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I am a licensed Property & Casualty Producer (since 1987) and Life & Health…
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2K followers
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Melissa Gatto posted thisOne of the simplest ways to stand out in business doesn’t cost a dime. Be responsive. This is a big pet peeve of mine—not just with businesses I interact with, but also with the people I work with day-to-day. You don’t always need to have the answer immediately. But you should acknowledge the email, return the call, or reply to the message. Even if your response is simply: “I received your message. I’m looking into it and will have an answer for you by tomorrow afternoon.” Then do exactly that. Clients don’t expect perfection. They expect communication. They want to know they’ve been heard and that someone is following through. I’ve always believed that responding quickly—even when the answer has to wait—builds trust. Following through builds credibility. In a world where too many people leave emails unanswered and phone calls unreturned, being responsive isn’t just good customer service… it’s a competitive advantage. What’s your expectation? If a business can’t give you an immediate answer, do you simply want to know they’ve received your message and when you’ll hear back?
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Melissa Gatto posted thisCan we talk about being late? Here’s something I’ve never quite understood… If I’m 15 minutes late to a doctor’s appointment, a salon, or another professional service, I’m often charged a late fee—or I have to reschedule. But if they’re 15, 20, or even 30 minutes late? I’m expected to sit quietly in the waiting room as though my time isn’t just as valuable. That got me thinking…why do we accept that? To me, punctuality has never been about the clock. It’s about respect. Respect for the person who organized the meeting. Respect for the people who arrived on time. Respect for the commitment you made when you accepted the invitation. Life happens. Accidents happen. Emergencies happen. We’ve all been there. But chronic lateness is something different. I grew up hearing, “If you’re on time, you’re late.” While that may sound old-fashioned to some, the lesson has stuck with me. It reminds me to be prepared, to plan ahead, and to value other people’s time every bit as much as my own. Whether it’s a business meeting, a client call, or lunch with a friend, showing up on time sends a message before you’ve said a single word. So I’m curious… Have we become too accepting of lateness? Or is it simply part of today’s fast-paced world? I’d genuinely love to hear where you stand on this one.
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Melissa Gatto shared thisThe best events are powered by people who make the magic happen behind the scenes. A heartfelt thank you to our audiovisual team for keeping our Women’s Summit running flawlessly from start to finish. Your talent, dedication, and calm presence allowed our speakers and attendees to shine—and we couldn’t have done it without you!Melissa Gatto shared thisSummer arrived early in Connecticut... and so did 150 inspiring women in insurance, determined to invest in themselves and each other. The Connecticut Insurance Women's Summit brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals for a day centered on the theme Stronger Together. From thought-provoking keynotes and honest leadership conversations, to interactive workshops and plenty of networking, the room was full of energy from start to finish. Our role was to make sure the technology supported the experience. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Saint Clements Castle, we delivered full AV production, staging, sound, lighting, and video support, designed to complement the venue rather than compete with it. A fantastic event, a brilliant atmosphere, and such a great reason to bring people together to learn, share and support one another. Thanks to the amazing US team working on this event, and all at Big I Connecticut.
