Meet Gillian McCarron of Lakeside Insurance in Arvada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gillian McCarron.

Gillian, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, my boyfriend, Michael McCarron (who is now my husband) and I moved to Colorado. We both loved the state and thought it would be a great place to start our professional lives. I started working at PricewaterhouseCoopers in downtown Denver. While I was working there, Michael was looking at starting an insurance agency. We ended up purchasing a small agency called Lakeside Insurance, which was located in Arvada. I joined Michael at the agency after we had our first child as I did not want to travel as much as I had at PwC and wanted a little more flexibility. As a business owner, you wear many different hats, so I have done various jobs at Lakeside. I have also joined different groups and served on various boards. Being active and involved in the community is hugely important to me as I feel strongly about giving back to the community that allows and supports us to have a thriving business. Michael and I have been married for 18 years and we have three children. We love being outdoors and enjoying all that Colorado has to offer.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly not always been a smooth road. Our first challenge was during the downturn in 2008. We had never seen or experienced anything like it and it was definitely quite a shock. We really had to analyze our business model and adjust and make some changes. While it was difficult to go through at the time, it certainly made us stronger and more prepared afterwards. The current situation with COVID-19 is also presenting unique challenges. We try to be prepared and always try to educate and be there for our clients.

People often ask me how I can work with my husband and while there are definitely some challenges working with family, it honestly strengthens our relationship and works for us. Plus, we get to go to have frequent lunch dates! When our evenings are usually filled with kids’ sports and activities and going multiple directions, it’s a time when we can catch up!

Lakeside Insurance – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Lakeside Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency where we represent many different insurance companies and offer a full range of insurance policies. We offer both business and personal insurance and have a wide range of clients. We pride ourselves in educating our clients about the type of insurance policies they need and why it’s important for them to have that specific coverage. What makes us different is that we work with our clients throughout the entire year, helping to identify, understand, implement and monitor risk management strategies. As businesses grow and evolve, their exposures change, so we partner with them throughout to help make sure they are managing and mitigating those risks. Each business and individual is unique and their insurance should be tailored specifically for them. There is no one size fits all when it comes to insurance!

Our agency is also very involved in the community. We are very active with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and have employees serving on various boards and committees. Michael and I have both chaired the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC) board. I am currently the chair of a non-profit called AWRSAY (Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth), which helps recognize and support youth who have overcome a major life obstacle of adversity. I also serve on the retention committee for the Arvada Economic Development Association to help support other existing Arvada Businesses. Our office also holds an annual toy drive over the holidays to collect toys for local families in need.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There are many moments or awards that I have been proud of throughout my career. However, I believe that celebrating Lakeside’s 20th Anniversary in October 2019 was probably the proudest professional moment thus far. It is not always easy owning your own business and to have reached that milestone is a huge accomplishment!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lakeside-insurance.com
• Phone: 303-421-8590
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakesideinsurancecenter/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lakesideinsuran
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/957942/admin/

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