. If I have to speak in front of a group of people I spend a great deal of time psyching myself up for it because it terrifies me.
ED: What attracted you to the insurance industry in the first place? When you were younger, what career path did you think you’d pursue, and how did it evolve into insurance?
SIRACUSA: My brother-in-law later encouraged me to become an insurance broker with a specific focus on workers’ compensation insurance. It offered a flexible work schedule which was my priority, but equally as important, it gave me complete control with respect to satisfying my clients and referring partners. My strong desire to please my clients and referral partners has successfully driven my business for almost a decade now.
ED: When you’re not in the office or working first-hand with a client, how do you enjoy spending your time? What are your favorite hobbies?
SIRACUSA: My life is strongly family focused. Every Sunday we have family dinner with 10-25 people in attendance. I love to cook so we host at our house about once a month. I travel a lot with my husband and daughter. I love to read everything from political thrillers, to historical fiction, to autobiographies. I enjoy going to the gun range with my husband and daughter.
ED: Despite its extreme significance (especially in this industry), insurance can sometimes seem dry or intimidating — what tactics have you used that have helped make this subject matter more digestible and easy to comprehend?
SIRACUSA: I try to always remember that even though I’ve explained workers’ compensation coverage and requirements thousands of times, to most clients it’s confusing and overwhelming. I am frank and honest with every client and always strive to direct them toward the best solution for them. I do what I tell them I’m going to do. I find this approach puts my client’s minds at ease and relieves some of their stress because they know I’ll dedicate as much time to them as they need to feel comfortable and confident with their choices. Another thing I feel is helpful is to explain things a few different ways because everyone digests new information differently.
ED: What’s the strangest claim you’ve ever dealt with in the industry?
SIRACUSA: There was a claim by a migrant worker who was picking fruit in a field in Florida. He took a bathroom break while he was out in the field, and he was bitten by a spider on his butt.
ED: Is there an insurance-related question that shocked you, and if so, what was it?
SIRACUSA: The first time a business owner flat out asked me “Can I just report minimum wage for my employees then pay them the rest of their wages under the table?” I was shocked. I was fully aware this was common practice throughout most industries, I was just surprised the business owner was so open about it with me.
ED: Do you have a favorite sports team? Is there a sporting event you’ve never attended, but wish to?
SIRACUSA: My husband and I met at the University of Florida 34 years ago, our daughter currently attends UF, and we attend all the home football games with a great group
of friends so the Florida Gators is my favorite sports team. I would love to attend a National Championship football game if the Gators can make that happen, but I think a UFC fight would be great fun to attend as well.
ED: Do you have a favorite band or music artist? Do you have a concert wish list?
SIRACUSA: I’ve been attending concerts since I was a teenager and now my daughter and I attend many concerts together. I love almost every genre of music from Bon Jovi to Garth Brooks to Elton John to Flo Rida — it’s tough to choose a favorite.
ED: Do you have a dream vacation destination? Or a personal favorite location you like to visit?
SIRACUSA: I’ve traveled pretty extensively, but there are still so many places I would love to visit. New Zealand and Singapore are at the top of my list of places I have not yet visited.
For more information, visit compinsurance.org or call (727) 215-7620.
