Why getting back to his neighborhood roots was so important for this successful Rockville Centre insurance agent

Alex Anderson, a Rockville Centre native and local insurance agent, didn't follow a traditional path to his current career. But he was drawn back home by the vibrancy and friendliness of the community. 

“When I was three years old, we moved to Rockville Centre from Baldwin, and I was probably the youngest kid on the block. My neighborhood was close and kids were always around — it was kind of a family-like atmosphere,” he said. “I grew up on a short street with another kid a few houses down from me. If I was leaving their house after playing, his mom would make me flicker the lights when I got home. I got a real sense of community here from an early age, knowing that people care.” 

Alex felt that one day, he’d like to come back to serve the neighborhood where he spent his childhood. The nostalgia of Rockville Centre as a tight-knit community aligned with his drive for entrepreneurship, but realizing his goal took years. 

“I started to think about what type of industry would allow me to get out what I put in and build something for myself. That’s when I stumbled into insurance,” he said.

After working in medical device sales for five years, where he enjoyed being in the operating room for hip, knee, and other joint replacements, Alex said he had to reevaluate his long-term goals and quality of life. A friend extended an offer to work in property and casualty insurance at Allstate. After a year of learning the ropes in the insurance industry, Alex opened his own agency from scratch in Long Beach.

"It was above a laundromat; the guy gave me a good deal on the rent,” he recalled. “He thought I was going to leave after a month, but I ended up staying there for two years. In January 2017, I was able to come up here to Rockville Centre, which is where I always wanted to be.” 

Growing up in Rockville Centre influenced how Alex does business. 

“Based on my upbringing, my parents, and being involved in the local basketball community, I grew up with more of an older-school mentality of ​​getting what you need to get done, doing the best you can do, and doing the right thing,” he said. “Run your business like the golden rule: treat others the way you would want to be treated. You want to do the best you can to be honest with people because these are your neighbors.” 

From tips on how to handle a basement flood to deciding whether or not it’s worth filing a claim, Alex strives to give the best advice he can to his customers when they come to him with questions. 

“Sometimes you might have to have tough conversations with people, but it is my job to help advocate for my clients,” he said. “And through these difficult times and conversations, that’s where you really build relationships.” 

Being back in the community, Alex has reconnected with old friends and new business partners to offer the best in insurance to residents. 

“I was working on a policy for a guy who used to be my neighbor across the street when we were kids. I know a lot of his friends, and I do insurance for them too,” he said. “I also have some good local referral partners who are from Rockville Centre. I think there’s a certain comfort in trusting your customers or clients with somebody who you know is going to have the same values as you have.” 

Alex said he hopes to keep growing a trusted reputation in Rockville Centre and its surrounding areas, earning new business and expanding staff and sales. 

“From a community standpoint, I’d also like to eventually get back into basketball. I’ve kept in touch with a couple of coaches I’ve had throughout my life who were instrumental for me in my own personal development,” he said. “I think I would be able to add some value to that world outside of insurance.” 

Alex Anderson has the answers to all your insurance questions and needs. Give him a call at (516) 544-2728 or visit his website to make an appointment.

Advice from Alex Anderson

Unexpected water in your basement? Here are 5 steps you need to take, according to a local insurance agent

Renovated your home recently? This Rockville Centre insurance agent says to make sure your insurance holds up

Should I file a claim? Local insurance agent says not making small claims can save you in the long haul

Why New York auto and home insurance rates are rising so much in 2023

5 things that can save you money on your home insurance, according to this New York licensed agent

Auto rates in New York are going up. Here are 7 things you can do to lower your bill.