She’s hardworking, an incredible leader and knows how to throw an office party you actually want to attend; meet Whitney Green, the CEO of Melon Local! Whitney is the mastermind behind Melon’s meteoric growth in the insurance marketing industry, leading our team with contagious passion and drive. Okay, maybe we’re the heads of the Whitney Green fan club, but you would be too if you shared an office with her.
To help you get to know Melon Local better, we sat down with Whitney to learn what it’s like to own a rapidly growing insurance marketing agency and her advice to other small business owners.
ML: So, first things first, what inspired you to start an insurance marketing agency? It’s a pretty niche industry!
Whitney Green: Prior to starting Melon Local, I was working in the hospitality industry for many years. I was ready for a new venture, a new challenge. I have a connection to the insurance industry through friends and heard a lot of agents complain about their current marketing companies. They’d say things like, “I never heard back from my rep,” or, “I signed up with them and never heard from them again.” With my background in hospitality, I recognized there was a gap in the industry. These agents needed someone who was going to make sure they were happy with regular check-ins and touchpoints. That would make a world of difference. There was a need for an insurance marketing agency that provided great customer service as well as really great leads.
ML: What do you think makes Melon Local stand out in the insurance marketing space?
WG: I’d definitely say the customer service aspect is huge. Our clients actually want to build relationships with their account coordinators. They don’t just talk ads anymore. They know about the babies coming, the new houses closed on, things like that. Our customers really trust us and are comfortable talking to us on a professional and personal level. We truly care about our clients and their results, so we try to create the best customer experience possible.
ML: Did you expect Melon to grow as quickly as it has?
WG: I expected growth over time, because of all the endless hours and hard work myself and my co-founder were putting in. I felt confident that I was manifesting a successful company and that our clients would love the customer service and agent consultants. But to reach this size as soon as we did? It’s incredible and I’m very blessed.
ML: If you pop into the Melon Local headquarters, you can feel the positive energy. How do you keep your team happy and motivated?
WG: I definitely try to build a good culture over here. I want people to enjoy where they work. I try not to micromanage. I let everyone own their role and give them space to grow. We also reward hard work. We’ll do fun things together like head to Top Golf or go bowling. Having little moments like that ensures the team has time to bond together. We also make sure that they feel involved and valued. We try our best to make sure they feel heard and are comfortable giving their input on things.
ML: Okay, so fill us in. What’s the secret to growing a business?
WG: I think the secret is a lot of hard work and determination. Expect a lot of sleepless nights. If you can outwork someone, that’s what’s going to help you win. Also, listening to other people’s opinions and being a team player. I can’t expect everything to be my way or the highway. I’m lucky to have great mentorship in my life. I have successful people around me I can rely on. Plus, keeping my team happy. Transparency is key, and we’re always very transparent with our employees.
ML: What’s your advice to other business owners?
WG: Focus on what you can control and don’t worry too much about the competition. Obviously, it’s good to know what’s going on in your industry, but you can’t constantly compare yourself to others. Focus on why and how you got where you are and keep working hard.
ML: Out of curiosity, what was your very first job and what did that experience teach you?
WG: My first job was painting fire hydrants around the city. My mother put me with the Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority. It was all men, but she said you don’t get a car like the Joneses down the street, you have to work for it. I started work at 15 and went around in 100-degree weather all summer and painted yellow fire hydrants and tested the water. On the more glamorous side, I also did pageants and worked at our local bridal and prom store, Special Occasions. I worked three jobs when I was 15, and that really taught me the value of hard work and money. If I wanted something, I had to work for it.
Well, we’re sure glad you traded in your pageant crown for a blazer because Melon Local would be nothing without you, Whitney! Thanks for sharing more about your experience as an insurance marketing agency owner with us.