A Rocky Road to Success

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

The Inspirational Journey of Mercedes Covarrubias

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose resilience and determination are so inspiring that their story must be shared. Mercedes Covarrubias is one such individual. It has been my privilege to watch her transform her challenging past into a promising future as she recently launched her own bookkeeping business. Her journey is a testament to her tenacity, drive, and unwavering spirit.

A Tough Start

Mercedes has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit – one that was born out of both determination and survival. Raised in “the projects” of Denver, Colorado, Mercedes grew up in a severely poverty-stricken home.

“My mom would send me to the store and tell me to buy the cheapest candies with food stamps so she could get change for cigarettes or beer,” says Mercedes.

Although she was never taught or shown how to budget or live within her means, Mercedes managed to learn the value of money on her own at a very young age. She took a shine to the idea of saving and earning money, and by the age of 13, she landed her very first job at a car wash. This job marked the beginning of her bumpy journey towards financial independence, and eventually, business ownership.

Early Struggles and Hard Lessons

Mercedes’ childhood was far from easy. With her mother often drunk and her older brother in charge, any money she earned was frequently given to her family. Despite these challenges, she persisted, securing multiple jobs to make ends meet. By the time she was 14, Mercedes had obtained a work permit and was working as much as legally possible, taking on three jobs to ensure that she could help her family.

The Turning Point

At age 16, Mercedes and her siblings were taken from their mother, a turning point that led her to seek emancipation. Through this process, she learned how to budget and responsibly spend and save her money. At 18, she moved into her first place and secured a full time job at Elitch Gardens Human Resources. Having achieved a sense of independence, Mercedes was feeling excited for the future. But she would soon take on the massive responsibility of raising her 10-year-old brother, forcing her to learn very quickly how to become a provider.

Overcoming Adversity

The weight of responsibility was a heavy one for Mercedes, and the pressure would only continue to mount when she went from “provider” to “young mother”. She gave birth to her first son at age 19, and then she gave birth to her second son very soon after. All the while, she was still raising her kid brother. Despite these hardships, Mercedes never lost sight of her goal: to make sure her kids never grow up the way she did.

Embracing a New Life

After years of working numerous jobs and climbing the career ladder, Mercedes’ life suddenly came to an abrupt halt when she suffered a severe ATV accident. Being the busy-body that she is, she was reluctant to take time off of work to recover. But during her recovery, she had a revelation: she was ready to start her own business. Armed with her tried-and-true financial skills, Mercedes decided to open her own bookkeeping business. While Mercedes started her entrepreneurial journey with no prior business ownership experience, her knack for problem-solving was her greatest asset. Her path took a significant turn when she connected with Cross Purpose, where she was connected with a Change Agent (yours truly) and invaluable resources. With plenty of expert guidance and emotional support behind her, she quickly progressed through the program, gaining invaluable insights and practical tools that would later help her launch her business. Her determination paid off, and she is now the proud owner of her very own bookkeeping business, A Breeze Bookkeeping and Tax— an achievement that still fills me with tremendous pride to this day.

A Bright Future

Mercedes Covarrubias is a shining example of resilience and determination. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful business owner is nothing short of inspirational. Mercedes’ story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and a whole lot of determination, you can overcome any obstacle.

I am so honored to have been a part of her journey, and I’m excited to see where her determination takes her next. Mercedes, your journey has only just begun, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things. Here’s to your continued success and the incredible future that lies ahead!

Check out her website at:

www.abreezebookkeeping.com

The Role of Home Insurance in Protecting Against Natural Disasters – Insights from Avalue Insurance in Centennial, CO

Posted on June 28, 2024June 19, 2024 by admin

Natural disasters are unpredictable and can cause devastating damage to your home. As alarming as this might sound, there’s a silver lining – home insurance. Avalue Insurance in Centennial, CO, believes it is crucial to understand how home insurance can help defend against losses due to natural disasters.

