Agency Nation Meets: Julie Furst

• April 6, 2026

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

Julie Furst, vice president of marketing, communications & events at Big I New York & Big I Connecticut, is a creative marketer and storyteller who proudly champions independent insurance agencies across New York and Connecticut. At Big I New York and Big I Connecticut, she leads marketing, digital strategy and events that help the independent agent community connect—with ideas, resources, and each other.

With over 25 years in integrated marketing and StoryBrand certification, she cares deeply about continuous learning across every aspect of life and people, and about supporting the businesses she truly believes in. Her family is her world. Julie also serves on the Big “I” Marketing Summit committee and has facilitated that great event.

Which sports teams do you support and why?

We are a New York Rangers family.

Sounds like everyone was given a choice. Do you have any pets?

Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a real-life stuffed animal. His name is Dunkin’ Donuts. My kids and husband keep trying to convince me we need a “Starbucks” too.

So what is your coffee order?

Regular coffee with cream and sugar. I drink on repeat all day long and can actually sip it while falling asleep.

If you’re drinking coffee all day, how do you … anyway … If you could live in any historical period, which one would you choose?

While I long for simpler times, they were not as full of opportunities as those I have today.

Great wisdom. What’s one productivity tool you couldn’t live without?

My iPhone. Bless that thing! I also love talking directly into ChatGPT.

What is the most-used emoji on your phone?

Heart. It’s my new exclamation point.

OK, can you tell us a joke?

What instrument does a skeleton play? A trombone. [I’m very popular with the 11-and-under crowd.]

We laughed. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who look down on others. Infuriating. And toilet paper should go over the top, of course.

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

Surf and turf, salad with creamy blue, angel hair with butter and parm, and bread and butter.

And what is your favorite pizza topping?

Black olives and anchovies. Pepperoni, mushroom and sausage is a close second. Upstate New York pizza is the BEST. However, I do love a crispy Margherita in New Haven.

If you could appear on any game show, which one would you choose?

Family Feud! The Amazing Race had me until “eat a bowl of live bugs.”

What one piece of advice would you give to your great-grandchildren?

Find joy and be joyful to others; it’s in your blood. Keep family traditions alive. Celebrate everything, bake pies, play cards. Connection needs to be tended to.

What phrase do you most live by?

Think positively and see the silver lining. Always be kind.

Good advice. Thanks, Julie!

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