Each week, the #SpanningtheNeed podcast will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Ellie Platt, Owner/President of Platt Insurance.
Name: Ellie Platt
Position: Owner/President
Organization Platt Insurance
Bio: Ellie Platt is Owner/President of Platt Insurance. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree is Organizational Communications from Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, and a Master of Business Administration from Geneva College in Geneva, Pennsylvania.
Ellie started Platt Insurance 11 years ago and will soon celebrate the Grand Opening of a beautiful new office in Howland. She has a passion for the Mahoning Valley and is involved in many organizations, including serving as a Board Member for Oh Wow! Roger and Gloria Jones Center for Science & Technology, Rotary Club of Youngstown, United Way Women United, and Downtown Youngstown Partnership
Platt Insurance has grown to 12 employees and 2 locations in Trumbull and Mahoning counties. They began as a captive Nationwide Insurance agency, but are now operating as an Independent Broker and can offer their clients access to numerous insurance companies to best fit their needs. They offer a wide variety of insurance services, including home, auto, business, life, medicare, and farm.
What made you want to go into this field?
I enjoy helping people and am passionate about business and investing in our local community.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
Surrounding myself with a good team and mentors. Playing to my strengths and investing in people who bring skills and experiences that I don’t have.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
Not surrounding myself with a good team of professionals from Day 1 of my business, especially an Accountant and Attorney. It’s tempting to cut costs in the early days of a business, but these people have been vital to my success and I wish I would have included them sooner.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
The first time I had to let an employee go was very difficult. I care about my employees and their families, so it’s a decision I took very seriously, but it wasn’t working out for either of us and I had to step up and make a hard decision.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I’m grateful for my journey and wouldn’t change anything.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
My parents instilled a love for our community at a very young age.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
There is so much joy in serving and working toward something bigger than myself or business. I enjoy the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way as well.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
Without a doubt- being a mom and watching my son grow into an amazing person.
Who is your role model and Why?
The Mahoning Valley is surrounded by amazing Women in business. There are too many to name, but I look up to many of them.
