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

Hi Andrea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business for one purpose….My Children I wanted the freedom to be with my children, and enjoy life with them because I know how quickly it goes by. I have always wanted my own business and would often come up with different concepts, most of which were more on the creative genre side, Party planning, organizing (which I laugh at now), event host, things like that. But I knew business ownership was the ultimate goal. Although owning a business, is very rewarding, it also has some of the craziest unexpected challenges, I have ever faced. The confidence of feeling “good” enough to have my own business and to feel like I am handling it the right way, is a struggle. It has really tested and pushed my fear to new limits. I do my best and move on. When I started out in the insurance industry as a part-time stay at home mom, I NEVER thought it would turn into my career and provide me with all the things I wanted out of owning my own business.

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 have always had the heart to service people, host people, take care of people, and I believe those attributes really show in the way I take care of my clients. I want the process to be easy and clear, and at the end of the transaction feel like they just purchased peace of mind. “Selling” insurance is not easy, I am selling something that most people purchase because they have to. they have to have car insurance to legally drive, they have to have home insurance for their loan. So it is not like someone is excited to purchase a policy from me because they are walking away with new shoes, or an outfit to be excited about. Unfortunately, some people, do not see the value of insurance and only want the least expensive thing out there, but then regret it if they ever do end up needing it. It is like a nuisance. I overcome that challenge by building trust with my clients and educating them. which I feel like a lot of them really respect and maybe part of the reason they continue to be my clients. I understand that there are a ton of insurance companies to choose from. and I know that a big part of why I have clients is because of the service I provide, I really make it a point to go above and beyond with my clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhhhh I love this question! I am always into checking out great spots around SD, especially as a food lover! We are lucky to live in a place full of so many great options! Here are some of my go-to places when friends come to visit Best Beach – La Jolla – it’s not every day out of towners have the opportunity to watch seals, so this is a good treat Best Appetizer hopping – Liberty station, this is just an incredible place altogether, and staying at one restaurant there is not enough, one app and a drink and move on to the next! this place has everything! Start at Stone then walk through the pubic market across the street to Moniker Cocktail Co. for a fabulous cocktail or coffee, From there go to Corvette Diner for a round of arcade games, then head over to Soda & Swine for dinner. If you can catch a Padres game, then you have to first go to Amplified for a drink and small appetizer, then take a scooter to Fairweather Rooftop Bar for a drink before the game. When it comes to food, there are a ton of great options to choose from at Petco Stadium, cant go wrong!

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 husband – Evan Contreras My Mentor – Trout Kirch My Go-to Person – Genie Irish and both my parents and my in-laws It would have been a much harder road had I not had the love and support form them and soooo many more….

Website: www.tropicalquote.com
Instagram: tropicalinsurance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tropicalinsurance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaquote/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tropical-insurance-services-chula-vista?osq=tropical+insurance+services
Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tropicalquote

Image Credits
They are all my personal photos