PAT SALAS
At Southwest Airlines, our desire to make a difference in the lives of those who live and work in the communities we serve comes from a deep-rooted passion – connecting People to what’s important in their lives. That passion has been in our DNA since our first flight took off in 1971.
We believe that connections can inspire People to do what’s important to them and their communities, whether that’s to fly home to be with loved ones or fly to assist in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to play a part in those important life events for our Customers.
Pat Salas’ hard work and dedication has provided people with health and peace of mind. As President of SBHIS Insurance Services, a reputable Medicare Agency based out of Chula Vista, they guide their beneficiaries in the right healthcare direction. Pat’s passion to connect and make a difference is creating a positive change within our health communities.
PAT SALAS
People who are committed to excellence understand it takes shape in various ways through volunteering, strong work ethic, advocacy, and an understanding of how their jobs making a difference in their community. Pat Salas understands the power behind service and advocating for others: whether transforming lives through her work or charity, she moves forward with a clear goal to bring light to her community.
GB: Tell us about your organization.
PS: SBHIS is an insurance agency dedicated to helping Medicare beneficiaries understand all their coverage options and join the one that best suits their needs. All our services are free of charge.
GB: What is your background and how did you get to where you are today?
PS: I got hired at Secure Horizons (now United Healthcare) when I was 20. I fell in love with serving seniors during my time there, and that passion fueled the foundation of the agency and what it stands for today.
GB: Tell us about one of your proudest moments.
PS: Professionally, every time one of my agents says they are now a homeowner and financially stable because of the job they do with us, my heart just about explodes. Personally, I had the honor of co-chairing the Gala for San Ysidro Health last year with my 13-year-old son. I advised him and to see him shine and own every piece of that stage was one of my proudest moments ever.
GB: Tell us about how you advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and what inspires you to do so.
PS: We started in Chula Vista and immediately developed a following of Hispanic clients who would trust us so much they would say “you choose for me”, “I trust you, you choose for me” then, they would bless me “Vaya con Dios” “Que Dios me la bendiga.” This happened multiple times a day, every day. We do what is right for them every time because we have no other option. Eventually, these members became an extended part of my family. As the agency grew, I only worked with agents that shared the same passion for the members. They had to care, they had to love serving others and they had to understand the responsibility that came with the job.
GB: Which non-profits are close to your heart?
PS: I support San Ysidro Health because they serve and care for many of our members. By helping them, we help improve access to care for our members as well as San Diegans as a whole.
GB: Please share with us how Southwest Airlines has assisted you and your company.
PS: We have offices all over California and Southwest Airlines is how we get to back and forth to our meetings. I love Southwest Airlines because they allow me to change my flights without penalties and are always willing to help. Once I got into a car accident on my way to the airport in Sacramento – I did not realize that I had a concussion until I got to the airport. Confused and scared, a Southwest Airlines attendant walked me to the bathroom, and showed me that I had a laceration on my scalp. She told me not to fly, but I said I had to get home. I still do not know how, but they had a wheelchair waiting for me. The flight attendant had also called the San Diego International Airport, so my husband was waiting for me when I arrived. I wish I could remember her name, but every time I am in Sacramento, I look for her! I am beyond grateful to her for her kindness, compassion, and desire to help me.
As you can see from Pat’s story, being kind to others and going the extra mile to take care of one another is essential to helping make our community better.