Standard Home Insurance Coverage

Most standard home insurance policies provide coverage against a variety of natural disasters including windstorms, hail, lightning, and wildfires. This means if your home is ravaged by any of these perils, you can count on your insurance policy to cover repair and reconstruction costs.

Limitations and Exclusions

However, it’s equally important to understand the limitations. Common exclusions often include earthquakes and floods. Those residing in locations prone to these disasters should consider purchasing additional coverage.

Additional Living Expenses Coverage

If a disaster renders your home uninhabitable, your policy can help cover additional living expenses (ALE). This includes hotel bills, meal costs, and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt or repaired.

At Avalue Insurance, we understand the importance of feeling secure in your own home. Our team, located in Centennial, CO, is ready to guide you through the ins and outs of your home insurance policy and its role in protecting your home from natural disasters.

Secure your peace of mind against the unexpected. Contact us today to explore the best coverage options for you.

Liability Coverage: The Most Important Piece of Your Home Insurance Policy

Posted on June 17, 2024June 17, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

Let’s chat about something important that often gets overlooked when shopping for home insurance: liability coverage. It may not the flashiest part of your policy, but it’s a pretty big deal. In fact, too many homeowners fall prey to the cheaper home insurance policies, leaving them underinsured and under-protected. Trust me: the last thing you’ll want to skimp on is liability coverage!

So, what exactly is liability coverage and why is it so important? Let’s talk about it!

What is Liability Coverage?

Think of liability coverage as one of those things that you’ll hope you never need, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you do inevitably need it. It kicks in to cover your legal fees in the event that someone tries to sue you for an unforeseen event that took place on your property.

Imagine a friend slipping on your icy driveway and breaking their tailbone. Or your puppy getting a bit too excited and accidentally biting one of your guests. Liability coverage can help cover the costs of medical bills or legal fees, saving you from a massive mountain of unanticipated out-of-pocket fees.

Why Do You Need It?

Well, accidents happen, right? And sometimes, they can lead to unexpected expenses. Liability coverage not only protects your savings and assets but also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re financially covered if the unexpected occurs.

What Does It Cover?

Liability coverage typically includes legal fees and medical expenses if someone sues you for an accident that happened on your property. It can also sometimes extend to incidents that happen away from your home, like you accidentally damaging someone else’s property.

You Might Already Have It, But…

Many standard home insurance policies include liability coverage, but sometimes, not enough. So, it’s extremely important to check the coverage details of your home insurance policy. Typical coverage amounts can vary, so it’s worth reviewing your policy to ensure you have adequate protection based on your lifestyle and assets.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Every homeowner’s situation is different, so it’s important to assess your risks and talk to an insurance expert to determine the right amount of liability coverage for you. They’ll help you understand what’s needed and customize a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Get Fully Covered with Avalue Insurance

Ready to make sure you’ve got the right protection in place? Contact Avalue Insurance today! Our team can walk you through the ins and outs of liability coverage and help you find a policy that gives you the peace of mind you deserve. We can even help you determine if you currently have enough liability protection in your current home insurance policy. Because your protection and peace-of-mind are our top priority.

Remember: accidents happen, but with the right coverage, you can rest easy knowing you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way. Stay safe and covered, folks!

Simplifying Restaurant Insurance: CommonQuestions and Answers

Posted on June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

If you’re in the restaurant business, you know that running a successful establishment involves more than just serving up delicious dishes. It’s also about ensuring that your business is adequately protected with the right insurance coverage. But if you’re like most restaurant owners, then you probably have plenty of questions. So, let’s answer some of the most common questions about restaurant insurance so you can feel more confident about your insurance decisions.

1). What exactly is restaurant insurance?

Restaurant insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect your establishment from various risks and liabilities. It typically includes several types of coverage tailored specifically to the unique needs of restaurants, such as general liability, property damage, liquor liability, workers’ compensation, and more.

2). Why do I need restaurant insurance?

Running a restaurant comes with inherent risks, from slip-and-fall accidents to food-borne illnesses and property damage. Without proper insurance coverage, you could be exposing your business to significant financial losses. Restaurant insurance provides peace of mind by safeguarding your investment and helping you recover from unexpected setbacks.

