License to Lead: Meet Young Agent Kendra Garrett
Kendra Garrett
Licensed insurance professional and communications specialist
Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency
Columbus, Ohio
Age: 33
Go-to drink order: Tea—ginger tea, matcha tea, English breakfast
Favorite TV show: “Living Single” or “Gossip Girl”
No. 1 item on bucket list: Own international property
How did you get started in insurance?
My mother is the owner of the agency I work for. She’s been trying to get me into the agency for forever. I was like, “No, no, no. You think I’m working with my mom? Are you crazy?” But last year it just made sense, and I decided to give it a try. Originally, I was just coming in to do some social media and public relations, which is my background. But after three days, I knew I needed to get licensed. I fell in love and now I’m like, “Why haven’t I been doing this forever?”
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Biggest challenges the industry is facing?
I became a licensed agent last April. When I came into the industry, it was crazy. We’re still dealing with COVID, we’re still dealing with the ramifications of carriers increasing rates. I would say the biggest thing is the lack of education among consumers. People are getting mortgages, buying cars, not understanding the ramifications on their insurance.
Best thing about being an independent insurance agent?
That there’s nobody out there who can do what I do. My skillset of communications, of being able to read a contract, of being able to exist in all these different worlds—this job is predestined for me. I’m supposed to be here. Also, I just love being a nosy person and telling folks what they could do better. I’m a big sister. I’m bossing everybody around.
My favorite part about being an agent is empowering people and letting them know that they don’t have to do this alone. That empowers me when I know I’ve positively affected somebody’s life, especially when it comes to their finances. I’m also licensed in life insurance and I spoke to an audience of creatives at a CultureCon event and gave them a rant: “Please, creatives, get some insurance in your life.”
Role model or mentor?
My mom. She’s just the best to have done this and I’m excited to make it a second-generation thing. She cares about everybody. Our agency’s mission is to be empowered. She’s so good at that. Through the policies, through the carriers, through the loss ratios, through talking to Capitol Hill and understanding the legislative aspects, even talking with other agencies who try to make us uncomfortable when we walk into rooms, she still walks with integrity and light that is untouched.
She’s shown me that I can be as loud and creative as I want to. If you do what you’re supposed to do and work with integrity, all of your actions will be fine.
What are your goals for the future?
The sky is the limit. We’re licensed in 13 states and Washington, D.C., so we’re growing. I live between Florida, Atlanta and Columbus. I get to do a lot of fun travel all over to support and empower people. I plan on starting an educational series about insurance to help people understand more and more. I’d also love to get into international insurance—there’s something there that intrigues me.
AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.
