Marquis Who’s Who Honors Elaine R. Stearns for Expertise in Entrepreneurship
Elaine R. Stearns is a distinguished expert in operations with over 25 years of dedication to financial services
After her husband passed in April of 2020, she stepped into the position of owner and regional director of American Para Professional Systems (APPS).
URBANDALE, IA, February 21, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Elaine R. Stearns has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Stearns has dedicated over 35 years to the insurance industry. After her husband passed in April of 2020, she stepped into the position of owner and regional director of American Para Professional Systems (APPS) in the State of Iowa. APPS in Iowa was founded July 1,1991. Since 2000, Elaine has managed the business’s entire operations, including bookkeeping. Her leadership has been instrumental in adapting to the industry’s evolving landscape, where much of the work is now conducted through computers and online channels. Despite these changes, Ms. Stearns maintains a strong staff, including two customer service professionals and her son, who plays an integral role in the company’s success while ensuring personal interactions with customers, and remaining vital to the business.
Leveraging her former experience, Ms. Stearns served as the marketing director for APPS beginning in 1996. Within her first six months at APPS, she significantly contributed to the company’s growth by 40%, which profoundly impacted its cash flow. This achievement underscored her ability to leverage relationships with agents and adapt marketing strategies effectively. Besides her contribution to APPS, Ms. Stearns garnered success with two insurance brokerage firms.
Ms. Stearns’s career has been marked by resilience and determination, particularly following the loss of her husband, James Stearns. She successfully navigated the complexities of running a business by surrounding herself with knowledgeable individuals who could support her vision for growth. Notably, Ms. Stearns’s husband’s extensive experience in various claims departments across California, Illinois, Alaska and New York gave them a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the insurance industry. Together, they built a successful venture that continues to thrive under her leadership.
Looking ahead, Ms. Stearns intends to retire within the next few years, allowing her more time to focus on personal pursuits while leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the insurance field.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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