PEACE OF MIND: “My job is to interpret your situation, assist you in getting proper coverage, and find the best company to serve you. We offer you peace of mind.” Esther Tanez, CPIA is founder and owner of ESTIR Inc.

Esther Tanez, CPIA (Certified Professional Insurance Agent) is a high achiever, a person who has succeeded in her chosen profession and also continues to look for new ways to help people. Whether guiding them in their search for appropriate insurance for their needs, helping with taxes and bookkeeping, or encouraging them in establishing new businesses, she is ready to assist customers to find the best outcome for their specific situation.

Founder and owner of the ESTIR Inc. with offices in Princeton, Newark, and Hamilton, Ms. Tanez is a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Property & Casualty, Health & Life Licensed Agent. She knew at an early age that she wanted to be involved in the insurance business.

“I’ve really been in the business for 30 years,” reports Ms. Tanez. “When I was 16, my dad helped me get a summer job. It was a filing job in an insurance company, and I found I loved the insurance business. I got my license at 18.”

She opened her first office in Newark 17 years ago and the Princeton office at 195 Nassau Street in April of last year.

Right Coverage

With four licenses — property, casualty, life, and health, Ms. Tanez is an insurance representative who can guide people through the often complicated insurance decision-making process.

“I’m an insurance representative for auto, home, rentals, small business, professional liability, commercial transportation, worker’s comp, and life, among others. An agent’s job is to make it simpler for the client; to help you get the right coverage and the right company. We represent Travelers, The Hartford, Met Life, and Progressive, and many other companies.

“Life interruptions will happen,” she continues. “Fire, floods, car accidents, etc. We can’t prevent these from happening, but you can protect yourself. You can prepare yourself with insurance. It offers peace of mind. I like selling insurance because it can replace what you’ve invested.”

Having lived in Princeton for two years, Ms. Tanez decided to expand her business and open an office here. The location seemed an excellent match for her company.

“It is an outstanding location. I enjoy the community, and I like having my business here. Princeton suits my needs on many levels.”

She is encouraged with the many new clients whom she has helped in Princeton, and looks forward to assisting even more. Small business insurance and home ownership are two of the most important areas for coverage here, she notes.

Grass Roots

“There is a new trend today of many people starting small businesses, sometimes after changing from other jobs and careers,” explains Ms. Tanez. “And there are areas they may not know about. For example, general liability, contents of the office, employer liability, and worker’s compensation.

“Also, because of my experience as a founder of my own business, which was grass roots, and which I built from the bottom up, I can talk to small business owners about the journey of an entrepreneur and of building a business from scratch.”

In February, Ms. Tanez, in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will participate in a free-of-charge program about disaster preparedness. In April, she will be part of a panel discussion regarding the key essentials all small business owners should be aware of. Accountants, attorneys, bankers, human resources specialists, and work managers will participate.

Sharing in the success of small business owners she has helped is one of the most enjoyable parts of her job, notes Ms. Tanez. “I have seen small business owners who could barely speak English and then see the business prosper and grow. This is wonderful.

Helping those in the Spanish-speaking community is an important focus for Ms. Tanez, who is fluent in Spanish. “We are a multi-cultural community in many ways, and the Spanish-speaking community often makes the work flow. I want to be of service to them for their insurance needs, especially for those who may have been left out.

“I have also set up a new Grass Roots Insurance Group for people who want to start an insurance business. I realized that many people want to start a business but didn’t really know how. I will help them set up their business and be part of the ESTIR Inc. umbrella.”

First House

Helping homeowners is another very important part of Ms. Tanez’ focus. “I very much like to help homeowners with their insurance needs,” she points out. “It may be their first house, for example. We also help people with rental insurance. Many people don’t realize that the landlord is not responsible for the tenant’s personal contents.”

In addition to her insurance emphasis, Ms. Tanez has established Simple Tax & Bookkeeping, LLC to help people with their bookkeeping and tax needs. It will assist clients with income tax preparation, bookkeeping, and provide information regarding worker’s compensation audits, business registry, contractors license, and notary public.

“We strive to assist our clients by helping organize, monitor, and track their money,” explains Ms. Tanez. “Our goal is to help small business owners with the fundamental structure of managing their finances.”

Ms. Tanez is enthusiastic about her projects and the variety of ways she can help clients. She also knows that getting a new business started — whether her own or that of her customers — can be a challenging undertaking and requires determination and perseverance.

“It takes time to get a new business started. The challenge is that many people are already rooted in the current company they deal with. They have to have a reason to change. You need to show them your ability and earn your stripes.”

She also points out that with the available technology today, a number of options for clients exist to establish a convenient working relationship with ESTIR Inc. “You can work with us via phone, email, fax, or of course, face-to-face. I can also visit you. So often, people are in a hurry today, and we want to be available to them at their convenience.

“I am very encouraged in Princeton, and I am ready to get involved here. I like the atmosphere of the community and the kindness of the people. It’s a very friendly environment. I have never felt like a stranger here. This is a place that embraces people, and I can’t wait to be of more service to the community.”

ESTIR Inc. is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., evenings and Saturday by appointment. (609) 688-1800. Website: www.estirinsurance.com.