3). What does restaurant insurance cover?

Restaurant insurance policies can vary depending on your specific needs and the insurance provider you choose. However, most policies typically include coverage for property damage, liability claims, equipment breakdown, food spoilage, employee injuries, and legal expenses arising from lawsuits.

4). How much does restaurant insurance cost?

The cost of restaurant insurance can vary depending on factors such as the size of your establishment, the type of coverage you need, your location, and your claims history. Generally, premiums are calculated based on your level of risk exposure and the likelihood of potential claims.

5). How can I get restaurant insurance?

To ensure that you have the right coverage for your restaurant, it’s important to work with an experienced insurance agent who understands the unique challenges of the foodservice industry. That’s where we come in. At Avalue Insurance, we specialize in restaurant insurance and can help you get the right coverage for your restaurant.

Ready to protect your restaurant? Don’t wait until disaster strikes to think about insurance. Protect your restaurant and your hard-earned investment with comprehensive restaurant insurance from Avalue Insurance. Contact us today to learn more and to request a free consultation!

The Importance of Commercial Property Insurance for Small Businesses

Posted on June 7, 2024June 7, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

Running a small business is no small feat. From managing daily operations to keeping customers happy, there’s always something on your plate. With so much to handle, it’s easy to overlook one critical aspect: protecting your physical assets. That’s where commercial property insurance comes in. Let’s talk about why commercial property insurance is so crucial for small businesses and how it can be a lifesaver in times of need.

First, What is Commercial Property Insurance?

First things first, what exactly is commercial property insurance? In simple terms, it’s a type of insurance that protects your business’s physical assets from unexpected events like fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. This includes buildings, equipment, inventory, furniture, and even exterior fixtures like signs and fencing. It can even cover loss of income!

Why is it Important for Small Businesses?

Here are a few reasons why commercial property insurance is a must-have for small businesses:

1). Protection Against Financial Loss

Imagine a fire breaks out in your office or store, destroying everything inside. Without commercial property insurance, you’d have to cover the cost of repairs and replacements out of pocket, which could be financially devastating. With insurance, you’re protected from such losses, allowing you to get back on your feet without draining your savings.

2). Peace of Mind

Knowing that your business is protected from unforeseen events gives you peace of mind. You can focus on growing your business without constantly worrying about what might happen if disaster strikes. This peace of mind is invaluable and can help you make better business decisions.

3). Compliance and Contracts

Most landlords and lenders require businesses to have commercial property insurance as part of lease agreements or loan conditions. Having the right insurance ensures you meet these requirements and can help you avoid legal issues or breaches of contract.

4). Protecting Your Investments

You’ve likely invested a significant amount of money into your business assets. Commercial property insurance helps protect this investment. Whether it’s expensive equipment, valuable inventory, or a beautifully designed office space, insurance ensures that your investments are protected against unexpected events.

5). Business Continuity

In the event of a major disaster, the downtime and disruption can be crippling. Commercial property insurance often covers business interruption, helping you cover lost income and operating expenses while you get back on track. This can be the difference between a temporary setback and permanent closure.

Real-Life Scenarios

To put things into perspective, here are a couple of real-life scenarios where commercial property insurance can be a lifesaver:

Scenario 1: A boutique owner finds her shop vandalized with broken windows and damaged inventory. Thanks to her commercial property insurance, the repair costs and lost inventory are covered, and she can reopen her shop quickly.

Scenario 2: A tech startup’s office is hit by a severe storm, causing water damage to their equipment and workspace. Their insurance policy covers the cost of repairs and replacement of damaged equipment, allowing them to continue their operations without significant financial strain.

Ask Your Local Insurance Experts About Commercial Property Insurance Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your business. Contact Avalue Insurance today to learn more about commercial property insurance and how it can protect your small business from the unexpected! Our experts are here to help you find the perfect amount of coverage for your budding business. Reach out today and give your business the protection it deserves!

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Month: June 2024