FREDERICKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEICO looks to add to its robust workforce in Fredericksburg by hiring 200 or more new associates in sales and customer service. GEICO offers great benefits and is looking for people who have a positive attitude, enjoy helping others and thrive in a dynamic environment.
Thirty years ago, with a degree from Mary Washington, Fredericksburg resident Charles Brown was living with his parents in a tough job market. Brown’s father drove past the new GEICO Fredericksburg office on his commute every day and strongly suggested Brown look into applying.
Like most future GEICO associates, Brown didn’t know much about insurance and thought it a long shot that he would be qualified. But, he applied anyway, went through the speedy interview process, and had a job in a few days.
“At the time this was just a job to keep my dad off my back,” Brown joked. “I figured I’d be at GEICO for a couple of years and move on.”
Brown started off in sales, then took an opportunity to be cross trained with the service team. A few years later, he moved on and up to a claims position.
“I had zero — absolutely none — business knowledge of insurance before coming to GEICO. Because of the training programs and support of my managers, supervisors and mentors, I was able to move across three core functions in a relatively short time and thrive,” Brown said.
Still, in the back of his head, Brown thought of GEICO as somewhat temporary. However, this notion evaporated as he continued to experience more and more of the GEICO culture and benefits.
“It was clear that GEICO would promote from within, had sound financials and really focused on integrity. I realized this company is taking care of me — all aspects of my life. At that point, I was in it for the long haul. I’ve probably had 15 different positions within GEICO, and in each one, I’ve been prepared for and set up to succeed,” said Brown.
Culture and family-like atmosphere is what keeps Brown in Fredericksburg. GEICO provided flexibility for him after his father passed away to help his mother and, after his daughter was born with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, he was able to be there when needed and provide support to his family.
“Between my family, friends and co-workers, I had this huge support network. In fact, every year we do a fund raiser/blood drive, during which dozens of co-workers donate hundreds of units of blood and/or hundreds of dollars through the bake sale. We’ve even registered people to donate bone marrow,” said Brown.
When it comes to culture, Brown’s viewpoint is shared by many of his Fredericksburg colleagues according to Senior Vice President Don Robinson. “GEICO is not just a call center —there are quite literally thousands of different jobs within GEICO. Once you start with us, we do our best to train and develop you, promote you and create pathways to allow you to reach your career goals. Nearly all of our associates in even our most senior executive positions started out in an entry level position like I did,” said Robinson.
A member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, GEICO is a stable company that was founded 85 years ago. The company’s Total Rewards benefits package includes health, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and holidays, parental leave, and continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
When asked what he tells people about GEICO, Brown answered: “Expectations are high—you need to be ready to come to work and work hard. If you’re willing to do those two things and develop yourself and take on other opportunities, the world is your oyster. You can do anything you want — move around the country and company. You will be able to find new and exciting careers and develop yourself personally and professionally. And, along the way, you’ll build lifelong friendships.”
Applications are being accepted now at GEICO.jobs/Fredericksburg.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, GEICO employs more than 43,000 associates countrywide. GEICO constantly strives to make lives better by protecting people against unexpected events while saving them money and providing an outstanding customer experience. Along with personal auto insurance, commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft, term life, and more coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Visit geico.com for a quote or to learn more.