Passion for people drives niche insurance agency

Ashley Napier, the Chief Operating Officer and partner of Helio, a niche insurance company based in Edmond, Oklahoma, is passionate about helping businesses with unique or specialized risks.

Ashley’s journey into insurance began after completing her undergraduate degree, where she knew she wanted to help people. She started by helping small clinics and physicians place their commercial insurance and was in sales from 2016 to 2020.

In 2020, she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at her agency while simultaneously completing a graduate program in organizational leadership. Her promotion came with its own set of challenges, particularly as she navigated the workplace dynamic changes brought on by the pandemic. However, it was also a blessing in disguise as she was equipped with a psychological perspective on leadership that helped her lead her team through the crisis.

Ashley’s passion for helping others extends beyond her work in the insurance industry.

She is actively involved in her community, volunteering her time and resources to causes she cares about, including animal welfare and education. She believes that businesses have a responsibility to give back to their communities and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

Ashley is quick to point out that what they do at Helio is not common and is a pretty niche industry. She admits that she didn’t understand it fully before joining the company, but she’s constantly learning and growing.

Despite the complexity of the industry, Ashley finds it rewarding to help clients, employees, and partners every single day.

Helio is more than just an insurance company; they’re trying to create a community of people who help each other, whether it’s through their own companies or whether it’s through supporting other businesses. They’re filling a need in Oklahoma, providing a service that’s not readily available.

As Ashley says, “I love this industry. It’s been so cool to learn about it, but what I get to do every single day is to help people, and I can’t get enough of that.”

When it comes to insuring their businesses, many owners turn to traditional commercial insurance providers. However, these policies may not always adequately cover unique or specialized risks that some businesses face. Helio provides specialized insurance solutions for unique risks and is committed to helping businesses minimize their risks and prevent losses through their risk consulting services.

Helio’s expertise and commitment to service, are leading the way in the niche insurance industry and setting an example for businesses everywhere.

Napier says having the opportunity to assist clients is fulfilling, and she feels appreciative and privileged to serve this particular group. “Meeting individuals in this community, getting to understand their stories, and supporting them has brought me immense joy. The community has had a profound impact on me, and I consider it a privilege to spend time with them, learn from them, and offer any assistance we can.”