“We are a new school agency with an old school customer service philosophy.” That’s how Marzigliano Marzigliano describes his State Farm Insurance branch, the bright red sign beckoning customers in Plainview’s busy Manetto Hill Shopping Center. Marzigliano has enjoyed serving the community at this location since November 2015 by offering solutions for “just about all insurance needs: auto, classic cars, home, life, supplemental medical, small business.”
State Farm is also in the banking business and Marzigliano said “we have helped many clients review and refinance car loans—helping to put money back in their pockets.”
The “old school” style in operation at Marzigliano’s office is a rarity in today’s increasingly digital and impersonal world. Customers get to know him: his personable approach, his voice and his face.
“We call our clients instead of waiting for them to call us,” he said. “And I make myself available to meet with anyone who prefers to sit down in person.”
He often drives out to clients to shake a hand and get a signature or take a photo. According to Marzigliano, many other companies will tell their clients to go have a photo taken at a local gas station. His almost eight years of intensive field training—with exposure to almost 50 different State Farm agencies in Suffolk County—have prepared him for this role.
Marzigliano cites various vehicles for bringing clients in, with referrals and word of mouth paramount.
“I’m most proud of this,” he said, “because it means a former job well done for our office.”
Other marketing tools follow: Print media, direct mail, advertising on local road bus shelters and “coming soon” ads on grocery store shopping carts in Morton Village, another bustling retail mecca. As for cyberspace, Marzigliano has a “strong online presence both with Google marketing and other social media avenues.” His social page (www.facebook.com/mysfoffice) is co-managed by his wife, Crystal. The young newlyweds regularly update the page with fun facts, safety tips and other tidbits that people may find helpful during their day-to-day activities.
Taking a wider view when it comes to networking and business, Marzigliano believes it’s not about referrals.
“It’s about getting to know people and have people know who you are,” he said. “It’s simple: We are all in the people business and the best person to do business with is someone you like.”
He feels strongly that getting involved in the chamber and other organizations is the best way to do that.
As the “prize wheel master” at last year’s Chamber of Commerce Craft and Gift Fair, Marzigliano interacted with many fellow members and scores of community fair attendees. He is happy to be part of the planning committee for this year’s event, elevating his involvement and sharing his leadership skills as well. Going forward, he’d like to see more “quick social events like a happy hour where members grab a drink together in a casual setting.”
Newly married to “the love of his life” Crystal, the couple has been together for eight years and has two dogs, a black Lab, Bella and a pit bull, Daisy. When he’s not being the best neighbor at work, Marzigliano enjoys “unplugging” by heading for the hills to upstate New York to camp with family and friends.
For more information, visit www.mysfoffice.com.
