Board Spotlight: Keith Carroll
Modified: June 18, 2024
Article
Author: FAIA Newsroom
FAIA's Board of Directors is made up of volunteer leaders who give generously of their time and expertise to serve the association and our industry. Next up on our Board Spotlight is Keith Carroll. Keith, who has been running his agency for more than 30 years, talked about his experience in the insurance industry and his decade-long stint as a race car driver.
Keith Carroll
Director, FAIA Board of Directors
Agency Name: Foundation Risk Partners dba Acentria Insurance
Title: Branch President/Producer
Location: Port St. Lucie, FL
What led you to decide to pursue a career in insurance?
The opportunity to join the family’s agency was too good to pass up. Since insurance was my chosen path, I attended Florida State University where I earned a degree in Risk Management and Insurance. Go Noles!
Who has made the biggest impact on your career and what was the most impactful lesson you learned from them?
My father. He taught me to focus on the basics. Be honest, answer the phone when you are available, return calls and emails as soon as possible, and listen to your clients and team members. Think about what you expect as a customer from companies you do business with and treat your clients in that manner.
Do you have any advice for young agents that you wish you had received at the very beginning of your career?
Keep learning! This business, like all others, is an evolution. To succeed and thrive, you must stay ahead of the curve.
Why did you choose to commit your time to serving the association as a Board member?
We’ve been members of FAIA for decades and FAIA has provided so much information and assistance to me and my organization that I wanted to give back what I could to a wonderful organization. The funny thing is, I think I’ve gotten more out of it than I put in, not for lack for trying but because I've learned a lot and I’ve met a lot of people in the industry. It was an honor to be nominated and accepted to the board, and it was nice to have my dedication to the business recognized because any business is only as good as its reputation. If I had one thing that I would change, I would’ve volunteered to serve the association earlier in my career.
Can you give us one word that best describes how you work?
If I had to pick a word, I’d say “intense.” Our world has become “on demand,” so if you’re not passionate about your business, you’re going to be left behind.
What would your colleagues be surprised to know about you?
I developed a love of cars as my father was a renowned classic and antique car collector and dealer, as well as an insurance agent. This led me to the racetrack as a young man. Fast forward a few years and I purchased my first race car, a 1968 Porsche 911. After a couple of years learning my race craft in the 911, I found myself racing in the Koni Tire Challenge, a Pro-am series, which took me to racetracks from coast to coast.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Thriving in business for 42 years and my new partnership with Foundation Risk Partners (FRP)/Acentria Insurance.
What’s a product or service that has been a game changer for you? Either at your agency or personally.
AI. Though AI has been in the background for several years, it will impact our industry in ways that we can’t imagine.