Agency Nation Meets: Summer Cole

• March 2, 2026

Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions. 

Summer Cole’s insurance career began in 2003 in the commercial department of a local independent insurance agency, where she quickly fell in love with the industry. Like many in agency roles, she wore multiple hats, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of agency operations over her 11 years on the agency side. During this time, she was actively involved with the Missouri Association of Independent Agents and served as Young Agent Chair in 2014.

Her deep understanding of agency operations led her to a successful nine-year sales career on the carrier side, supporting independent agencies throughout the Midwest. When the opportunity arose to join the Big “I” in 2022, she was excited to bring her knowledge and passion for the independent agency channel to help member agents grow and maintain their independence.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza.

Is there such a thing as bad pizza? No. What is your favorite topping?

All the meats!

I think we’re going to get along. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint chocolate chip.

And what drink do you usually order at
a bar?

A good red wine.

Gotta wash the pizza and ice cream down with something. If you had to do karaoke, what song would you sing?

“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon. There’s some drama to the song and the range is just right. It’s a real crowd pleaser. Everyone can relate to that one.

So which fictional character do you relate to the most?

DJ Tanner, “Full House.”

And who was your first celebrity crush?

Sean Astin in “The Goonies.”

Do you have any tattoos?

Regrettably, a few … they started becoming mainstream in the ’90s and, of course, I got in on that trend. There are some dolphins involved.

The ’90s were a lawless time. Do you have any pets?

I would have unlimited pets if I could. Currently, I’m limited to two dogs, Jovie and Dolly, and a cat, Kitty.

Which sports teams do you support and why?

I live in Missouri—go Chiefs!

What is your favorite season and why?

Summer, of course.

Duh! What three items are always in your handbag?

Keys, credit cards and a minimum of 10 lip glosses.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Tornados, snakes and ghosts, in no particular order.

Sounds like a horror move mashup. What’s the best phrase or slang people use in your family?

“Look kids, a deer” is said often to get a certain point across in our family.

If you could stop aging at any age, what age would it be?

While I spend a lot of time on reducing the appearance of aging, I’ve come to realize aging is a blessing that not everyone gets to experience. I don’t want to stop aging, but I’d be OK with it slowing down.

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.