When Brett Garry graduated college with a degree in finance, his dad told him to get some real-world experience before joining the family agency. Today, he’s grateful he spent four years as an underwriter, learning how to “speak the language” of the insur
Veneé Galloway traces her origins as an insurance agent back to a personal tragedy that showed her the value of life insurance: “That’s how I transitioned into insurance—screaming from the rooftops, ‘Do this for your family!'”
When Anais Babajanian traded in her public accounting career to take over her mom’s Houston-based independent agency, it was “a complete 180,” she says. “Now, I’m adding value, and I’m in control of how successful I am.”
Nicole Carrigan didn’t plan on building a career in insurance, but working for a family-owned business in a small tourist town gives her the opportunity to “help those I know and care about,” she says. “I have heavy roots in my community.”
Ten young agents under the age of 33 share their thoughts on the insurance industry’s appeal for the next generation of employees and clients—and what needs to happen for independent agents to thrive in the future.
Independent agents Zuri Malick, Kyle Dean and Kali DeWitt share their personal experiences with perpetuation.
Rachel Vela never even wanted a desk job. But when her mom finally convinced her to give the family agency a chance, she found out insurance is more interesting and challenging than she expected.
When Aislyn Vaughan isn’t binding small commercial policies, she’s teaching dance lessons, instructing a yoga class, and running the Vermont Young Agents Committee.
Playing college football gave Owen Thomas a competitive spirit that makes the insurance industry a perfect career: “I love the challenge and the freedom.”
Corbin Jackson, a 24-year-old agency owner, advises others in the industry to “know how you’re going to differentiate yourself.”