HR and Staffing

10 independent agents in their 20s and 30s share insights on the insurance industry in 2020—and where they plan to take it.

“I think it’s really about trying to educate young people about the reality of an insurance career and how it looks long-term,” says Dallas Ross, independent agent. “In a time like right now, it’s a very stable career and it’s nice to not have to worry ab

With technology, “there’s no sitting still,” says Cameron Annas, independent agent. “You’ve got to adapt. If you don’t, then it’ll be great for your competition because you probably won’t be here in 5-10 years.”

Here are three stories from independent agents who are taking part in the successful perpetuation of not only their individual businesses, but the independent agency system as a whole.

Your agency is a barn find for a private equity buyer. Consider a staged internal perpetuation to create a legacy and maximize your earnings.

Colten Zamrzla’s priority is to protect his clients by always acting with integrity, “even if it means losing a sale,” he says. “There’s nothing more important than protecting your reputation and sticking to your convictions.”

Like many other millennials, Annie Wilson is a jack of all trades. “I do mostly personal lines, but I also work on IT, social media, marketing,” she says. “The insurance space is a great industry with so many different opportunities, which is super exciti

Jenny Saint Preux admits that “insurance has a horrible rap for being very boring,” but if the industry is going to change its perception, “we have to push diversity in all forms,” she says. “We have to get more women in higher positions, underwriting pos

Jenni Mathis was convinced she wasn’t meant for an office job. But after several years of pursuing her passion—wilderness therapy—she eventually found her way back to insurance. “I used to navigate the risk of a river or a hiking trail,” she says. “Now, I

The fact that Cristal Llorens speaks four languages gives her agency a serious competitive advantage. “It’s great for customer service, because I may have a customer who speaks a little English, but they just feel more comfortable speaking in their own la