Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions.

Carey Wallace is an entrepreneur at heart and started her career at a tech startup, which she was fortunate enough to help take public. That experience gave her a solid education in mergers & acquisitions, and she has been working with entrepreneurs ever since. Wallace found her way to insurance like most do: by chance, when she took a job with the Ohio Insurance Agents Association. After several years in the association world, she eventually took the plunge and started her own business, AgencyFocus, in 2021.

Since then, she has worked with hundreds of independent insurance agency owners, helping them understand what drives the value of their agency and plan their agency's financial future. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, Kevin. They enjoy being on the water and catching as many sunsets together as possible. Her most rewarding role to date is being a mom to our two daughters, Morgan and Lindsay.

Hi, Carey! Thanks for joining us. It's a privilege to meet you. Can you tell us about a time you met a famous person?

We met Hillary Clinton when she was a senator. My daughter Morgan walked up to pet her dog not even realizing who she was and didn't get what the big deal was. She just wanted to pet her dog!

We prefer dogs to politicians too. Do you have any pets?

Yes, we have two dogs. Hudson, who is an Aussiedoodle, and Colonel, a Teacup Yorkie that my daughter Lindsay took custody of when she graduated from college.

In my day, they just handed out diplomas when you graduated. What's one productivity tool you couldn't live without?

My washing machine. I can't imagine hand washing clothes regularly. We did it when we were traveling this summer, and it reminded me how much I love my machine!

That could be the best answer we've ever received for that question! What is the most embarrassing moment of your life?

I was a waitress in high school, and the cutest boy and his friends came in for milkshakes. I was super nervous and managed to catch my sleeve on his straw and dump the entire shake into his lap.

Since it's the holiday season, what film have you watched the most times and will probably keep watching over and over again?

I am a sucker for a good love story—and the holidays. We never miss watching “The Holiday" at Christmastime.

And what do you do to unwind after a long day at work?

Walk on the beach. Nothing is better for your soul than fresh air and a beautiful view.

What phrase or cliché do you most live by?

You get what you give. The energy you put into this world is the energy that will come back to you, so be intentional.

What goals are you currently working toward outside of work?

Writing a book.

If money was no object, what are the first three things you would buy?

Honestly, I am not really a thing person. I would be more inclined to book trips!

If you could stop aging at any age, what age would it be?

I think we all get better with age, so I would keep on keepin' on.

Lastly, what is the most-used emoji on your phone?

A heart.

And we know you have a big one. Thanks, Carey!

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.