A Conversation With ... Trevor Croley

Croley Insurance & Financial is a full-service insurance agency for individuals and businesses. Our agency has a goal of providing innovative insurance solutions. Basically, we strive to make the insurance process an easy one for our clients by providing quality options and consistent customer care. We have spent many years building solid relationships with carriers and our clients. We always look ahead for growth while taking the time to fully service our existing clients.

What does your work entail?

My work is essentially threefold. I specifically work in health, life, dental and long-term disability insurance for groups and individuals. I also provide investment services and qualified retirement plans. Through my company, Direct Rate Inc., we offer quotes from top-rated life insurance companies.

Secondly, I maintain a partnership in a business called Employee Benefits Administrators Group Inc. We act as administrators for Section 125 cafeteria plans for groups.

Lastly, I started a business named College Insurers. I work with numerous colleges and universities across 22 states providing health insurance for college students.

My main job is to help consumers find what it is they are looking for and need, to make sure they understand what they are choosing, and to help them with any bumps along the way.

Did you always want to go into the family business, or did you consider taking another path?

Crowley Insurance Inc. was founded in 1949. After my father, Tom Croley, purchased the company in 1982, the name was changed to Croley Insurance & Financial. I didn't always think I would go into the family business. I actually did choose a different path right out of college for a couple of years. I then realized I could take skills I had developed in and out of college and apply them well working under the Croley roof in Springfield. I have been able to incorporate the family business with my own businesses. I also have wonderful mentors in my parents and big shoes to fill in the future.

What are some of the biggest issues or challenges that affect the company? How do you address those?

One issue we don't face alone is the overall increase in health care costs. We encounter many new customers who are extremely frustrated with this issue.

We also are finding that newer, inadequate competitors come into the picture. These new companies often offer unreliable options. We address this issue by doing what we do best. We search for a reasonable, solid fit for the customer and then reevaluate the choice when the time is right. Since we have years of experience with various insurance companies, we can help watch out for the too-good-to-be-true deals.

Another challenge we face is the rapidly changing guidelines in health care. Health care changes every day, and insurance companies update their products every day. We address this issue by staying progressive and aware of current changes with our industry. By staying knowledgeable and on top of the changing topics, we can communicate to our clients and keep them informed.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now, I plan on operating my business affairs from my boat on the lake. Seriously, in five years I see myself watching my kids enjoy their chosen activities in school. I would like to still enjoy competing in triathlon events. I hope to stay successful in every aspect of my work with Croley Insurance and my own companies. I want to see the companies I have started grow and continue to provide solutions for many people.

How long have you competed in triathlons? What events will you compete in next?

I've competed in triathlons on and off for the last five years. This last year, I devoted much more time than I have in the past to training and competed in eight different races. In October, I competed in the Short-Course Triathlon World Championship in Honolulu. Based on my performance at the race, I qualified as a member of the United States of America Triathlon Team for short-course.

What else do you like to do for fun?

On the weekends, our family enjoys going to the lake or hanging out by the pool. When it is not lake season, we try to get away and go skiing once a year. You might say we enjoy most any outdoor activity.

Tell us about your family.

I'm truly lucky to have such a great family. I met my beautiful wife, Cabrini, at the University of Kansas. We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary. I have two great children Claire, 7, and Cooper, 5, who both attend Immaculate Conception. They are both involved in swimming with Springfield Aquatics.