Hartford Business Journal

14 Hartford Business Journal • April 7, 2014 www.HartfordBusiness.com Christine "Chris" Andrews Owner, Andrews Benefits John A. Lahtinen Special to the Hartford Business Journal I nsurance brokerage is a male dominated industry, but that's never stopped Christine "Chris" Andrews from wanting to become one of the region's top benefits consultants. But she's had to work her way up from the bottom. The 57-year old cracked into the industry in her 20's working on the sales support staff of a local insurer, and quickly realized how much she enjoyed the sales process. Later, Andrews, present day co-owner and partner of Andrews Benefits in Farmington, joined Connecticut Mutual as an agent selling life and disability insurance. "At that point, I had an empty filing cabinet and zero cli- ents," Andrews recalls. "After about five years and many late nights and 12-hour days, my husband, Peter, and I opened our own insurance agency in 1990." Specializing in employee benefits for clients ranging from small employers to national accounts, Andrews Benefits has grown to 10 employees and more than 300 clients over the years. Andrews herself has become well respected within the industry, having been appointed to several broker advisory boards for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and ConnectiCare. Andrews said her goal has always been to ensure that employers are making the best educated decisions regarding benefit choices, implementations and wellness strategy. And she spends many hours trying to meet client's needs. Typ- ically arriving at the office by 7:30 a.m., Andrews' days start early. "I usually try to get some exercise before work," she said, because "that really helps me have a much happier day. Once the phone calls and emails begin, it's a constant flow of communica- tion with clients and solving problems, consulting with clients or insurance company representatives, then home between 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., unless I have late client meetings, which happens about once each week. By Friday, I am very tired!" This year, Andrews Benefits has been focused on acquiring more technology so its clients and their employees have easier access to their benefits information online. The firm is also paying close attention to healthcare reform, which has been a big chal- lenge and will continue to be, particularly since the rules are constantly changing, Andrews said. "Insurance is a highly regulated industry and has become even more so," Andrews said. "At this point, anyone in this busi- ness will have to continuously monitor what is happening at the state and federal level and adjust their strategy to remain relevant to their clients. This challenge is not going to abate and will undoubtedly become more arduous." The floundering economy has not helped matters either. Andrews said several clients are selling, or have sold, their companies to leave Connecticut, or are beginning the process to do so. "I have honestly never had so many people feel like the current business environment is not sustainable and they are taking action to relocate or close," she said. Andrews said she hopes the insurance industry is still viable in 10 years so young people in her organization have a future and the opportunity to carry the business forward. Andrews' husband and business partner, Peter, said her work ethic is unmatched and that she only sees one way to do things — the right way. "She shoulders every problem like it was her only daily issue and treats each claimant as a family member," he said. "She is persistent to make the resolution and service better than one could ever expect." Beyond running her business, Chris Andrews has been very active with the Hartford Marathon. In fact, she managed the race's 1,500-plus volunteers during the marathon's first 18 years, devoting 30-to-45 days annually to help make the event a success. She currently serves as the Hartford Marathon Foundation's board chair. Through the years, the one thing that Chris Andrews said has remained constant is her genuine enjoyment in helping her clients. "My best days are those when I know I have solved my cli- ent's problem," she said. "It may be as simple as one of their employees needing help with a medical claim or meeting with the CFO to discuss their employee benefits funding strategy. I truly enjoy providing advice and applying my knowledge and experience in these situations." [ Andrews shows passion, personal attention for every client Women In Business 2014 P H O T O | S T e v e L A S C H e v e r How do you balance your work life with your personal life? As a business owner I could literally work 24 hours a day so I try to schedule time in my day to exercise and do other things that make me happy. I have realized that one of my flaws is thinking everything has to get done now, today, or my clients will be disappointed. I have finally come to recognize that they will be just as satisfied tomorrow. Being with my family and friends helps keep life in perspective and work is meaningless without them — I need to do more of that. What's your advice for other professionals on how best to balance work life with personal life? You have to know yourself and what makes life work for you. It is so easy to be overwhelmed with an intense project at work and get carried away. That may lead to burn out because that project will usually lead to another and another. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, so scheduling time to do things you love is very important. That is very cliché, but it's true and balance is essential to survival in our career marathon. What are some of the things you enjoy outside of work? I really enjoy being outside as much as possible. As a family we ski and bike so depending on the season I try to do as much of these things as possible. Our daughters are now in college and getting away to visit them makes us the happiest. Christine and Peter Andrews hike with their dog Riley in Vermont.

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