The online agency plans to expand by 350 over the next 12 months
The on-line independent auto insurance agency, Goji, has been ramping up its operations in Massachusetts since new CEO Steve Kezirian joined the company in June. In the past month alone, the company announced three new appointments to its executive team as well as the opening of a new company office in Hudson, Mass.
In response to an email to Goji, CEO Steve Kezirian says that part of his expansion plans include growing the Goji team to over 350 employees over the next 12 months. This will include hiring more than 100 employees who will be based in the new Goji office in Hudson. As such, hiring will be centered within the Commonwealth. although all of the company’s employees become licensed agents in many jurisdictions in order to sell insurance nationally.
In our earlier article this summer about Mr. Kezirian’s appointment, Agency Checklists noted that while based in Massachusetts, it appeared that Goji actually did not sell insurance here. This is actually incorrect. “Goji does sell insurance in Massachusetts,” responded a company representative upon being queried. “The company represents several carriers that are actively seeking new customers in the Commonwealth.”
Three new appointments this month to the Goji Management Team
In mid-September, the company welcomed Erin Barriere as Vice President of Human Resources. Ms. Barriere will oversee the company’s efforts to attract, hire, develop, and retain new talent as part of Goji’s ambitious expansion plans.
Prior to joining Goji, Ms. Barriere served in executive human resources and talent acquisition roles with top insurance leaders including USI Insurance Services and Marsh and McLennan Companies. She also spent more than a decade in Human Resources with Monster.com eventually rising to Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition and Human Resources.
Goji‘s Vice President of Carrier Relations, Daniel Weaver highlighted the importance of Barriere’s addition: “Goji is focused on helping insurance carrier partners reach new, internet-savvy policyholders. Erin’s efforts to hire and retain great talent will supplement these efforts, and ultimately deliver long-term value for our consumers and our carrier partners.”
Ms. Barriere’s most important work will begin with supervising the talent acquisition for Goji’s expansion plans to the company’s new Hudson facility. The site will be the new home for the majority of Goji’s licensed insurance agents as well as the company’s technology and management teams.
“I chose Goji because I believe in what the company is doing and am excited to support the leadership team’s plan to considerably grow our talent pool. Given recent investments in our offices in Boston’s Back Bay and now in Hudson, Goji is well positioned to attract great people from around the region,” said Ms. Barriere.
This past week, the company made another announcement that it had brought on two other members to its Management Team: Brett Kaufman as Vice President of Acquisition Marketing and JT Benton as Chief Revenue Officer. Both gentlemen come to Goji with extensive auto insurance marketing experience.In addition, the two have partnered before, spending several years building a performance-based mobile media solution for direct marketers.
Upon joining Goji, Mr. Kaufman and Mr. Benton will be charged with creating a close working relationship with the Goji sales team, comprised entirely of licensed insurance agents. “We know that our marketing and partnership efforts will help create an open, efficient experience for consumers looking to purchase auto insurance,” explained Mr. Benton. “As we optimize these efforts, Goji will deliver thousands of high-value customers to the industry’s best auto insurance providers each month.”
Mr. Benton added that the market opportunity at Goji was just too enticing to pass up: “Goji brings tremendous value to the auto insurance ecosystem. Insurance carriers want to acquire the right customers; consumers want choices and transparency. Our platform aligns these interests seamlessly.”
More about Goji
Originally established as Consumer United, Goji has been in operation as an online independent insurance agency for the last seven years and is backed by Five Elms Capital, Spark Capital, Thayer St. Partners and Village Ventures. According to the company, Goji’s goal is to provide “…a quick and easy way for drivers to compare carrier, policy and pricing options.” The company currently provides real time quotes from over 16 carriers including Progressive, assurance, Safeco, Travelers, 21st Century, Mercury, Dairyland and Plymouth Rock.
