Women in Business: 6 things to know about local insurance agent Mailyn Baskett.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE
Mailyn Baskett is one of only a few female insurance agents in Stephenville.
She made a career change in 2014 when she purchased her Famers Insurance agency and has never looked back.
Her office is located on Graham Street right next to Hayden Real Estate. It’s a cozy, contemporary place that perfectly suits Mailyn’s flair for design.
Mailyn happens to be a good friend of mine so this interview was really fun.
And I learned a few things about her I didn’t know before. You will too.
1. What did you do before becoming a Farmers agent?
“I worked for 14 years in mortgage. Before I moved to Stephenville (from Las Vegas, Nevada) I worked for a mortgage company, but I was always interested in insurance.”
2. What do you enjoy most about the insurance industry?
“I like that it’s fast-paced and every day is different. I love helping my customers and I enjoy the interaction I have with them.”
3. What unique service do you and your staff offer customers?
“My customers have my cell phone and can call me 24/7. I have had customers call me at 2 in the morning with a flat tire and I have called Farmers roadside assistance to come out and change it.
“We also offer financial services, which is unique to my business.”
4. As a mom of two, do you find it difficult to balance family and career?
“No. Being in the industry has given me a lot of freedom to be with my kids and that’s one thing I really like. I can go to all of their school and sporting events and that’s very important to me.”
5. What advice would you offer women who are considering going into business for themselves?
“I would say that it’s a lot of hard work, but I would totally tell them to do it. It’s important for women to have something of their own because you never know what’s going to happen in life.”
6. What do you love most about living in Stephenville?
“My friends, of course. But the one thing I really love about Stephenville is the sense of community and how family always comes first.”