Photography by Tilley Photography
After years of working together in the insurance industry, Karleen B. Southard and Royal J. Spragio developed a bond of trust and respect — as well as a shared dream.
Both born and raised on the Coast, the colleagues envisioned an agency where they could operate differently — and better — than anywhere they’d experienced yet.
“There have been many ‘aha’ moments over our five years,” Southard says. “Becoming profitable in the first year was a major win for us as a small business. Being able to attract a seasoned staff has been very impactful, and then, of course, having our customers refer their friends and family has really shown us that we are doing business in a way that we will continue to thrive and grow.”
She and Spragio left their jobs in the spring of 2021, as the pandemic began to abate, and launched Coastal Select Insurance within a month.
“With the help of close friends and family, we rented a location and quickly made business agreements with product carriers and product partners,” Southard recalls.
As the company’s five-year anniversary nears, Coastal Select is preparing for a celebration on May 15 at 1 p.m. The Biloxi Bay Area and Mississippi Gulf Coast chambers will be on hand to commemorate the milestone with a ribbon cutting at the company’s new, permanent location: 1966 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi.
“Our biggest reward, since we’ve opened, is seeing the success we have achieved through our hard work and dedication to our business,” Southard says.
SERVICE AFTER THE SALE
In her role as co-owner and chief executive officer, Southard brings 23 years of property and casualty insurance industry experience to Coastal Select — along with over a decade of commercial insurance production. Spragio, a retired naval officer with 24 years of active-duty service, brings a decade of insurance experience to the firm, including life, health, property and casualty, as its co-owner and chief financial officer.
“We both love to help people, and insurance can be very confusing for most,” Southard says. “We enjoy finding ways to financially protect our customers and help them to understand what their risks are.”
Coastal Select offers personal and commercial business insurance products in six states, and what sets the firm apart, according to Southard, is that it offers clients detailed explanations, training and understanding for all its products.
“We pride ourselves on service after the sale,” she says, “which is why we get so many referrals and most of our customers keep renewing every year.”
PRIORITIZING PEOPLE, NOT POLICIES
Contemplating the next five years and beyond, Southard and Spragio look forward to seeing their agents and agency grow. Coastal Select continues to expand, with three additional agents bringing a combined 35 years of experience to the team.
We are very grateful for our agents and hope to always provide a workplace where people feel secure, respected and supported in their professional goals,” Southard says.
At the agency’s heart is a clear mission: to provide “sound financial protection products for both home and business owners to safeguard the dreams they’ve built.” But for the owners, it’s not just about policies; it’s about people.
“We value our customers and genuinely care about them and the work that we are doing,” Southard says. “We thoroughly enjoy being able to provide a service to our community, along with friends and family we have built relationships with all of our lives.”