5 minutes with Elders Insurance Bendigo Agent, Richard Falconer

Richard Falconer started with Elders Rural Services in 1983, working across various locations in regional Victoria and NSW. In 2004, he returned to his home town of Bendigo, where he currently works as an Elders Insurance Agent.

Richard values the entire Elders Insurance network and the friendships he’s formed over the years, along with the ability to work alongside family members within a great team. 

“With great support from many people throughout Elders Insurance, the network gave me the confidence to adopt the insurance industry as a career.”

And Elders Insurance is sure lucky to have him.

So much so, Richard and his team were awarded the coveted Black Jacket Award in 2019. Recognised for his outstanding contribution to Elders Insurance by the clients and community, Richard’s professional and reliable leadership is valued by all of those who work with him.

He’s known as someone always willing to put his hand up to help other agencies in need. And his desire to continually learn and innovate also supports his well-deserved accolade.

Yet, in his trademark humble demeanour, he puts his team first.

“My proudest achievement is the continued growth of the business, made possible by a consistently hardworking and developing team.”

Richard’s key to success lies in his understanding of his clients.

“Customers are so focused on their everyday activities, insurance can be overlooked and not considered a priority. That’s why they need our expertise to guide them through the process.”

“I love that we can help customers protect their valuable assets and income, and actually make a difference.” 

Richard is all about supporting his customers with honest advice backed by local service.

“My customers are generally like-minded individuals who appreciate good honest service. I feel Elders Insurance is perceived as a company you can trust.”

Honesty is important to Richard, and he takes the time to help customers understand the many aspects of an insurance policy.

“Our approach would be similar to many Elders Insurance agencies throughout Australia. Customers appreciate it when you take the time to understand their needs and explain their options in a simple manner. “

He continues, “If you’re not directly involved in the insurance industry, most people have no idea about the actual process, so keeping it simple is important.”

Richard is a great supporter of the Elders Insurance model, which is more personable than many insurance providers. It’s about taking an interest in the client and treating them as a person, rather than a KPI.

“It’s always a great feeling when a client is correctly covered if they need to claim. That’s when they’re immediately reminded about the importance of having the right insurance in place.”

Sport is a big part of the Bendigo and surrounding communities, and Elders Insurance Bendigo supports various sporting associations, including football, netball, cricket, cycling and others.

“Most of my team members are involved in sporting clubs, which is a great personal release and an opportunity to give back to the local community.”

On both a professional and personal level, Richard’s mantra is simple:

“Treat others how you want to be treated. No explanation required.”

If you live or work in the Bendigo area and would like to discuss your insurance needs, you can email Richard here.