Karen Taylor is co-owner (with her husband, Layne) of Taylored Benefits, an Iowa employee benefits provider for health, dental, wellness, vision, life and disability. Based in Urbandale, this family-owned business’ mission is to help Iowa businesses manage the complex world of employee benefits.

What is your background?

I am a Texas girl! I was born in Texas, but I moved to Iowa when my mother got married. I moved back to Austin, Texas, right after high school, when I attended the University of Texas. I went to classes during the day and worked nights for my grandmother’s technical training institute for Vietnam veterans.

I owned a Farmers Insurance Agency in Austin, Texas, from 1996 to 2006. When I sold it, it was one of the most successful insurance agencies in the state. After that, I owned an arts and culture magazine, TRIBEZA, with my boyfriend.

When my mother’s health was in decline, I moved to Iowa to be with my mom. Around that time, my mother noted I was still struggling with the death of my husband. She encouraged me to join a class at her church, where I met my current husband. I joined him at his business when we married in 2014.

I still visit Austin whenever I can because my son and grandson and many of my friends live there. But I have had the chance to meet and become friends with so many amazing people in Iowa through my job and through NAWBO Iowa. I joined NAWBO on the advice of a dear friend, and I am so grateful I did. I believe that, as women, we have to be the best supporters and advocates of other women. NAWBO gives me the opportunity to connect with like-minded women who are also in business.

Tell me about your business.

Taylored Benefits was started by my husband, Layne, in 1996. Today, I run the business alongside Layne and my stepson, Colby. We focus on helping employers find the right employee benefits package to fit their needs. We are each accountable for our own groups of clients based on our specialties.

What makes us different from others is we “Taylor” creative benefit solutions for our clients. We work for our clients to find the best options to fit their needs. If a new benefits carrier comes to Iowa, we will check it out. This allows us to focus on relationships, get to know their businesses and personalize solutions tailored to their needs.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love seeing the businesses I serve thrive because they’re able to offer the right benefits to attract the right people. I also love it when a business owner we helped find the right plan can focus on their dream job and not worry about their benefits.

A lot of people in this business see themselves as producers. I promote other people, not myself, and I look after each client personally. I am really good at what I do because I am really good at relationships. My husband is often surprised by how much business I bring in just by meeting people and connecting with them. And so many of my clients have become good friends.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I thought I would be a painter or artist as I have a very creative streak. I think that shows in my work. I take something that could be very boring and make it personal and understandable. My creativity in finding solutions means I am improving the quality of people’s lives and giving them something of value.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

I think the best advice I got is to do the best you can until you know better, but when you know better do better. And to put others before yourself. I am still surprised how many referrals I — a little Texas girl who is not from here — get just because I reached out to help someone.