Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamrock Holak.
Hi Shamrock, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Shamrock Holak, and I turned a passion for helping others into a 26-year career in insurance. As a preacher’s daughter, service has always been a part of my life. I opened Shamrock Insurance Agency in Hutto, Texas, in 2020 to offer meaningful, relationship-based service to families needing auto, home, life, or commercial coverage. As an independent broker with over 25 carriers, we tailor protection to fit our clients needs. At Shamrock Insurance, you’re never just a policy you’re part of our family.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There absolutely have been challenges in the insurance industry, especially starting in 2021 when Covid really hit. That period, followed by the severe Texas ice storms in 2021 and beyond, created a perfect storm for insurance carriers. Many carriers significantly increased pricing, and those that chose to stay in Texas became very limited in both appetite and coverage. At the same time, underwriting tightened across the board.
As a smaller independent agency, competing against large national agencies was difficult. Retention mattered more than ever. I worked diligently to keep our retention high and our claims as low as possible so I could demonstrate to carriers that we were a strong, responsible agency and a good long term fit. That work paid off. In 2023, we were able to bring on over 18 home carriers, which was a major milestone for us, especially because we work closely with lenders and real estate agents who rely on speed, flexibility, and solid coverage options.
The challenges during Covid and the ice storms did not just impact pricing. Carriers also tightened coverages. We saw higher wind and hail deductibles, roof schedules becoming common, and replacement cost being removed on roofs that were five years old or older. These changes made it more important than ever to slow down and truly educate clients.
Fast forward to 2025, and we have surpassed the number of home carriers that many large corporate agencies have access to. We now work with over 35 carriers, allowing us to truly match coverage to each client’s specific needs.
Many of our producers came from the captive side of the industry. They were former agency owners or producers with single carrier models that became incredibly difficult to sustain. Some had to close their doors, but they still loved insurance and wanted to continue helping people. They joined our agency because we offer flexibility, opportunity, and the ability to serve clients with multiple carriers instead of being boxed into one option.
Throughout all of this, my mindset never changed. I was determined that nothing was going to stop me from achieving my goals. I was not only supporting my own family, but also the families of my producers and employees. Letting people down was never an option.
When clients call us, we do not write policies just to write them. I strongly believe in quality over quantity. If staying where a client is makes more sense, we will tell them that. We are not here to chase commission. We are here to do what is right for the client. We act as advocates, making sure they understand their coverage, their deductibles, and their options. Too often, people buy policies online based solely on price and have no idea what they are actually covered for. Education is a core part of what we do.
We took one of the most challenging periods the insurance industry has faced and turned it into growth, stability, and long term success by staying focused on integrity, education, and putting clients first.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shamrock Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency based in Texas, specializing in home and auto insurance for families, homeowners, and everyday drivers. We work with a wide range of top-rated carriers, which allows us to tailor coverage to each client instead of placing them into a one-size-fits-all policy. Our focus is not just selling insurance, but making sure people truly understand what they are buying and how it protects them.
One of the biggest differences our clients notice is what happens when a claim occurs. With many online platforms or large national brands, clients often become just a policy number at claim time. With us, clients are known by name. W help explain what to expect, and advocate where we can so they are not navigating a stressful situation alone.
We are relationship driven and deeply connected to our community. We serve families directly, while also working closely with lenders and real estate professionals who rely on accuracy, responsiveness, and consistent communication. This allows us to support the entire transaction process while keeping the client’s best interest at the center of every decision.
After the challenges the industry faced during Covid and the Texas ice storms, many carriers increased pricing, tightened underwriting, raised wind and hail deductibles, and limited roof replacement coverage. These changes made education more important than ever. We take the time to explain coverage, exclusions, and deductibles so clients can make informed decisions rather than choosing a policy based solely on price.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality over quantity. We do not move a client simply to move them. If staying with their current carrier is the right choice, we will say so. Our goal is always to act in the client’s best interest, not to chase commissions. Because of our strong retention and responsible underwriting approach, we have grown to work with over 35 carriers, giving our clients more options than many large corporate agencies.
Brand-wise, what I am most proud of is the foundation of trust we have built. As a preacher’s daughter, I was raised with strong values centered on integrity, service, and doing what is right even when it is not easy. Those values shape how we operate every day. We see our clients as people, not policies, and we treat their homes and families with the care they deserve.
At its core, Shamrock Insurance Agency stands for advocacy, education, and long-term relationships. We are proud to serve our community by protecting what matters most and being present for our clients, their families, and the partners who trust us to do things the right way.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to look for mentors who are grounded, experienced, and willing to be honest with you, not just people with big titles or flashy success. Some of the most valuable guidance I have received came from people who had already been through hard times and were willing to share what did not work as much as what did.
Networking worked best for me when it is relationship based, not transactional. I focus on building real connections by showing up consistently, listening more than I talk, and being willing to help without expecting anything in return. That approach builds trust over time, and those relationships naturally turn into strong professional networks.
I have also learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who value integrity and accountability. As a business owner, it is easy to feel isolated, so having mentors and peers who will challenge you, encourage you, and keep you grounded makes a big difference.
Most importantly, I believe mentorship goes both ways. I have learned just as much from the people I support and work alongside as I have from those guiding me. Staying humble, teachable, and genuine has been what worked best for me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theshamrockagency.com
- Facebook: Theshamrockagency
