Chris Walters on Supporting Staff and Serving Clients

I talk with Chris Walters from Integrity Insurance Group in Charleston. He tells me the insurance market is shifting, with Geico and Foremost Choice 360 entering West Virginia to bring more competition and better options for clients. Chris started his agency in 2019 after nearly a decade in the industry. His advice to new business owners is to find a niche, get educated, and focus on becoming an expert. He says that specializing allows you to serve your market more effectively, speak their language, and grow your business by solving real problems.

Chris and his team focus on personal lines, business insurance, workers’ compensation, and trucking. He explains that understanding the specific needs of each industry helps him go beyond just selling policies. He often helps clients navigate things like DOT regulations or how to get started as an owner-operator. This kind of support turns him into a trusted advisor, not just an agent.

Chris’s daily routine begins with his staff. He checks in to address concerns, review quotes, and find ways to improve operations. He believes in creating a work environment where people feel supported and respected. Many on his team are single parents, and he encourages them to prioritize family. He says if a third of your life is spent at work, it should be a place where you feel good showing up every day.

As we wrap up, Chris shares his take on the Kanawha Valley. He’s proud of the community but sees some tough issues. He points out how the Charleston Town Center Mall is being used as a tax write-off rather than an economic driver and highlights the lack of effort to bring travelers downtown. He’s also concerned about the homelessness issue and wants to see more resources to help people move forward. Chris believes we need better signage, events, and reasons for people to exit the interstate and see what Charleston has to offer. He says it’s up to us to help people discover what we already know makes this place special.