ALE Solutions has incredible employees that are passionate about making the company a leader in the insurance industry. One of those employees is Tara Manderville, who has been with the company since 2012. Tara has grown ALE in the mid-Atlantic region from a few claims to helping several thousands of people!
Here she shares why ALE Solutions so closely aligns with her own core values, why persistence pays off, and how industry knowledge is the key to staying on top.
Tell us about your professional background and how you came to ALE Solutions.
It’s an interesting story. First, I obtained an engineering degree before becoming a full-time mom. When I wanted to rejoin the workforce, I looked into nursing, because at that time there were a multitude of disciplines you could study and different areas you could work. I also wanted to be able to help people, so I obtained a nursing degree.
Shortly after, I went to a birthday party for one of the former owners of ALE Solutions. It was one of those momentous ‘right place, right time’ scenarios, where they needed someone to head up their southeast sales division and thought I would be a really great fit. They had a lot of faith in me, and I thought the position aligned really well with my personality and interest in helping people in need. With ALE Solutions, at the end of the day, you’re helping a family.
You’ve been with ALE for over 11 years. What keeps you motivated and inspired?
ALE is a company with heart–we genuinely empathize and care for people in need of our services. At the end of the day, we’re helping to put a roof over the head of a family until their home gets repaired. It’s a stressful time for them being displaced from their home, and we’re able to walk them through that whole process and take care of them.
Since there was no one in the southeast when I first started, I was able to build the business in this part of the U.S. from the ground up. The sky was the limit! I love what we do, and I believe in our team.
ALE Solutions was privately held for a long time. Our parent company Corpay has been great in allowing us to do what we do best and keep the culture we created intact. They support us and it’s been such a positive and educational experience, particularly on the technology and operations side.
What does a typical day at ALE look like for you?
A typical day involves looking at claims–what came in, what carriers are using ALE, and checking on new adjusters. I introduce myself so they know they have a support team behind them. Since we are nationally based, I oversee certain accounts and want to make sure they have what they need. These touch points can include reporting, claim issues, or consulting about our digital tools, industry trends, and aligning processes.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have industry knowledge and stay on top of new rules and regulations. In Florida especially, the insurance industry has gone through many changes. New legislation will continue to affect how carriers operate in the state.
What is something important that you’ve learned while working at ALE?
To be consistent and authentic. You want to be the best fit for your customers–when you see the need, meet the need–and listen to each customers’ specific concerns.
What has been your greatest achievement at ALE?
Spreading the news that ALE Solutions provides a service that can be relied on 24/7/365. When I started, there were only a small handful of carriers using ALE Solutions in the southeast. Being able to grow that customer base and help thousands of people along the way–that has been my greatest achievement.
Do you have an ALE sales success story you’d like to share?
Years ago, there was a carrier we worked with sporadically. Through reliable service and consistent communications, that carrier has become one of the larger national accounts we serve! It is truly an honor to have their trust and have them rely on us in times of need. It’s been great to see that partnership grow. I’ve learned so much about their business and now we have so many digital tools to offer them.
Our technology has really met the goals of the ever-changing insurance industry. It’s great to watch ALE become one of the leaders in the insurance marketplace.
You look up to strong leaders like Sara Blakely, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates. What do you admire about these people?
I really admire them for creating something out of nothing and their philanthropy supports worthy causes. Sara Blakely had a vision for her brand, and she never deviated from it, despite the obstacles she faced to get her product to consumers. She never gave up and she believed in what she was doing.
In terms of the Gates Foundation, I really admire their far-reaching philanthropy. They want to help people all over the world!
Are you a member of any foundations or clubs in your personal time?
I’ve actually been a member of the same book club for 22 years! It’s a group of professional ladies that get together once a month. We’re all avid readers and love books from all different genres. It’s been so much fun to grow those friendships and share our love of literature.
When you’re not at work, where do you prefer to spend your time?
Outside, with my husband, doing anything sports related. We actually met through a mission trip in Costa Rica in 2015! I cannot emphasize enough the value sports and competition have played in making me who I am today.
Prior to joining ALE, I was a competitive triathlete and runner for 12 years and still compete today. I have done 100+ cycling rides, including a self-supported journey with friends across the state of South Carolina in two days. I also love to travel with my husband and visit family.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Florida?
I’ve lived in coastal Florida since I was four-years-old. Every day of the year you can be outside doing something. It’s a great place to live for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle. Honestly, we live in paradise.
