Allstate & Marino Cecchi Keep You ‘In Good Hands’

When Stephen Leyland found a significant crack in the flooring in his Cross Creek home, he did what he thought was the most responsible thing — he called his insurance company and asked them to figure out if the damage was caused by an emerging sinkhole. That began an exhaustive investigation by an inspector sent out by Stephen’s insurance company, as well as a geologist, and it was determined and certified that the problem had nothing to do with a sinkhole. The ground was solid, the repair was completed and the home was not in danger.

Fast forward a couple of months, when Stephen received a notice that his homeowners insurance policy was to be cancelled because of his so-called “sinkhole claim.” 

“But, it wasn’t a sinkhole claim,” Stephen says. “I had written proof there was no sinkhole, but my company (still decided to) no longer insure me.”

Stephen called a couple of insurance agencies and was told no one could help him. Thankfully, a friend suggested he try Allstate. Stephen researched the closest agency to his home and was soon talking with the staff at Marino Cecchi’s Allstate agency, located in the Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms (near Ciccio Cali and Koizi restaurants).

“The first thing they told me was, ‘That isn’t right,’” Stephen explains, “And not only did they get me homeowners insurance again, but I actually got a lower price than I had with my previous company.”

Stephen says he definitely was impressed with Marino’s Allstate agency and the service he received. “They are so cordial, so direct, and absolutely know what they are doing,” Stephen says. “I found an agency that cares about its customers, is honest and up front and didn’t make promises they couldn’t keep.”

Marino adds, “We provide a full range of personal and commercial insurance products. We do a lot of business with home and auto policies, and also offer additional options, such as life insurance, variable annuities and even money market funds.”

Most products are provided by Allstate, but some are brokered, Marino says, such as homeowner insurance and financial products. “This means that customers can shop from companies that Allstate has already vetted and approved.” He explains that some of these are large, multi-state companies, such as Federated National Insurance, while others are based in Florida, such as Security First Insurance.

Marino opened his Allstate agency in December 2014 and hired two seasoned veterans to work as account managers. Wesley Chapel resident Johnathon Wofford came from USAA Insurance and Donna Jones worked at Esurance. The staff also includes Tracy Roese, who provides front desk service and agency support.

Marino is originally from Chicago, and spent most of his life in the Windy City, although he also recently lived in Wisconsin and Charleston, SC. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Organization Management from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL (near Chicago) in 1985. While in college, he began a career in banking that lasted more than 30 years. He has served as president of First Colonial Mortgage Corporation and Community Banc Mortgage, and he led the account management team at MortgageBot, a leading national provider of mortgage origination for banks and lenders.

But, it was Marino’s wife Kim’s career that actually brought the couple to Florida. Kim works as a regional rehabilitation director for assisted living facilities throughout Florida, and could have chosen anywhere in the state to live. “We have family in South Tampa and had been visiting for several years, so we knew we wanted to live in Tampa.” Now that his business has been established in New Tampa, they are planning to buy a home in Tampa Palms. The couple has four grown children, ages 19-22.

“I’m looking forward to spending many years in this location, serving local neighborhoods and the people of New Tampa,” he says.

Marino says he embraces Allstate’s well-known slogan, and he wants New Tampa residents to know they truly are “in good hands” with his agency.

“The really nice thing about Allstate is you can have 24/7 access to our website and call center, but you also have an agent near you who is assigned to you and working on your behalf,” Marino says. “You know us, and we’re real, live people who can help you when you need it.”

Marino notes that most customers are primarily concerned about the price of their auto and homeowners insurance coverage, and typically, that’s why they initially call his office. “When people see that they can get a great price and a local Allstate agent, they realize they want to work with us.”

He adds, “We can do a simple quote to look at your current coverage and see if we can save you money. And then, we invite you to make a phone appointment or stop in so that we can really look at your coverages, your assets and your financial goals, and make sure that you have the right products for your individual needs.”

Marino says he is well positioned for his job as an Allstate agent. “In the banking world, I worked as a trusted advisor,” he explains. “And, that’s what I want to be for my customers now. I have a ton of experience and knowledge that I’ve gained through my banking career, and I’ve realized that there is a lot of emotion when it comes to finances and making purchases. It can be confusing and daunting to think about all these coverages, and there is a need for someone who can, with composure, look at your issues and give you sound advice. You need to find someone who is willing to do what’s in your best interest, not necessarily the best interest of the (insurance) company.”

He says that 30 years in the banking industry also have shown him that many people don’t really understand what they are buying, so they might not be protecting themselves from potential problems.

“Price is absolutely a factor, and we want to help you get the lowest price,” he says. “But, it’s not the only factor. We take a consultative approach to be sure that you understand how your current insurance products help meet your financial goals, and how your risk and exposure to financial loss might affect those goals.”

Marino Cecchi’s Allstate agency is located at 17020 Palm Pointe Dr. and is open Mon.-Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., 9 a.m. -7 p.m. on Thur. and 9 a.m.–noon on Sat. Call 513-9001 for more information or visit MarinoFS.com. You also can “like” the agency’s Facebook page by searching “Allstate Agency: Marino Cecchi” in the Facebook search engine.