At R.E. Chaix & Associates, we strive to ensure that every employee is appreciated, acknowledged, and recognized for their achievements. This Employee Spotlight series aims to celebrate success and highlight the talented individuals we have at this company. Each quarter we’ll be featuring Chaix employees on our website, blog and social accounts.

Please join us in congratulating Veronica Barreras, our Employee Spotlight for Q1!

Veronica Barreras began her journey in the insurance industry shortly after high school while searching for a stable job and a place to start building her future. What initially started as a practical decision soon developed into a meaningful career. Entering the industry at an early stage allowed her to learn the business from the ground up and recognize the many opportunities it offers—not only for professional growth but also for building relationships, solving problems, and helping clients protect what matters most to them.

Starting in the mailroom, Veronica gained firsthand experience with the foundational tasks that keep an organization running. As she worked her way up to becoming a broker, she developed a deep appreciation for every role within the company. Known for her communication, collaboration, and commitment to continuous learning, she focuses on building strong relationships with clients and demonstrating value through service, transparency, and responsiveness. Her open-minded approach and willingness to support others help foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Outside of work, Veronica enjoys activities that help her stay balanced and energized. She finds peace in gardening and values spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys dancing and traveling, which allow her to stay active and explore new cultures and experiences. These interests help her maintain a healthy work-life balance while bringing enthusiasm and positivity to both her personal and professional life.

Her supervisor, Christa Shook, shared:

“Congratulations to Veronica! Veronica will be a Broker at RE Chaix for 10 years in 2026—an impressive milestone that reflects her dedication, professionalism, and significant contributions to our company. Her support for her team and colleagues goes above and beyond, and she always brings a laid-back, positive energy to the office. If you need a good laugh, Veronica is the one to turn to! We are proud of her consistent growth and willingness to take on new challenges. We’re excited to see all of the great accomplishments the future holds for her. Thank you, Veronica, for all that you do!”

To get to know more about Veronica, we asked her a couple of questions about herself and her time at R.E. Chaix:

Q: What initially brought you to the insurance industry?

A: My introduction to the insurance industry happened right after high school, during a time when I was simply looking for a stable job and a place to start building my future. What began as a practical decision quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Entering the industry at such an early stage allowed me to grow alongside it, learning the fundamentals from the ground up. Over time, I realized how much opportunity there was—not just for career advancement, but for building relationships, solving problems, and helping people protect what matters most to them. That early exposure set the foundation for a career I’ve come to truly value.

Q: In what ways do you think your unique background or experiences contribute to your success in your role?

A: My background is unique because I didn’t enter the insurance world through a traditional path. I started in the mail room, handling the most basic but essential tasks that keep an office running. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for every role within the organization and taught me the importance of attention to detail, consistency, and humility. As I worked my way up to becoming a broker, I carried those lessons with me. Understanding the business from the inside out helps me connect with colleagues at all levels and approach challenges with a broader perspective. It also makes me more adaptable, resourceful, and grounded qualities that directly support my success today.

Q: Can you share a particularly challenging situation you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

A: One of the most challenging aspects of my career has been building my book of business while competing against other brokers who are also striving to provide the most competitive quotes. It can be tough entering conversations where clients are comparing multiple offers and expecting the best possible outcome. To overcome this, I focused on developing strong communication skills, staying educated on market trends, and building genuine relationships with clients. Instead of relying solely on pricing, I worked on demonstrating value through service, responsiveness, and transparency. Over time, this approach helped me earn trust, differentiate myself, and steadily grow my book of business despite the competition.

Q: If you could describe your approach to teamwork in three words, what would they be and why?

A: Communication, collaboration, and training. These three words reflect how I show up for my team every day. Communication is essential because it keeps everyone aligned and prevents misunderstandings. Collaboration matters because no one succeeds alone—sharing ideas and supporting one another leads to better outcomes for everyone. Training is important to me because I believe in continuous growth, both for myself and for those around me. When we invest in learning and developing our skills, we strengthen the entire team and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Q: What do you think sets you apart, and how does it benefit your team?

A: What sets me apart is my open mindedness and my genuine willingness to help others whenever they need support. I don’t hesitate to share knowledge, offer guidance, or step in when someone is overwhelmed. This mindset creates a positive and collaborative atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking questions and working together. It also helps build trust within the team, because they know I’m someone they can rely on. Ultimately, my approach contributes to a stronger, more unified team dynamic.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your life, and what valuable lessons have you learned from them?

A: My biggest mentor has been Alex Z., a close friend of 25 years who played a major role in guiding me through the insurance industry. His experience, patience, and willingness to share his knowledge helped shape my understanding of the business. From him, I learned the importance of staying grounded, being consistent, and always keeping an open mind. He taught me that success in this industry isn’t just about numbers—it’s about relationships, integrity, and resilience. His mentorship has been invaluable, both professionally and personally.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career so far, and what did it teach you?

A: One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is consistently reaching my binding goals ahead of deadlines. Achieving this required discipline, organization, and the ability to stay focused even when things became hectic. It taught me the importance of planning ahead, managing my time effectively, and staying proactive rather than waiting for things to pile up. This achievement also reinforced my belief that hard work and consistency pay off, and it motivates me to continue pushing myself to meet and exceed expectations.

Q: What are some hobbies you do outside of work that you enjoy?

A: Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of hobbies that help me stay balanced and connected to the things I love. Gardening gives me a sense of peace and allows me to unwind while nurturing something from the ground up. Spending time with family and friends is incredibly important to me—it keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. I also love dancing, which is a fun and expressive way to stay active, and traveling, which allows me to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. These hobbies keep me energized and help me maintain a healthy work life balance.

Veronica, your dedication and focus have been key to the success of your team and the company. We’re excited to see your continued success!