SFG Agent Spotlight: Introducing Adriana Paredes
Adriana Paredes’s professional specialty is Medicare consulting and education. Her industry knowledge, welcoming demeanor, and personal attention to her clients have undoubtedly contributed to her success. She also has a great laugh! Adriana has been assisting beneficiaries with Medicare since 2014 and is currently licensed in 36 states. Her passion is helping families find the health insurance solutions that are right for their unique situation.
Born in New York, Adriana has lived in many parts of the world, including South America, but Tennessee has been her home for more than 22 years. She has one daughter and a precious husky named Romeo. We sat down with Adriana to ask her about her approach to and passion for Medicare.
Q&A with Adriana Paredes
SFG: What is your favorite part of this job?
AP: I am passionate about helping people. I love that I’m able to make a living helping people find a Medicare plan that provides the benefits and coverage they need, which ultimately gives them peace of mind. I love educating people – everyone is so overwhelmed with Medicare. I enjoy helping people understand all their options and I know I’m doing something that really enhances their quality of life. When I check in with my clients, even years later, and they are still happy, that’s rewarding.
SFG: What is a common misunderstanding that you encounter with people new to Medicare?
AP: A big one is around Prescription Drug Plans. Many people assume that enrolling into Medicare parts A & B is enough. They are often surprised to learn that they needed to sign up for Part D, a prescription drug plan.
There’s also confusion around the initial enrollment period. Individuals new to Medicare don’t know they have seven months to enroll: three months prior to turning 65, their birthday month, and three months after. Unfortunately, many who miss that window are surprised to learn they are facing a penalty.
SFG: What can a beneficiary expect when they work with you?
AP: They can trust me. I want my clients to know they are building a relationship with me. I won’t be absent after the sale, I’ll be with them for years to come.
SFG: Do you have a specialty within the Medicare industry?
AP: I believe in every product, so not really, but I probably focus more on Medicare Supplements than other plans.
SFG: Do you have a work philosophy or a motto when it comes to your business?
AP: “Try not to become a person of success but rather try to become a person of value.” That’s Albert Einstein and I try to emulate that in my business approach. My other motto would be: “Do the right thing”.
SFG: What brought you to Senior Financial Group and the Medicare insurance industry?
AP: I worked in sales for a major cell phone company for 15 years and I knew I had to make a change. I had a friend who was a Medicare Insurance Advisor with Senior Financial Group who said he had never had a job as satisfying as the one with SFG. After I passed all my certifications & AHIP, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
SFG: What makes Senior Financial Group different than other organizations?
AP: In comparison to other companies, this feels like a family. Not just with coworkers, but the owner and management, it feels like everyone really cares about you. I also appreciate their trust in their agents. I’m empowered to do what’s best for the client, they trust me and I’m not micromanaged.
SFG: Do you have any passions or hobbies?
AP: Watching hallmark movies. I also enjoy reading, walking, hiking, and traveling with my family. I love long walks along the beach.
SFG: What are you most proud of – personally or professionally?
AP: Personally, switching careers and being a parent. Professionally, I’m proud of my honesty, my ability to earn trust, and my product knowledge. I’m also proud of my ability to listen to my clients – the more I let them talk, the more I learn.