Patricia Bendana, a Nicaraguan entrepreneur and insurance leader in Metairie, is celebrating nine years with her Allstate agency. In this interview, Patricia shares her journey, her values, and why clients are family in her office.
Q&A with Patricia Bendana, Insurance Agent and Entrepreneur
Q: You are from Nicaragua, lived in Costa Rica, and studied Architecture. How did you end up in the insurance industry here in New Orleans?
A: I was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and lived there for 18 years. Then, due to the war situation, I went to Costa Rica and studied Architecture. I arrived in the United States in ’87 and in New Orleans in 1991. There wasn’t much demand for an architect here, so I started working in banking. My Spanish gave me a great advantage, and when I worked for an insurance agent, this field became my passion, and I decided to open my own agency.
Q: What values from your Nicaraguan culture do you apply to your business?
A: My parents taught us to be very honest and to see family as the most precious thing. I apply that honesty and the desire to help people by providing good service and making sure they have the proper protection. I take care of my clients so that, in the event of a claim, they are covered and without problems. I don’t see them as clients; they are my family.
Q: Speaking of protection, how do you help your clients after events like hurricanes in Louisiana?
A: Every time there’s a hurricane, I have the peace of mind that my clients are insured with the correct coverage. Although I evacuate like everyone else, I bring my laptops and my cell phone to assist them, review coverages, and help them with the claims department. We don’t just sell the policy; we provide the service and don’t abandon them.
Q: Your agency just completed nine years. What is the main advice for other Latino entrepreneurs?
A: Starting is hard. The stress even made my hair fall out. But if you have a passion for what you do, never give up. The key is to offer great customer service. We have grown through referrals: a satisfied client sends me their cousin, brother-in-law, or neighbor. In our agency, everyone is bilingual, and people like to receive service in their own language.
Q: This edition focuses on “Designing the Future” with creativity. How would you define New Orleans under that principle?
A: I think of the word vibrant. The music, the different cultures, the energy this city has is unique. Here, life is always like a carnival; it’s a very joyful city. The truth is that New Orleans is unique in its architecture, its music, and its food. I love café au lait and oysters.
Would you like to have Patricia Bendana as your agent? Get a new quote by visiting her at 117 Clearview Parkway, 2nd floor in Metairie, or call 504-313-1664. Patricia and her team will assist you with kindness and loyalty.
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