Javier Amari is a Melbourne-based insurance broker and a Managing Principal of The Insurance Stand. Advisr chatted with Javier about his journey as a broker, his commitment to supporting businesses to succeed, and his future endeavors.

I started my professional career in the insurance industry in 2007, gaining valuable expertise through my tenure at Marsh Insurance, one of the world's largest insurance brokerages. During my time there, I specialized in the Schemes and Affinity division, where I provided comprehensive services to esteemed Franchise Groups such as Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Subway, and Blockbuster Video, among others.

Subsequently, I transitioned to a National Australian brokerage, broadening my experience by catering to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with turnovers of up to $30 million and continuing to manage various other franchise groups.

In 2014, I made a decisive choice to establish my own brokerage within the SME space. I successfully operated this venture for approximately four years before opting to sell the business.

Following this transition, I redirected my focus toward my passion for Business Development. Over the subsequent four years, I channeled my expertise into sales roles within the Debt Collection and Finance industries.

In 2022, I transitioned into the role of General Manager at The Finance Stand, where I demonstrated exceptional performance and made significant contributions to the company's growth and success. Recognizing the untapped potential and the growing needs of our finance clients, the Managing Director of The Finance Stand and I mutually identified an opportunity to broaden our service offering. As a result, we decided to establish The Insurance Stand, an independent brokerage specializing in commercial insurance solutions.

Drawing upon my extensive industry expertise and leadership skills, I assumed the pivotal position of Principal Broker within The Insurance Stand. Under my guidance, the company not only delivers outstanding insurance and risk services but also exemplifies a commitment to excellence in client satisfaction. Leveraging my knowledge of the insurance landscape and strategic vision, I have positioned The Insurance Stand as a trusted provider of comprehensive insurance solutions to our diverse clientele. Through my unwavering dedication and adept management, I ensure that the company consistently meets the evolving needs of our clients and sets new standards of quality and professionalism in the insurance industry.

There are numerous aspects of being an insurance broker that I truly love. A few of the key reasons I find this profession so rewarding are:

1. Helping People: One of the most fulfilling aspects of being an insurance broker is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives. By providing businesses with the right insurance coverage, I can offer them the necessary protection to provide the owner's peace of mind.

2. Building Relationships: I've had the privilege to develop a number of long-lasting relationships with my clients and referral partners. It has been extremely rewarding to get to know my clients and referral partners on a deeper level and knowing that they appreciate not only the service I provide, but also the friendships that have developed.

3. Problem Solving: Insurance brokers are often presented with complex challenges that require problem-solving skills. Assessing risks, analysing coverage options, and finding the right solutions for clients' specific needs involves critical thinking and creativity. I find great satisfaction in overcoming these challenges and finding innovative ways to meet clients' insurance requirements.

4. Entrepreneurial Freedom: Being an insurance broker offers a level of independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It has provided the flexibility to work with a diverse range of clients, collaborate with different insurance companies, and build up my own business. This autonomy allows me to tailor my services, focus on areas of expertise, and create a work-life balance that suits my personal and professional goals.

There are numerous aspects of being an insurance broker that I truly love. A few of the key reasons I find this profession so rewarding are:

1. Helping People: One of the most fulfilling aspects of being an insurance broker is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives. By providing businesses with the right insurance coverage, I can offer them the necessary protection to provide the owner's peace of mind.

2. Building Relationships: I've had the privilege to develop a number of long-lasting relationships with my clients and referral partners. It has been extremely rewarding to get to know my clients and referral partners on a deeper level and knowing that they appreciate not only the service I provide, but also the friendships that have developed.

3. Problem Solving: Insurance brokers are often presented with complex challenges that require problem-solving skills. Assessing risks, analysing coverage options, and finding the right solutions for clients' specific needs involves critical thinking and creativity. I find great satisfaction in overcoming these challenges and finding innovative ways to meet clients' insurance requirements.

4. Entrepreneurial Freedom: Being an insurance broker offers a level of independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It has provided the flexibility to work with a diverse range of clients, collaborate with different insurance companies, and build up my own business. This autonomy allows me to tailor my services, focus on areas of expertise, and create a work-life balance that suits my personal and professional goals.

Over the years as an insurance broker, I have developed a range of areas of expertise. Here are three specific areas where I have focused my knowledge and experience:

1. Trade Credit Insurance: Trade credit insurance is a specialized coverage designed to protect businesses against the risk of non-payment by their customers. Whilst also working as a Business Development Manager for a Cash-Flow lender, which offered Trade and Invoice Finance, I have developed a deep understanding of how to analyse and advise on cash flow mitigation.

2. Insurance for Professional Service Industries: Professional service industries encompasses a wide range of businesses, including consultants, lawyers and accountants. By focusing on this area, I have developed an extensive understanding of the specific liabilities, coverage needs, and risk management strategies that are crucial for professionals in these fields.

3. Insurance for Franchises: Franchise businesses have distinct insurance requirements due to their dual nature - being both individual businesses and part of a larger franchisor-franchisee relationship. I have honed my expertise in this area to help franchise owners navigate the complexities of their insurance needs. From understanding franchise agreements to ensuring adequate protection for both the franchisor and the franchisee, I provide tailored insurance solutions that align with the unique dynamics of the franchise industry.

The most impactful part of my day as a commercial insurance broker is when I can tangibly see the positive outcomes that insurance brings to my clients' businesses. Whether it's helping them overcome challenges, mitigating financial losses, providing peace of mind, or building long-term relationships, the ability to make a real difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding.

Our best source of new business stems from our holistic approach that combines the expertise of our insurance brokerage with our sister company, The Finance Stand, which provides finance broking services. This approach is beneficial for clients who are seeking comprehensive solutions to protect their business along with enhancing their financial well-being.

By aligning our insurance and finance services, we provide clients with a streamlined offering, saving them time and effort in finding separate providers for their insurance and financial needs. This approach offers several advantages to potential clients, such as providing a simplified process, tailored solutions, comprehensive risk management and ongoing guidance and assistance. 

Furthermore, our integrated services offer a seamless and comprehensive solution that addresses the diverse needs of our clients, empowering them to protect and grow their businesses with confidence.

As a newly established insurance brokerage, our primary goal in the next year is to build a solid foundation and establish a strong reputation in the industry. Our plan to assist us with achieving this goal is:

1. Providing Exceptional Service: Our focus is on delivering exceptional service to every client we serve. We aim to go above and beyond their expectations by providing personalised attention, prompt responses, and tailored insurance solutions.

2. Embracing Technology: Technology plays a significant role in the insurance industry, and we aim to leverage it to streamline our operations and enhance the client experience. Over the next year, we will invest in cutting-edge tools and digital platforms that will enable us to efficiently manage client data, streamline policy placement, and provide convenient online access to insurance resources.

3. Building a Positive Online Presence: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. We will focus on building a robust website that showcases and highlights our services along with providing online quoting capabilities.

We are extremely excited for our growth of the coming year along with continuing to assist and service our growing client base.

You can reach me here: Javier Amari, The Insurance Stand on Advisr