Courtesy of State Farm
By Ann Donnelly
Paula Traina, a dedicated State Farm agent with offices in Queensbury and Glens Falls, has built a thriving business rooted in community involvement and a passion for helping others. With a strong foundation in the insurance industry and a commitment to personal and professional growth, Traina has positioned herself as a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to the local community.
Traina’s journey with State Farm began in the corporate offices, where she gained a deep understanding of the company’s operations and the insurance industry as a whole. Her experience in various departments gave her a well-rounded perspective that has been instrumental in her success as an agent. She spent most of her career in the Claims area, with the last few in Corporate Learning and Development, which involved a lot of travel.
Driven by a desire for greater autonomy and a desire to impact her community significantly, Traina opened her first State Farm agency in Queensbury in 2018.
“I was all over the country helping roll out different initiatives and training employees to learn those initiatives. It just became a lot from a family perspective, so I started to explore opportunities and see what I could do that would keep me home,” said Traina. “State Farm approached me. They planned to put a brand new agent here and asked if I was interested.”
Starting an agency was a big transition, but Traina’s dedication and strategic approach quickly led to growth and success.
“I was raised in that corporate structure, where I had a large peer group and a lot of daily interaction with people doing the same or similar jobs. You had a lot of people to bounce ideas off of, to talk to and collaborate with.” Traina continued. “When I started the agency, it was like a little silo. Not every agent wants to share the details of their business plan and strategy with other agents, so you’re on your own. Since then, I’ve learned to develop my network of friends, peers, and collaborators, both within the State Farm world and outside.”
In 2022, Traina took over the Glens Falls State Farm office, expanding her reach and further solidifying her position as a leading insurance provider in the region. According to her, “I took over when Dick Saunders passed away after a very long and healthy career with State Farm.”
Recognizing the unique needs of each community, Traina has tailored her services to cater to the specific requirements of her clients, building strong relationships and fostering trust.
“Dick was an agent within the Glens Falls community for 65 years, so his customer base was aging, whereas the customer base in Queensbury is significantly younger. We’ve had to learn about the new demographic and how to work with them. I could pull from my first job with the Social Security Administration, where I worked with an older population and figured out how to do business in a way that they were comfortable doing business. Now, we have melded the two businesses very well.”
Building a talented and motivated team was one of Traina’s most significant challenges. She has invested in employee development and created a supportive work environment. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, Traina has attracted and retained top talent.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Traina is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She is actively involved in the local Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce board and sponsoring numerous community events. Traina’s passion for supporting local businesses and initiatives has earned her a reputation as a dedicated community leader.
Traina has faced unique challenges as a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. She has learned to navigate the complexities of gender dynamics and has developed strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. Traina’s determination and resilience have inspired others, demonstrating that women can excel in any field.
“I would encourage any women thinking to step outside their roles as mothers, employees, wives, and enter the entrepreneurial space – just to dig in. I don’t think you’ll regret it, and you can find the resources you need in the community.”
On October 30 Traina will launch a local chapter of the Christian Business Women’s Connection (CBWC), a community of business and professional women committed to integrating their faith and work. After attending a couple of CBWC events in Albany with Tesha Mihaly, a mortgage professional at Glens Falls National Bank, the two women decided to bring the initiative to Glens Falls. Each monthly breakfast meeting will include prayer, a speaker, and networking.
Looking ahead, Traina is excited about the future of her business and her continued involvement in the community. She is committed to providing exceptional service to her clients, supporting local initiatives, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. With her passion, expertise, and dedication, Traina will make a lasting impact on the insurance industry and the community she serves.
Find out more about Paula Traina, State Farm, on her website: https://paulatraina.com.
To book a place at the CBWC Upstate NY breakfast, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christian-business-womens-connection-breakfast-registration-1037181817737.