In today’s world, when cultural understanding is essential to business success, Estrella Insurance stands out as a beacon of opportunity available to Latino entrepreneurs in America. Estrella has provided over 100 families with the American dream of business ownership. What’s more, 50% of their franchisees had never owned a business prior to Estrella. The Latino roots, franchise model, and support structure have created a game-changing formula for those looking to start their own business.
Felipe Martinez, CFE, Director of Franchise Development sums up Estrella’s vision: “We’re not just selling insurance. We’re creating opportunities for families to build their businesses, achieve financial independence, and leave a lasting legacy.”
Estrella’s Beginnings
Founded by immigrants who understood the unique challenges faced by their community, Estrella Insurance has become a symbol of success and opportunity for Latinos across the nation. Estrella prides itself on understanding their Latino community, from the leadership team to their franchisees, their employees, and of course, their customers.
From its humble beginnings the company focused on serving small businesses and Latino needs, Estrella Insurance has grown into one of the nation’s fastest-growing P&C insurance agencies with 214 franchises across the United States. The company’s take on bilingual support and cultural fluency has helped bridge the gap between traditional insurance services and the needs of Latino customers.
Meeting Latino Needs
With Latinos accounting for over 62% of the nation’s population growth since 2010, the demand for culturally competent services is at an all-time high. Estrella bridges the gap with bilingual support and education on insurance coverage.
Not surprisingly, there is demand for Hispanic-centric services in various industries, including insurance. Latinos face language barriers and often lack financial education which inhibits them from understanding even a portion of what insurance entails. Estrella Insurance educates Latino franchise owners on coverage options and offers very competitive pricing. With the bilingual service model, it provides inside-out service to the clients, both in English and Spanish.
The Proven Franchise Model
Unlike many franchises, which often require upwards of a half-million-dollar investment to start, Estrella offers an accessible, lean model that provides opportunities for aspiring business owners from a wide variety of backgrounds to become entrepreneurs.
In fact, more than 50% of Estrella’s franchisees have never owned a business. Company training and extensive support have been the footprint for many to expand to multiple locations. This growth showcases how strong the model of Estrella is in developing new entrepreneurs into successful operators.
“The support from the Estrella Insurance Franchise team made all the difference. Despite starting with only administrative experience, I was able to build a strong team and now proudly own five franchises,” said Yesenia Flores, showcasing the power of Estrella’s comprehensive training and support system.
E-2 Visa
Estrella Insurance has grown in popularity among E-2 Visa investors who wish to set up a business in the United States. This program attracts many entrepreneurs from different parts of the world, such as Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Canada, and even Australia. It is through the support system provided by Estrella that enables these individuals to find their place within the business world of the U.S. which paves a path for them to generate income and contribute toward their newest communities.
Estrella’s Martinez explains the importance of this initiative: “Our E-2 Visa program reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for families starting anew in the U.S. We’ve welcomed investors from around the globe and helped them start their version of the American Dream with Estrella serving as their foundation.”
Building Communities Nationwide
The impact of Estrella Insurance is felt far beyond its franchisees in the greater Latino communities across the United States. From its inception, the company has valued training, promotions, and career development with its predominantly Latino workforce – many of whom started at entry-level positions, moved into management, and some became franchise owners. This career development path has provided a professional workforce catering to the unique needs of their Latino customers.
Estrella’s success in South Florida has become a blueprint for its national expansion, allowing it to establish a strong presence in cities with significant Latino populations such as Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. Estrella has gained the trust of the Latino community in life, automobile, and home insurance, among other essential products with over 214 franchise units nationwide.
Building Wealth and a Legacy
Estrella Insurance’s mission goes beyond offering insurance; it’s about creating a legacy of wealth and opportunity within the Latino community. By providing an accessible franchise model, to supporting E-2 Visa investors, to hiring within the community, Estrella has established itself as a pillar for economic empowerment.
As Estrella Insurance continues to build its footprint, one thing has remained constant: A commitment to serving the Latino community not just as a leading insurance carrier, but as a partner in building the American dream. It is with this unique approach that Estrella is not only meeting demand within the insurance services but leading the way for the next generation of Latino entrepreneurs.
Felipe Martinez Bio
Felipe Martinez is the Director of Franchise Development at Estrella Insurance, he has been instrumental in helping individuals achieve their financial and personal goals through franchise ownership for the past six years. With a deep passion for consulting, educating, and selecting the right candidates to join the franchise system, Felipe is dedicated to empowering prospective business owners and his peers by providing valuable insights and ongoing support.
Felipe brings a wealth of experience in sales, client development, coaching, consulting, real estate development, and negotiation. His expertise extends from single-unit franchise expansion to multi-unit market growth, making him a key asset in Estrella Insurance’s strategic expansion efforts. An alum of Florida Atlantic University, Felipe continuously seeks to learn and develop his skills, driven by his commitment to uplifting himself and others in the business community.