Being Pleasant Is Key to Success at Small but Growing Southern California Firm

By Don Jergler

Being pleasant may not sound like it’s part of a recipe for success at a firm operating in a space where people survive and thrive by making sales, but it’s among the core philosophies at Kulchin Ross Insurance Services LLC.

The small agency seems more focused on growing its own people–professionally and their personal well-being–than growing its book of business. However, Kulchin Ross has also grown its customer base considerably in recent years.

This year, Kulchin Ross won the Gold Award for the Best Agency to Work For in the West region. In nominating their firm, many employees noted the atmosphere and kindness that managers and employees show each other, as well as the opportunities for professional growth they receive.

Derek Ross, president and chief operations officer, said the agency’s commitment to making the workplace a pleasant one has been key to what most would agree is a stellar retention record.

“In the 15 years now that we’ve been in business, we’ve only lost one employee. That’s it,” Ross said. “The majority of our folks stay, and they stay because of the concept of being pleasant and being heard and being in an environment that actually cares for who they are, not just while they’re in the office but outside of the office–their family, their children, all of that. It’s just really coming from a sense of being compassionate toward others.”

As Ross was talking about this firm, he was in the middle of planning a get-together at his home for everyone in the office. “They come because they enjoy spending time with me and my wife and my kids and my dog. They come and we hang out–we don’t talk work, we don’t talk office, we just talk life,” he said.

In nominating the firm for the award, one employee wrote that Kulchin Ross stands out among other firms because of their commitment to professional growth and having a supportive team culture.

“We foster an environment where all team members’ ideas are valued and collaboration is encouraged across all levels,” the employee wrote. “The owners invest in ongoing training and development, ensuring that employees have the resources and knowledge to excel in a constantly evolving insurance landscape.”

“We celebrate achievements and recognize hard work. Our agency also prioritizes work-life balance, offering flexibility and understanding to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.”

Another employee called out the agency’s commitment to professional development, including an internship program with the local high school that brings interns into the office for a few days a week after school. One student started working for the firm after participating in the program and graduating from college.

The attributes of helpfulness, teamwork, and understanding were part of many employee comments. “This is a great place to work,” another employee wrote. “The people are awesome, everyone helps each other, and the agency really cares about us, which shows…Our bosses are very easy to talk to, get along with, and if we need anything to help with our jobs, they would do everything possible to provide what’s needed.”

Ross believes understanding people, and being pleasant, can take care of almost all work concerns. “It’s about being compassionate toward others and recognizing that we’re all traveling down this journey of life, and we’re all going to have to hit different detours, and as long as we recognize that while we’re here, working, focusing on what we need to get done, everything else will fall into place,” Ross said.

Topics California