Modesto writer recalls life lesson from an unexpected client | Opinion
Have you ever badly misjudged someone on a first meeting? I have.
His name was Alex.
When he walked into the Insurance Center of Salinas, the receptionist brought him to my office. I was then personal lines manager of this busy independent agency. Alex told me that he was eligible to have his California driver’s license reinstated, but he needed the insurance filing that was required. This was a service we routinely provided — sometimes several times a day.
Typically, the need arose when a driver’s license had been suspended because of a citation for driving under the influence.
During the information gathering process, I learned that Alex had recently moved to California from the East Coast, that he had sold a company he owned and that he was now retired at age 47. He was a decent-looking, clean-cut man wearing casual clothes. He was polite and articulate — easy to deal with.
It was a very matter-of-fact encounter. I issued the documentation he needed, and, with no particular fanfare, Alex left my office.
Me? I went on to whatever was next during my day, with little thought about Alex. After all, I “knew” these people who drove while intoxicated — I knew all I needed to know. And, like most, Alex purchased the bare minimum insurance needed to fulfill the state’s requirements.
My agency had a responsibility to serve the needs of these people so that they could fulfill legal requirements, protecting others on the road from a driver potentially operating with diminished ability. I had met my share of “Alexs” during my tenure serving the personal insurance needs of my clients throughout and beyond Monterey County.
I loved my job. The young women in my department were smart, motivated and accurate, making my job as their “boss” a pleasure. We enjoyed each other and created an atmosphere of positive accomplishment and professionalism for each client. As a result, I was the go-to insurance specialist for KSBW-TV in Salinas and the local newspaper. Alex was merely a momentary and minor interruption in what I considered to be the “important” work on my desk.
Several weeks after I met with Alex, an auto dealership in San Jose called, asking to speak to Alex’s insurance agent. When I took the call, I confirmed that I was the agent for his auto insurance. I asked, “Has Alex purchased a car that he needs to insure?”
“Actually,” replied the salesman, “he’s purchasing two vehicles. For cash. He’s purchasing a C-Class Sedan for himself and a 450-SL for his girlfriend.”
Needless to say, I felt chagrined. I don’t mean to posit that money is the ultimate gauge of a person’s worth. But I do mean to say that I had judged, categorized and dismissed Alex based on the type of service he needed.
Six months later, I heard from Alex again. “Can you insure the home I’m buying,” he asked.
By this time, I don’t think you will be surprised when I tell you it was the highest valued home it was ever my privilege to cover.
It was a one-of-a-kind, beautifully appointed property overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Carmel Highlands. That kind of business is fun to write, and Alex and I became friends.
I learned something from Alex: I was thankful that, upon first meeting, I had treated him with the same professional thoughtfulness and friendly goodwill that was my default attitude with everyone I met. I have always liked people, have been interested in their stories and have been fascinated with the variety of presentations every day brought. This was not something I put on to be successful. It was, and still is, who I am. I’m thankful for that.
American actor Alan Alda is credited as saying “a peach is not its fuzz.” I learned the truth of that phrase from Alex. He was much more than a “loser who drove drunk and lost his license.” Much more. He was a potential friend who eventually enriched my life. Sometimes, you have to look below a misleading exterior to find the prize.
Bunny Stevens lives in Modesto, her hometown, and has served on The Modesto Bee Community Advisory Board. She is the opening courtesy clerk at the Safeway supermarket on McHenry Avenue and an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church. She has also been known to represent the Easter Bunny and Santa’s Elf for children of all ages. Reach her at BunnyinModesto@gmail.com
This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Modesto writer recalls life lesson from an unexpected client | Opinion."