It’s tough to become successful as an entrepreneur. That’s especially true when diving into a field — insurance sales — that has historically been dominated by the opposite sex.
But, no matter how high the odds were stacked against her, Courtney Paat made it work. And, she made it work here in Plant City — a place where just over 15 years ago, she was a stranger in town.
“It can be tough, moving to a small town where you don’t know anyone and opening a business,” Paat says. “Many of the people I met that first year are still friends today, and I treasure their friendship.”
It can be chalked up to Paat’s business acumen and an unwillingness to give up when the going gets tough.
BIG THINGS, SMALL TOWNS
A native of Orlando, Paat originally had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. In high school, she even spent time working at a veterinary clinic.
College took her to Tallahassee, where she majored in risk management and insurance at Florida State University. Paat was hired by State Farm after graduation.
She got her start as an underwriter, which took her to nearby Winter Haven for some time. Having just left FSU, Paat was the youngest of her co-workers — many of whom were around her mother’s age.
“It was a great place for me to grow up,” she says. “It was a professional atmosphere. I had my own cubicle and was able to take on leadership responsibilities as I matured.”
Paat worked in the Winter Haven office for six years but felt she wasn’t in her proper career path.
“I knew within a couple of years that I was not meant to be there a lifetime,” she says. “When the agency opportunity came up, I transitioned from the corporate culture to being an entrepreneur.”
That’s what brought her to Plant City — and to the most challenging and rewarding years of her career.
FITTING IN
The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World was a completely new venture for Paat and her husband, Angel, a 30-year veteran of the Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World. Paat opened up shop in Plant City July 1, 1999, and jumped right in.
In fact, because so many business owners in the insurance world were men, this led to some confusion.
“The first few years we were in business, everyone thought my husband was the agent,” Paat says. “He was always respectful when correcting them and introducing me as the agent.”
Angel is now a stay-at-home dad for the couple’s two daughters.
If people didn’t think he was the insurance agent, though, they still got their facts mixed up.
“For a long time, when I told someone I worked with State Farm, they would ask me what agency I worked in,” Paat says. “When I shared with them that I had my own office, they were usually surprised but also excited and supportive. It’s been a few years since that (has) happened.
SMOOTH SAILING
Paat has since established herself as more than just a temporary presence in Plant City, which she believes helped her gain more trust around town.
“My first few years in town, I think people thought I wasn’t going to stay,” Paat says. “When I had my children and started raising a family here, that changed. I felt more like I was accepted as a part of this community.”
Fifteen years and almost three months later, Paat’s business is still going strong. She feels she’s proven people wrong about a woman’s ability to succeed in a male-dominated field, and, given her track record, it seems she is right.
“Women excel in the insurance industry, because it’s a relationship business,” she says. “Having the brand recognition of State Farm supporting you doesn’t hurt, either.”
And, of course, it really helps to have self-confidence in spades.
“I am extremely independent and determined,” Paat says. “I don’t know how to quit anything, even if I should.”
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
What was your first job?
In high school, I worked at a veterinary clinic and was a waitress.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian.
What’s the best advice you have for being successful?
Find something you are passionate about and be steadfastly determined to make it happen. Listen to those who are where you want to be, but always follow your own intuition.
Who is your role model?
My Mom — she is independent, honest, disciplined and self-sacrificing. Plus, she is a marathon runner at 70 years old!
What’s the hardest life lesson you’ve learned?
The only person you can rely on 100% is yourself.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Wait … I don’t already have superpowers?
What’s the No. 1 most played song on your iPod?
iPod? iHeart Radio 103.5.
If you were reincarnated as an animal, what animal would it be?
My Dad’s dog — can you say, “spoiled rotten?”
What’s your least favorite food?
Onions and peppers.
Where would you go in a time machine?
Back to college! Go ‘Noles!