This series is aimed to provide a Business Spotlight on local people and businesses in the East Contra Costa County community that are being impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and their response to the virus.
In today’s business spotlight, Dan Torres, of Torres Financial and Insurance Services in the City of Brentwood, highlights how technology has allowed him to meet his clients needs due to COVID-19 limiting face-to-face meetings.
ECT will be interviewing 30-businesses in 30-days during April to provide both information and to promote local business.
Name of Business:Torres Financial and Insurance Services
Location: 191 Sand Creek Rd. Suite 200 Brentwood
Website/Social media: torresfinancial.net / facebook.com/dantorresfinancial
Phone number:925-679-5519
Talk about your company and what you do:
There is a myriad of professionals and choices when it comes to insurance and financial planning. I’m concerned that life moves so fast and people get so confused at the choices that they don’t take any steps at all and fall behind, or worse, run out of time. I help people identify, understand, and pursue the best strategies that fit their goals in protecting and building wealth for their families over time. And I offer a unique package of experience, temperament, and breadth of services.
Why did you open your business?
After many years of working in the corporate world, I initially decided to start my business for the autonomy. Having control over my business and how I work with my clients was appealing to me. What drove me to open my own business was the flexibility of both the services I could provide on my terms and handle my clients how I feel like I can best serve them based on my ability. My goal is to break down complex programs with both insurance and financial planning to get my clients to at least start the process.
What do you love most about it?
After being in business for over 10 years, I have come to love the relationships that develop over time. When I start working with a client and we put a plan in place, that is just the beginning. As the years go on, they will need additional service and planning as their lives change and it is those ongoing experiences that make our relationship much more meaningful.
In a challenging time like right now, clients have questions and this is where we revisit why we are doing what we are doing. In most cases, we stay the course. Nothing has changed in their personal life, its an external problem. I understand the fear, but staying the course is usually the best in the long run.
How has the coronavirus impacted your business?
My office on Sand Creek Rd. is closed to the public due to the current health crisis. Fortunately, I have had an established home office and have used video conferencing in my practice for several years so the transition has been seamless. I have full functionality for my business and have been able to continue to serve my clients on a non-contact basis without interruption.
The biggest thing is 95% of the communication is face to face. Now its all phone and video conferences
How have you responded to coronavirus – how has your business changed?
Despite the “seamless” transition for my business functions, I have embraced remote work tools like video-conferencing much more like many industries. I am having very few face-to-face meetings. Other than that, my business has not changed.
With insurance carriers, they are making it easier for many people to qualify without person-to-person contact from application to approval.
Any special deals right now that the community can take advantage of?
I am available to the community for any conversations related to planning in our current environment. Even if it is not specific to my services, I may be able to provide some perspective and information or at least send someone in the right direction. A brief call can be scheduled at calendly.com/torresfinancial.
Business Spotlight Series
- #8: Brownstone Gardens Impacted After Ban on Large Gatherings
- #7: Hilton Family Law Navigates Case Load With Court System in Flux
- #6: GolfBallin Stays Positive While Navigating Around Golf Course Closures
- #5: Rapunzel Wigs Closed After County Ordinance, Supply Chain Impact
- #4: Rick Fuller Says Technology Helping Move Property During Covid-19 Pandemic
- #3: The Bike Shop Reopens After Clarification on Essential Business
- #2: Revive Salon and Spa Closes, Now Waits Out Stay-At-Home Order
- # 1: Josh Young at Newfront Insurance Navigates Through Coronavirus Pandemic
Disclosure: this series is being done at no cost to local business or individuals as an attempt to provide value to our community. If interested in potentially being included in this series, email [email protected]