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Melissa Gatto shared thisSome events end when the last guest leaves. This one didn’t. The conversations are still happening. The connections are still growing. The confidence sparked in that room is showing up in agencies, boardrooms, and businesses across Connecticut. I’m incredibly proud of what we created together with an amazing committee, inspiring speakers, and every woman who showed up ready to learn, lead, and lift each other up. If you have a few minutes, I’d love for you to read this reflection on why this is so much more than a summit. 💜 Because when women invest in each other, incredible things happen. #WomenInInsurance #Leadership #Mentorship #Community #ConnecticutWomensSummit
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Melissa Gatto posted thisI’ve been a little quiet on LinkedIn since our Connecticut Women’s Summit a few weeks ago, and that was completely intentional. Sometimes the most meaningful moments deserve more than an immediate post or a quick highlight reel. They deserve time to settle in. I’ve been thinking about the conversations that continued long after the sessions ended. The new connections that were made between women who had never met before. The stories that were shared with honesty and vulnerability. And the incredible speakers who challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuing to grow. What started as a single day has continued to ripple outward in ways I never could have imagined, and that’s the real measure of success. To everyone who attended, spoke, sponsored, volunteered, or simply reached out afterward to share how the event impacted you—thank you. You made it something truly special. I’d love to hear from you: What is one conversation, quote, or moment from an event that’s stayed with you long after it ended? Because sometimes the best part of an event isn’t what happens in the room…it’s what you carry with you when you leave. #Leadership #WomenInInsurance #Networking #Growth #Community #ProfessionalDevelopment
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Melissa Gatto posted thisA week and a half has passed since the BIG I Connecticut Women’s Summit, and I find myself still smiling every time I think about it. When Danielle Brown and I first envisioned this event, we hoped it would create a space where women could come together to learn, connect, be inspired, and leave feeling a little stronger than when they arrived. To see that vision come to life—and then exceed every expectation—is something I will never take for granted. As I look back on a room filled with nearly 200 women representing every corner of our industry, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Not just because the event sold out so quickly or because of the incredible speakers who shared their stories and expertise, but because of the impact it had on those who attended. Over the past week and a half, the messages, emails, and conversations have continued to pour in. Attendees have shared how a speaker’s message resonated with them, how a new connection may lead to an opportunity, how they left feeling empowered, encouraged, and equipped with tools they can use both professionally and personally. Those are the moments that matter most. To everyone who attended, sponsored, spoke, volunteered, and supported this event—thank you. Your enthusiasm and belief in what we’re building is what makes this summit special. I have spent 41 years in this industry, and one thing I know for certain is that when women come together to support, mentor, encourage, and challenge one another, amazing things happen. My heart is full, my gratitude is endless, and yes… we’re already talking about next year. And stay tuned. Danielle and I have been having some exciting conversations about new ways to continue these connections, share ideas, and keep the momentum going throughout the year. We can’t wait to share more soon. #WomenInInsurance #Leadership #Mentorship #WomenSupportingWomen #BigICT #ProfessionalDevelopment
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Melissa Gatto reposted thisMelissa Gatto reposted thisAssociates from Connecticut attended the 2nd annual Big I Connecticut Women’s Summit! This sold-out event, co-led by Regional Marketing Manager and Big I CT Immediate Past Chair, Melissa Gatto, brought together women across the insurance industry for a day of leadership, connection, and empowerment. This year’s speakers included Claudia St. John, Angela Ripley, CIC, CRM, AIS, LUTCF, Jenna Rogers, and local women business owners. With a vision to create a space for community and support, Melissa was instrumental in launching the first Women’s Summit, and the event continues to serve as a valuable platform for supporting and elevating women within the insurance industry.
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Melissa Gatto shared thisStill feeling the energy from this incredible day—so much connection, inspiration, and powerful conversation. Take a look through the photos and relive some of the highlights!Melissa Gatto shared thisThank you again to everyone who attended the Connecticut Women’s Summit 2026. What an incredible second year! The room was full of people who showed up with open minds, open hearts, and a shared passion for supporting and strengthening women in this industry. One of the most powerful parts of the day was the energy each of you brought into the room. We loved getting to connect, learn, reflect, and grow alongside all of you. Our event photo gallery is now live! If you spot yourself in the photos, share them and tag us, we’d love to celebrate and support you. Thank you for helping make CTWS2026 such a meaningful experience! ✨ https://adobe.ly/4tUneZh #CTWS2026 #WomenInInsurance #WomenInLeadership #BigICT #WomenSupportingWomen
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Melissa Gatto reposted thisMelissa Gatto reposted thisWhat's one thing YOU wish more people knew about women in insurance? #BigICTWomen #WomenInInsuranceSummit #CTWomen #WomeninLeadership
Melissa Gatto commented on a post
1w
I’ve had many prospects over the years tell me they only deal with local agencies. My response is always ‘Does that mean every one of your customers is local too?’
It’s funny how often the answer is no.
Melissa Gatto commented on a post
3w
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve always believed that carrier relationships are built on trust, not transactions. It takes years to earn a reputation as an agency that is honest, prepared, and respectful of an underwriter’s time. Those relationships become invaluable when your clients need someone willing to go the extra mile. Protect your reputation—it will open far more doors than trying to win a single negotiation ever will.
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Organizations
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CNA Small Business Product and Technology Council
Board Member
- Present -
The Hartford Small Business Advisory Council
Board Member
- Present -
Acadia Agent's Advisory Council
Board Member
- Present
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