As the holiday season approaches and the year winds down, many of us look back at where we’ve been and try to sketch out where we’re headed.
For business owners – especially those carrying a multigenerational story – this stretch isn’t just reflective. It’s a chance to take stock, make plans and shore up the pieces that keep a business strong for those who come next.
At Hauglie Farmers Insurance, that kind of forward thinking is front of mind this season.
“As my family enters its third generation as Farmers Insurance agents, we’re spending this holiday season reflecting and celebrating my father, Kevin Hauglie’s four decades as a top Farmers Agent in Washington State,” says Angela Donaldson.
“His success is really a story of family success. My mother, Laurie, – an agent herself and the financial backbone of our office – helped build the systems, discipline and care required to help local businesses not only stay sustainable, but thrive.”
Angela says their partnership shaped the agency into one known for customer service, community involvement and long-term relationships with local business owners.
“For many years, my father and I have been working toward a business-succession plan and as we inch toward that transition, I’m reminded daily that the strength of any enterprise is tied to the people who support it,” she shares.
“Becoming an agency owner isn’t something you do alone. It really does take a village. I’m immensely grateful for the clients, colleagues, friends and of course my family who continue to encourage me and believe in the work we do.”
For others in the Valley who are building a business – or planning the next phase of an existing one – Angela shares the framework that has guided her own transition and applies well across industries:
- Understand the economics: Clear reporting, realistic forecasting and sustainable growth strategies keep any transition grounded in fiscal transparency.
- Strengthen operations: Document processes, build redundancy and protect the institutional knowledge that makes a business distinct.
- Invest in the right team: Hiring is only part of it. Culture, training and creating a workplace where people want to stay matter just as much.
- Modernize marketing and technology: Consumer expectations shift quickly. A strong brand, digital presence and technology stack help maintain service and efficiency.
- Build your advisory circle: Every business benefits from a trusted board – an attorney, accountant, bookkeeper, HR consultant and peer network. Chambers, business alliances and networking groups often become invaluable. Angela notes that while her parents leaned on their trusted circle, she has built her own.
“As we move into the holidays, I’m especially grateful for the support around me – my family, our clients, my mentors and the people I strive to serve every day,” she says. “Building and sustaining a business isn’t linear. It takes knowing when to push, when to pull back and how to navigate the fast, unpredictable changes that shape both life and work.”
Resilience, she adds, grows out of shared experience, trusted relationships and the willingness to plan ahead, even when it’s uncomfortable.
“From my family to yours, thank you for being part of our journey. I look forward to the years ahead and to continuing to support the Valley with the same care and commitment my parents established decades ago.”
For more information or to schedule a policy review, contact the Kevin Hauglie Agency at 425-222-5881 or visit agents.farmers.com/wa/fall-city/kevin-hauglie.
