#88 Building a Business on Faith and Analytics: From Corporate to Family Business with Alison Jenkins

Thinking That Matters with Elizabeth Mahusay

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I had the pleasure of welcoming my friend and guest, Alison Jenkins, a partner at Riskwell, a real estate and commercial investor-focused insurance brokerage based in McKinney. Alison shared her journey from the corporate world to joining her husband, James, in their family business, highlighting the importance of knowing where you're going and why.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the common traits of successful business owners, particularly their passion and the importance of analytics in marketing. Alison emphasized that marketing is not just about design; it's deeply rooted in understanding numbers and consumer behavior. This analytical approach has been crucial in shaping the strategies at Riskwell.

We also delved into the dynamics of working with a spouse, discussing the trust and respect required to navigate their differences effectively.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, faith, and mindset in navigating business and life challenges.

Some of the key topics we discussed:

• The importance of passion and a data-driven approach in business, especially in marketing

• Working with a Spouse: Alison opens up about the dynamics of working alongside her husband, James, and how their contrasting skills—her analytical mindset and his visionary leadership—create a balanced partnership that drives Riskwell’s success.

• Overcoming doubt and challenges especially when launching a business during the global pandemic.

• How faith helped Alison manage fears, particularly during challenges like postpartum anxiety and the uncertainty of COVID-19.

• The power of action and speaking goals into reality

More about Alison:

With a BBA in Management and Marketing from Baylor University, Alison began her career as a marketing director for food service providers at several universities across Texas and Louisiana. After obtaining her Texas insurance license in 2015, she joined her husband at the Farmers Agency, where she supported high-level decisions, including their transition to an independent brokerage in 2019.

After a career pause to focus on their family, she returned to the industry in 2023, bringing her corporate background to her current role at RiskWell, where she focus on creating structure and scalability for the company’s rapid growth.

Connect with Alison:

• Website- https://www.riskwell.com/

• Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskwellus/

• Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/riskwell

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More about Elizabeth Mahusay:

Elizabeth grew up a self-starter who as a young woman prided herself on her independence and self-sufficiency. She found herself challenged to develop deep and meaningful relationships because of her prideful “know-it-all” approach to life and work. She projected that she was perfect yet struggled to deal with failure, thoughts of insecurity, and the feeling of inadequacy. Through her study of the Bible, time as an entrepreneur, and the accountability of some great mentors Elizabeth, is a transformed woman. Today, she passionately invests her time helping others transform their thinking.

Elizabeth is author of the recently published Transform My Thinking, God study on the book of Philippians. She has published over 170 YouTube videos and hundreds of Facebook Live videos ranging from topics of business building, daily encouragement/motivation, inspiration, marriage, and Bible exposition.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/