Next Generation Talent

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.”

As a crop insurance agent in Iowa, Jaime Hopkins believes the process works best when both the Farm Service Agency and independent agents are involved.

Ashley Fitzsimmons, a fourth-generation independent agent who gets to know her clients on a personal level, says she doesn’t have time to be lazy.

John Borja believes independent agencies should worry less about finding the “ideal insurance broker” and more about molding new recruits to fit their culture.

Jared Blackwood believes recruitment is only half of the industry’s perpetuation problem—the bigger issue is that leaders aren’t stepping up as mentors for young agents.

For Corbin Adams, getting over the fear of rejection is paramount to succeeding as an independent agent.

As both a mother and the vice president of her father’s agency, Neidra Crosby values her insurance career for allowing her to “be prosperous in all areas.”

10 independent agents in their 20s and 30s share their experience and insights—and how they plan to help perpetuate the insurance industry.