Harnessing Experience and Opportunity

Gina Piunno of Gina Piunno Financial & Protection, an Allstate Insurance Agency

Gina Piunno thought she was safe from widespread layoffs at Allstate Insurance in early 2020. When she was laid off despite her 13 years of experience and leadership roles within the company, she was determined to see the loss as an opportunity. 

“I was starting to think I could run my own insurance agency,” she said. “I understood how it worked. I was teaching people how to do it.” Piunno dusted herself off and got to work. On New Year’s Day in 2021, Gina Piunno Financial & Protection, an Allstate Insurance Agency, opened its doors. 

When looking for financial support to open her business, Piunno found that many traditional lenders were skeptical of taking her on because they didn’t understand how insurance agencies generated revenue. ECDI was willing to put trust in Piunno’s extensive insurance experience and help her finance her agency.  

“I’m very thankful that I was referred to ECDI, because it was a game changer. People need to know about ECDI and the things they do for women business owners. It’s a rare resource.” 

After just three years of operation, her team insures 850 households, and she hopes to be able to purchase another agency at the end of 2024. To fellow entrepreneurs, she shares a powerful reminder to revisit during challenging times: "Small business owners are the foundation of the economy. We're making a huge difference, and your voice matters. You are not alone.”