Insurance is often seen as a necessity… something people need but don’t necessarily enjoy dealing with. That’s where Lisa Keslar, co-owner of Keslar Insurance, is changing the game. With offices in Newmarket and Rochester, NH, Lisa and her team do more than just offer insurance, they provide education, guidance, and peace of mind.
What started as a business venture with her husband has turned into a trusted local agency, helping individuals and businesses across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts navigate the complexities of home, auto, and business insurance. But Lisa’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s also deeply committed to giving back to the community, supporting nonprofits, and helping people in more ways than just insurance coverage.
In this Women Business Owners Who Are Making a Difference feature, we’re highlighting Lisa’s journey, her mission, and her advice for other entrepreneurs looking to build a business that truly makes a difference.
Lynn Davey: Tell me a little about yourself! Where are you from, and what inspires you every day?
Lisa Keslar: I’m a New England girl, through and through. I grew up in MA, went to school there but always spent weekends and summers in the Lakes Region. We moved up to NH about 25 years ago and I’ve never looked back.
I’m inspired by my community. Being surrounded by amazing people who educate, support, lift, and love. Every day I look forward to talking to or meeting someone else amazing!
LD: How would you describe your business in one sentence?
LK: We take the stress out of your home, auto or business insurance through education and exceptional service.
LD: What does your business do, and who do you serve?
LK: We provide insurance solutions in NH, ME and MA for both businesses and individuals.
LD: What inspired you to start your business, and what was the moment you knew this was the path for you?
LK: My husband inspired me to join him on this adventure. To be honest, at first I was hesitant. I didn’t feel a calling to insurance. But I realized I was looking at it all incorrectly. I am driven to serve, educate and help. As everyone needs insurance, we can take some of the stress and pain out of it through careful review of coverages, explanations of options, and alternatives for pricing. It makes my day when we were able to help someone and they are satisfied that they are well served.
LD: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your industry or the work you do?
LK: I wish people knew that not all insurance is the same. It’s not a commodity. Too many people find out when there is a claim and they aren’t correctly covered- all caused by a choice they made to save a couple of dollars or because their agent didn’t go over options with them. With the tight economy and the market pressures, so many people are seeing premium increases so they are making quick decisions on price alone. We think price is exceptionally important- but sometimes significant coverage options can only be small amounts more in premium.
LD: What do you love most about running your business?
LK: I’d say our team. We work with some of the most incredible people. They live with integrity and thoughtfulness. They also work diligently to continue learning about the nuances of various products to ensure they provide solid recommendations and options for our clients. They also think about going the extra mile, listening to customer’s comments, and working to be a resource for our customers in any way that they can. It makes me proud to be affiliated with them.
LD: How does your business make a difference, either in your community, industry, or for your clients?
LK: I really hope so! David and I have always said that it is important that we create value. We want that for our staff, our customers, and the communities in which we serve. We work to support nonprofits that service where we work and live.
LD: What’s a project, initiative, or moment in your career that you’re most proud of?
LK: I’m proud to have had the opportunity to work with my husband on this business. He’s a great person who is really passionate about building a growing business that allows us to help more people.
LD: Are there any causes or organizations you support that align with your mission?
LK: Way more than I can name. For example, during the Super Bowl we do a campaign for 100 local nonprofits where one will win a donation from our company each quarter depending on the score of the game that quarter. We love celebrating all these incredible organizations and doing whatever we can to lift them.
LD: What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome it?
LK: There are so many challenges to owning a business. We started our agency from scratch, having to work really hard to have people get to know we are here and a resource for them. Fortunately, we have grown through word of mouth, which fills my heart because it means we are making people happy!
LD: What’s a piece of advice you’d share with another woman who is thinking about starting her own business?
LK: Do your homework, use the resources that are available to you like NH SBDC, SCORE and more. Build a community to have your back and support you. And if you are clear on what you want and how you will get there… be persistent. The rest will come.
LD: Coffee or tea? How do you take it?
LK: Hot Cocoa? 🙂 Or hot water with lemon and honey… yum. Nothing more comforting!
LD:What’s one song that always gets you motivated or in a great mood?
LK: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole.
Building a Legacy of Support & Service
Lisa Keslar has helped to build Keslar Insurance into more than just a business… it’s a resource, a support system, and a pillar in the community. From ensuring her clients have the right coverage to supporting local nonprofits, Lisa embodies what it means to be a woman business owner who is making a difference.
Her dedication to education, customer service, and community impact sets her apart in an industry where trust is everything. Whether she’s helping a family find the right home insurance or guiding a small business through their coverage options, Lisa’s focus remains the same: serving with integrity and heart.
Know another inspiring woman business owner who should be featured? Send me an email! I’d love to share more stories like Lisa’s.
Hi, I’m Lynn!
I help business owners and solopreneurs create websites that truly reflect who they are, attract their right-fit clients, and make them feel unstoppable. But beyond design, my passion lies in helping people feel heard, seen, and supported… because when your brand aligns with your purpose, confidence follows.
I believe in the power of creative problem-solving, fearless innovation, and purpose-driven design. My goal? To craft a strategic, impactful website that empowers you to grow your business and make a difference in the lives of your clients and community.
✨ My superpower? Inspiring curiosity and empowering personal expression.
✨ My approach? A mix of creativity, strategy, and fearless determination.
If you’re looking for a website that makes you feel confident, inspired, and empowered, I’d love to connect and hear more about your vision!
