ACSR Spotlight - Karen Dye

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Karen Dye of Dyeco Insurance in Richmond, Virginia, did not originally think her career path would lead her into the insurance industry. Karen’s mother actually wanted her to be a teacher but she knew that was not for her. Credit and collections is where Karen started her journey in the real world. But she was looking for a job that did more than just pay the bills; she wanted a job where she could see results. Her first interaction with the insurance industry came when she took a medical billing and claims position. Quickly, she took on more responsibilities and got hooked on insurance. Karen needed a new challenge and wanted to provide more for her family, so she became a licensed agent in New Jersey and began selling life insurance. Then she took a car appraisal position in a claims office. 

After moving to Virginia in 1997, Karen got her Virginia P&C and L&H licenses. In 1998, Karen became a small business owner when she opened her own insurance agency, Dyeco Insurance. Originally, she was a direct agent under Rockingham. In 2001, Karen decided to become an independent agent. "It gave me the ability to make more choices for my clients, to find the best products and coverages for them which helps build a good rapport because you have well-rounded offerings", says Karen. Dyeco Insurance currently has a staff of five. Along with being the owner of the agency, Karen is also the office manager and deals with most of the life sales. Karen has a lot to be proud of with her agency; just this past month Dyeco was awarded the 2010 District Award from Erie for new written premium in commercial lines. 

The insurance industry is always changing. There are new products, coverages and laws that pertain to the industry that change year to year. This is why, in 2010, Karen decided to pursue the ACSR designation. She has always been a proponent of continuing education and she felt that the ACSR course would help her get up to date with current insurance trends. The ACSR program seemed like a perfect introductory course and getting the designation has proved to be very beneficial. By taking the classes, a lot of new topics were brought to light. Karen feels more confident in her abilities when dealing with coverages as well. 

Karen stays busy. When not running the agency she is out and about helping the community. There are a few programs that are near and dear to her. She is a huge supporter of Lunch Date with the Future, which is a program that teaches manners to fourth- and fifth-graders at Patrick Henry Charter Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences. In 1991, she started a program to collect items for the troops serving in Afghanistan in honor of her nephew who was serving there at the time. She still runs this program today with the support of her church, Mount Hope Baptist and Dyeco Insurance clients. Karen is active with her church, serving on the Building & Grounds committee and helping with the nursery. She also is a member of the Terrapin Neck Grange and serves on their activities committee.

Family is very important to Karen. She lives out in the country with her husband, Clifford "Cliff" Dye who is the agency marketer and part owner of Dyeco Insurance. Together they enjoy taking care of their 6 dogs, 2 cats, 6 ducks, 2 goats, 3 roosters and a new pony. Karen has 5 grown and accomplished children, 4 sons-in-law and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys all the special moments she has with her husband, children and grandchildren. Giving to others is what makes Karen happy and this can easily be seen through all of her accolades and accomplishments. 

Is there an ACSR in your office who goes above and beyond in the insurance industry or in the community? If so, let IIAV know. Send your nominations to Kristina (kpreisner@iiav.com) at 1-800-288-4428. Nominations must be submitted by an agency principal, manager or supervisor working at the employee’s agency/company.