We had the good fortune of connecting with Olga Kopylova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olga, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Making decisions in uncertain conditions often triggers fear, and I am no exception. Every time I face the necessity to take a risk, I feel anxious. But for me, risk has always been an integral part of growth and achieving success. Without it, I would not have reached what I have now. At the age of 39, I made one of the most significant decisions in my life—I moved from Saint Petersburg Russia, where I had a successful career in sales management, to New York. This step was full of risk: starting everything from scratch in an unfamiliar country, without professional achievements or a social circle, and needing to adapt to a new language. Every time I feel fear, I ask myself: what will change if I do this, and how will I feel if I don’t? This question helps me plan actions for both success and failure, making the unknown less frightening.

I believe it’s important to understand what motivates you: the drive toward a goal or the desire to avoid something. There is no universal answer; everyone chooses their path. After 9 years in the USA, I have two successful companies: Ultra Drive Inc., a consulting firm in the trucking industry, and Ultra Coverage Inc, an insurance agency that is developing very successfully. These achievements would not have been possible without the willingness to take risks and overcome fear.

In addition to my entrepreneurial efforts, I am also actively seeking to enhance my qualifications in risk management and insurance. I am currently studying for the CPCU license, which specializes in risk management and property-casualty insurance. This training not only expands my knowledge and skills in critical aspects of my business but also underscores my commitment to taking calculated risks based on a deep understanding of potential consequences.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Five years ago, my husband and I decided to move from New York State to Florida and start a consulting company, Ultra Drive Inc, in the trucking industry. At that time, I already had extensive experience in this field in NY. Initially, we started working from home, but after six months, we opened our first office in FL, and a year later, we also opened an office in NY. Our company has established itself as a significant professional in this niche. Thanks to our clients, who kept asking when I would start offering truck insurance, I decided to pursue training and, after obtaining my insurance agent license, opened a second company, Ultra Coverage Inc, which focuses on insurance. We dedicated a year to forming a portfolio of the best insurance companies, and I can now confidently say that we have achieved great results in this area. Another convenience for our clients is our application for iPhone and Android, which significantly eases the client’s workload as they can generate certificates, file claims, or find stored documents at any moment. Currently, we write insurance for commercial transport, homes, and apartments, and we will launch two new lines of insurance this year. No matter how many new companies we start or how much we scale our business, our main focus is always on the client.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Discovering South Florida: Weeklong Road Trip to Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Jupiter Join us on an unforgettable week-long trip exploring the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. From the bustling streets of Miami to the serene beaches of Jupiter. I prefer a variety of holidays in Florida from active to visiting museums, theaters and of course restaurants.

When it comes to Miami, I suggest starting in the heart, where the colorful street art of Wynwood Walls and the contemporary exhibits of the Perez Art Museum set the scene. Indulge in legendary seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab and experience the vibrant nightlife of South Beach. I like visiting the Vizcaya Museum and also strolling in the parks there. Miami is replete with a variety of restaurants for every taste, there is plenty to choose from.

A serene getaway in Key Biscayne: Discover the tranquil beauty of Florida’s Bill Baggs Point State Park, with its cozy beaches and historic lighthouse. Experience the essence of Cuban culture with dinner at Versailles Restaurant, then spend the night exploring Calle Ocho in Little Havana.

The coastal charm of Boca Raton. In Boca Raton, you can interact with marine life at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, enjoy shopping and dining at Mizner Park, and relax at the scenic Red Reef Park. End your day with an Italian feast at Tanzy Restaurant and a movie at the iPic Cinema.

West Palm Beach’s cultural richness: Immerse yourself in art at the Norton Museum, then enjoy the culinary scene at Grato. Stroll through Rosemary Square and Clematis Street to shop the boutiques and take a sunset dinner cruise from Riviera Beach Pier. And of course, you can’t ignore Brakkers, which is not only beautiful, but also has wonderful restaurants inside.

Natural Wonders of Jupiter: Explore the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum and enjoy the underwater world at Dubois Park. End your day with fresh seafood and live music at Guanabanas Restaurant, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

Everglades Adventure: Venture into the wild with an airboat tour of Everglades National Park, where you’ll see alligators, a variety of bird species, and a unique ecosystem. Relax with a casual evening at The Wharf Miami on the Miami River.

A day of relaxation: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at SLS Brickell’s SAAM Lounge and indulge in a spa day at the Mandarin Oriental Miami. Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at the LPM Restaurant and Bar, serving French-Mediterranean cuisine.

This weeklong trip to South Florida promises more than just a vacation, but a fun, interesting, and exciting experience. From the art lover and beach lover to the foodie and adventurer, this sun-drenched paradise has something for everyone. Join us as we highlight the best places to eat, drink, visit and hang out in Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Jupiter – a testament to the enduring spirit and beauty of South Florida.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to a constellation of mentors, friends, and family who’ve illuminated my path. Specifically, my gratitude extends to a mentor back in Saint Petersburg. This mentor taught me the value of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and the importance of continuous learning—lessons that have been foundational to my successes.

Equally, my family deserves immense recognition. Their unwavering support and belief in my potential, even when I decided to uproot our lives from Russia to New York, provided me with a safety net of love and encouragement.

Two books that have profoundly influenced my perspective on business and personal growth are “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Traction” by Gino Wickman. “Good to Great” provided me with insights into how companies transition from being good companies to great ones, emphasizing the importance of discipline, leadership, and the right team. “Traction,” on the other hand, offered a practical approach to achieving business success, focusing on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to create momentum and sustain growth.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the vibrant community of entrepreneurs and professionals in the trucking and insurance industries in the United States. Their openness to share knowledge, experiences, and insights has been invaluable. The networks and friendships I’ve built within these communities have not only enriched my professional life but have also provided me with a sense of belonging in a new country.

Each of these influences has played a critical role in shaping my journey.

Website: www.ultra-coverage.com; www.ultdrive.com

Instagram: ultra_coverage_inc_; ultradriveinc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-kopylova-b1131358/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ultradrive1 ; https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ultra%20coverage%20inc

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