Magazine

Before Susan Erickson took the helm of her insurance agency, she was busy weathering the waves of the commercial fishing industry.

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.

Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Courtney Jacobs began her career as a financial adviser.

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.

Gonyo has worked every role in an independent agency—from working the front desk to producing—before starting her own agency at 32 years old with “minimal money in a tiny little office,” she says. Today, Blue Line Insurance has four branches and 15 employees, 14 of whom are women.