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McKenzie Robinson | SBJ

2021 Trusted Advisers Insurance Professional: Stephanie Hohenshell

Hohenshell Agency LLC

Posted online

Don’t expect a one-and-done approach from Stephanie Hohenshell. Prepare for conversations.

“Being a trusted adviser requires you to really get to know your clients,” says Hohenshell, who owns and operates Hohenshell Agency LLC. “This goes beyond just asking questions or filling in the blanks on a form but really listening to what the clients are saying and hearing what they are not saying. You really need to get to know them. … This isn’t done overnight or in one meeting but takes time and effort. But the end result is a relationship, not just a transaction.”

The Jefferson City native moved to Springfield to attend Missouri State University. After graduation, Hohenshell spent 10 years with American National Property and Casualty Co. working a variety of roles, including in human resources. She left in late 2014 to launch Hohenshell Agency, where she represents American National Insurance Co., offering life insurance, annuities, and property and casualty insurance. She specializes in retirement planning.

“Every time I start a new relationship with a client, I start from the very beginning, not basing my recommendations on what they may currently have,” Hohenshell says. “This allows me to build a relationship with the client and get to know their business but also to ensure that they are provided resources or solutions that are appropriate for their current situation.”

She likes to try new things in a hidebound industry.

“Our industry has always been very conservative, and business has been done in a very traditional way,” Hohenshell says. “There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, but I’ve tried to bring a new perspective, never shying away from something different or backing down when people look at me with doubt or uncertainty. Instead, I’ve pushed forward with new ideas and approaches.”

For instance, Hohenshell has created a series of informational videos with tips on insurance and retirement topics.

“This is obviously an investment of time and resources that won’t directly impact the bottom line, but I feel there’s more we can be doing to educate consumers,” Hohenshell says.

She enjoys helping people with retirement planning and knows many are concerned they don’t have enough assets to work with her, but Hohenshell refuses to limit her services.

“I’ve found myself sitting across from a single woman who has worked her entire life but fears she’ll never have the funds to retire,” she recalls. “I’ve been able to show her that she can retire and will, in fact, live very comfortably. There’s really no greater feeling than to see the peace and calmness set in on these clients.”

Hohenshell’s guiding principle: “I believe in always putting the clients’ needs first,” she says.

Hohenshell holds multiple certifications, including the life and annuity certified professional and a life underwriter training council fellow. She serves on several Junior League of Springfield committees and is a member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Rosie, among other organizations.

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