For small and midsize independent insurance agencies, 2026 is the best and the hardest time to market a business. The industry is steady, technology is smarter and customers are always within reach. Yet, staying visible in a nonstop digital world takes more energy than ever.
As an independent insurance agent—whether you’re a solo practitioner, a small business or a growing large agency—strong PR can help you connect with your audience, protect your reputation and stand out in a crowded world.
Consumers want to place their business with companies that care. Here’s why your agency should be visible and vocal about community involvement.
Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Courtney Jacobs began her career as a financial adviser.
Throughout his career, Elliott has played a pivotal role in the Big “I” community at both the state and national levels—from chairing the Young Agents of Kansas (YAK) and the national Young Agents Committee (YAC) to championing political advocacy in his current role as chair of the state government affairs committee.
“We need to encourage other young professionals to get into the industry and understand that it has a lot of opportunities,” says young agent Lucas Anderson. “I had the privilege of being born into it, there are a lot of people who fall backwards into it, but we need to turn it into an industry…
“My favorite part about being an agent is empowering people and letting them know that they don’t have to do this alone,” says young agent Kendra Garrett. “That empowers me when I know I’ve positively affected somebody’s life, especially when it comes to their finances.”
Elliott has been a driving force in the Big “I” community on both the state and national level, from chairing the Young Agents of Kansas (YAK) and national Young Agents Committee (YAC) to championing political advocacy in his current role as chair of the state government affairs committee.
Embedding community service into your company culture provides multiple touchpoints throughout the year to energize employees and live your values.
Kendra Garrett, the recipient of this year’s Herndon First-Timer Scholarship Award, resonates with Herndon’s legacy of education and community impact.