CIO Bulletin

CharSan Insurance & Consulting: Bilingually delivering insurance across commercial lines

The United States does not have a national language; however, they are known to have a vibrant Hispanic community across the country that thrives on the richness of their language. With the expansion of Hispanic communities in certain areas of the country, bilingual organizations are becoming a popular concept. They deliver excellent services bilingually, for the comfort and inclusion of all.

As a larger number of people enter the workforce, specifically those in risky industries, ensuring the right set of insurance policies are in place is a top priority. It takes care of both personal and business areas. While there is no lack of insurance or consulting firms, picking the right one is always an important decision; finding a firm that is able to communicate and take care of every need.

CharSan Insurance & Consulting, founded in 2020, is a bilingual Insurance and Consulting firm that offers the very best service, specializing in the commercial line, to a diverse set of businesses and clients. They have made it their mission to deliver excellent service with integrity and an exceptional experience.

CIO Bulletin had the privilege to talk to Saray G. Uribe, owner of CharSan Insurance & Consulting, about the growth of the company.

Q. Why did you start CharSan Insurance & Consulting? How has the company grown since its founding?

I started CharSan Insurance & Consulting to make a positive impact on the lives of the Hispanic community, especially business owners in the Charlotte area. My personal passion for insurance in the construction field drove me to provide tailored solutions for small, medium, and large companies. Since its founding, the company has experienced significant growth, becoming a trusted resource for Hispanic entrepreneurs seeking personalized insurance coverage and consulting services.

Q. What prompted you to make CharSan Insurance & Consulting a bilingual insurance agency?

I made CharSan Insurance & Consulting a bilingual insurance agency in direct response to the significant and increasing number of Hispanic customers working in the construction industry in the Carolinas. Understanding the importance of effective communication and cultural sensitivity, we made it a priority to bridge the language gap and provide personalized services in both English and Spanish. This decision allowed us to better serve and connect with the Hispanic community. Offering them a more inclusive and accessible experience while addressing their unique insurance needs.

Q. What are the different types of insurance policies that CharSan offers? Why was construction and commercial lines chosen as its specialties?

CharSan Insurance & Consulting specializes in offering a comprehensive range of insurance policies, including General Liability, Workers compensation, Commercial Auto, Umbrella, Builders Risks, Pollution Liability, Contractor Equipment, Commercial Property, Professional Liability, and more. The company chose to focus on construction and commercial lines due to the booming construction industry in the Charlotte Metropolitan area, which demands specialized insurance coverage to address the unique risks associated with construction projects. By specializing in these areas, CharSan is well-equipped to provide tailored insurance solutions to support and protect businesses in the construction sector amid the region’s infrastructure growth.

Q. What were some of the challenges CharSan faced and overcame in establishing itself as a leading firm in the insurance industry?

Establishing CharSan as a leading firm in the insurance industry posed several challenges. One significant challenge was navigating the construction industry as a female-led company, which is traditionally a male-dominated field. Moreover, in the insurance sector, where only 31% of agency principals are women, the representation of Hispanic agents is only 15%. To succeed in such an environment, the company had to stand out and excel in its services.

CharSan faced additional hurdles, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected its business. Long-Haul COVID limited the working hours to half, leading to decreased sales and financial losses.

Despite these tough times, CharSan overcame these challenges through sheer determination and hard work. The company reinvented itself, creating new sales and retention strategies to adapt to the changing circumstances. Their commitment to offering the best to their customers remained unwavering throughout the hardships. By focusing on their customers’ needs and continuously improving their services, CharSan managed to persevere and establish itself as a respected and leading firm in the insurance industry.

Q. Apart from insurance policies, what are the other services offered by CharSan?

Besides insurance policies, CharSan also provides insurance consulting services for businesses, assists with CCIP and OCIP project enrollments, and offers support during GL and WC audit processes to ensure compliance with carriers.

Q. How does CharSan go about offering consulting services in the field of commercial insurance?

By conducting a detailed review of policy forms, identifying coverage gaps, and offering protection-oriented advice, CharSan ensures that their commercial insurance consulting services are tailored to meet the unique needs and requirements of each client. This client-focused approach enables CharSan to provide valuable and effective solutions, empowering businesses with the right insurance coverage to mitigate risks and thrive in their respective industries.

Q. Would you like us to highlight something important happening in your company?

There is an important aspect of our company that we would like to highlight. The name “CharSan” holds significant meaning as it represents a combination of two cities, Charlotte and San Jose de las Lajas in Cuba, reflecting the roots and connection to both places. Furthermore, we are actively involved in advocating for the freedom of political prisoners in Cuba, particularly my cousins, Jorge and Nadir Martin Perdomo, who were among the most documented cases of human rights violations during the July 11 protests in Cuba in 2021. This commitment to human rights advocacy is an integral part of our company’s values and shows our dedication to making a positive impact beyond just our insurance and consulting services.

Q. What are CharSan’s plans for the future?

CharSan’s future plans involve continuing its commitment to serving the Hispanic community in the Carolinas. The company also intends to expand its operations to other areas, extending its support to new business owners in different regions and providing them with specialized insurance solutions to safeguard their enterprises. By reaching out to a broader audience, CharSan aims to make a positive impact on more businesses, ensuring their protection and success through its dedicated insurance and consulting services.

A brief biography of the owner

Saray Uribe was born in Guines, Cuba, immigrating to the USA at the age of 21 in 2004. Despite arriving in a new country, she taught herself the English language. She began her insurance career as a front desk personnel in 2006, later specializing in commercial accounts and construction risks, using her bilingual abilities to serve the Hispanic community in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area for many years.

In September 2020, after accumulating 14 years of industry experience, Saray founded CharSan Insurance & Consulting. Over time, she earned several designations, including CPIA, CRIS, MLIS, and CIRE, showcasing her expertise in the construction sector.

Saray was acclaimed as the Independent Retail Agent of the Year by Synchronosure and CharSan Insurance & Consulting was honored with the 2023 Fast Brokerage and Fast Starter awards from Insurance Business America, HR Tech Outlook also recognized them as a Top Workers Compensation Services Provider 2023, under her leadership.