2016 Trusted Advisers Insurance Agent: Greg Williams

Greg Williams learned in the insurance world that knowledge is power.

“Expertise and in-depth knowledge of property, liability and workers’ compensation is not just an option in the insurance field, it is critical for my clients,” says the eight-year Connell Insurance Inc. commercial consultant.

Williams, a Springfield native and graduate of Drury University, believes one of the most important components to becoming a trusted adviser is also to be a good listener, noting often times agents have the tendency to tell their clients what they need.

“While it is important to recognize exposures and risk, it is just as important to listen to my clients in order to better understand what their goals are,” he says.

Williams knows trust is something that must be earned from his clients and can’t be negotiated. His role as an adviser is to understand the needs of his clients’ organization and what they are dealing with not only in the present, but also the future.

Williams, formerly a client of agency president Tim Connell, developed his philosophies through that first-hand experience. Connell’s ability to deliver those philosophies to his clients had a large impact on him.

“Having over 300 employees, Tim instilled this philosophy in our business and it has meant so much to me ever since,” Williams says. “In addition, we all need to treat others as we would want to be treated and that is the exact attitude I receive from every Connell employee.”

That positive attitude and forward-thinking culture stuck with Williams, and influenced his decision to join the Connell Insurance team. Williams believes the single most valuable tool in his belt is the relationships he has built as part of the firm.

“Some agents focus solely on the expense section of their client’s income statement,” says Williams, when speaking on increasing clients’ revenues. “However, a trusted adviser will use their resources and relationships to build new clients for their client to increase overall sales.”

Those relationships also have had a big impact on his job satisfaction and have carried over to his life outside the office.

“It naturally makes you a better person in other areas, such as your personal life and the willingness to be involved in the community to help others,” he says. “I am interested in long-term partnerships and look to profit from my relationships in ways other than financial gains.”

Williams is an active participant of The Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Drury University, Missouri Alliance for Home Care, Finance Officers Association and Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities. He’s also involved with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as economic groups for Christian and Taney counties. He has served on the board of BluCurrent Credit Union and is a graduate of Leadership Springfield Class 28.

Williams, a cancer survivor, also participates in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life fundraiser.