Viewpoints

To support the continued growth of the insurance industry, fostering collaboration across generations is essential and offers significant benefits for all involved.

Miles Lee, the winner of the 2025 Young Agent Of The Year Award, reflects on making an impact.

Jackson Rollo did not grow up dreaming of insurance. But like many second-generation leaders, once he found his way into the business, he stayed because of the relationships, responsibility and real impact independent agents can have in their communities.

Summer Cole’s insurance career began in 2003 in the commercial department of a local independent insurance agency, where she quickly fell in love with the industry. Like many in agency roles, she wore multiple hats, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of agency operations.

Emily McGinn is general manager of the MGA and wholesale business unit at Vertafore, overseeing product development, professional services and customer service.

Jamie Behymer, director of diversity, inclusion and young agents at the Big “I,” leads initiatives that empower emerging leaders and help independent insurance agencies become more inclusive.

“It’s all about embracing artificial intelligence (AI),” says young agent Audriana Misic. “Not to replace people but to make what we do more efficient and effective.”

“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.”

“Spanish is my first language,” says young agent Deuel Romero. “I got into the industry when I saw a huge opportunity with the underserved demographic of the Hispanic business owner community.”