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

Hi Andrea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to set my family up to be independently free from corporate companies, if they chose to in the future.

It allowed me to be as creative as I wanted to help grow my company. I love the freedom behind it.

But with that comes the responsibility of actually making it work and succeed – so the pressure is definitely there.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am really proud of the way the insurance industry has gained more woman in leadership roles. When I first opened my agency in 2017, about 33% were woman agency owners. We now have about 42% woman agency owners.
I am very blessed to have fallen into this career, I got into it because I wanted to stay home with my kids while also bringing in a little fun money. I never thought I was going to end up opening my own agency.

The struggle was real when I first started. Trying to work from home and have phone conversations while 2 little ones are in the background was not easy. But the girls learned pretty quickly that when mom was on the phone, they wait till I get off, or if they heard me on the phone and entered my home office, they would slowly close the door and sneak out. Its pretty cute thinking back at it now. Growing the agency really was a family effort.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie, so Little Italy for food and a good girls night out is top choice. Need to go to Top Sail for drinks and apps and to take in the beautiful water views, watch the boats and or sometimes the cruise ships. Kate Sessions Park to have a picnic and chill, (probably the best local park in all of San Diego).
Then of course we will need to check out a Padres Game, we pre party at the Half Door Brewing co or Fairweather Rooftop bar before heading to the game.

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?
My 3 girls – Arianna 14, Elicia, 12 and Estelle 7 – for putting up with me taking my laptop to every playdate, and for sneaking out of my home office when they open the door and see me on the phone. For their patience when they see me working late and on the weekends. xoxo

My husband, Evan, who has helped me grow my company from the ground up, by understanding that sometimes the late networking events are necessary and the phone calls from clients will be answered at anytime of the day, even during date nights.

Website: www.tropicalquote.com

Instagram: @tropicalinsurance

Facebook: @tropicalinsuranceservices

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