Iris Arden is a successful entrepreneur operating throughout the world, with a diverse collection of experience. After graduating from high school, Iris moved to NYC to attend the New York Institute of Technology in Manhattan. Although she was passionate about her studies, Iris was also eager to enter the workforce. Her first job was at a startup company in Manhattan on 5th Avenue. This is where it all began.
From the 5th avenue startup company, Iris Arden was offered a sales position in one of the largest ocean container ship carriers, located in one world trade center, the former twin tower (north tower). One week before the terror attack, Iris’s work moved to a new office. During her 6 years with this company, Iris attended the college of insurance after work where she received an insurance degree as well as property and casualty license. Later, Iris acquired licenses in almost every state. During her 6th year at this company, Iris established an insurance brokerage within the insurance department of Zim lines. Years later, Iris Arden bought the company and has owned it for almost 20 years.
Currently, Iris Arden is the CEO and President of Ramon Insurance, an insurance providing business with over 30 years of experience in the field. Not only is Ramon Insurance the number 1 chosen insurance provider for shipping and freight insurance, they are also well known for their outstanding rates and customer service. In addition to this venture, Iris is also the founder of Lumiration, a numerology business that provides personalized guidance to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
From a very early age, I had a vision of myself as a successful businesswoman traveling the world. I got my first taste of success working at the startup company and this encouraged me to keep working hard. I remember riding the NYC subway with a Walkman (25 years ago) and feeling the success in my body, in my bones. I was sweating how real my deep feelings were! This early experience is where I developed skills in management, sales, and advisory roles, which inspired me to reach success with Ramon Insurance, where I am now CEO and President. Additionally, I am the founder of Lumiration, a numerology service that focuses on mental, spiritual, and physical wisdom to empower others.
How do you make money?
Of course, more than 25 years of hard work, dedication, ups and downs, hard decision making and usual business challenges I managed to navigate my business through rough waters with great success, increase in sales and clients every year, growing excellent reputation. Today I act as an underwriter and have the pen on behalf of the world’s largest insurance companies rated A+. We have 2 locations in the United States, one in NY and the other is in Miami.
I make most of my income from Ramon Insurance and Lumiration. I have been successful in these business ventures due to my exceptional artistic sales skills. This is where my true passion lies and I always reinvent new ways to make sales and close leads.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
25 years of long, hard work. Success never happens overnight!
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Of course! Finding a professional job that you love after graduating from college is always nerve-wracking and overwhelming. The same goes for buying or creating a company and being the boss. When I experience hard times or stress, it only fuels me to work harder and brings out the best in me.
How did you get your first customer?
I flew to Chicago and closed a contract with a big Greek car exporter. This personal touch is so important in businesses, especially those that are largely customer service centered.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Social media has been an amazing tool to generate new business. Specifically being active, posting unique content, and interacting with users has helped create a brand identity that fosters trust with consumers. This coupled with online ads is a great way to reach a large audience. Additionally, weekly/ monthly emails and online appointment apps (Google Calendar, etc.) are great for making sure your clients and potential clients are constantly updated on your products/ services and can contact you easily.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
One of the toughest decisions I have made recently is relocating my office. It is very stressful to set up a fully functional space in a limited amount of time that meets the needs of all employees and clients. On top of this, you have to run daily operations as if nothing else is going on. It’s a lot of additional work but so worth it.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My personality is the most important factor in helping me achieve success. I am a go-getter, nothing holds me back, and I have a genuine passion for what I do. I work hard and force myself to produce every day. On top of that, I love interacting with people and helping them meet their needs. This is why Ramon Insurance has such outstanding customer service. It is very important to me.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
In my professional life, buying the company that I once worked for was very satisfying. When I think back to this moment it reminds me how far I have come and all the hard work I put in. Another moment was when I bought 2 apartments in one year. This purchase was a reward to myself for my hard work!
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I want to take my career to the next level. Specifically, get involved in more community efforts and developing a personal brand. If I can become a well-known entrepreneur, I can help others reach their full potential and thrive in business settings.
What business books have inspired you?
In the year 2005, I received a book from a friend “The power of your subconscious mind” by Dr. Joseph Murphy. I read this book and had tears in my eyes. How I naturally planted the seeds in my subconscious mind when I was riding the NYC train imagining, visioning and believing I will be a successful woman. I was only 19. Everything I read in the book was something that I did subconsciously. What you put out into the universe, you attract and become.
Other books that have inspired me include “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma and Dale Carnegie’s “ The Leader in You” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
What is a recent purchase you have made that helped with your business?
Investing in marketing tools and services always proves to be beneficial for my businesses. At the beginning of each month, my team and I get together and reevaluate the impact of our marketing methods to ensure that we are never wasting time or money on a method that doesn’t work. These meetings also force us to stay updated on new marketing methods, always forcing us to try new things to get our products/ services out there.