"Everyone says insurance is relationship-based and sometimes that can just be a throwaway statement," says young agent Kate Adams. "But when you're up against a deadline, it's six o'clock at night and you’re not going to get paid if you don't get something done by 8 a.m. the next day, you need relationships and connections."
Kate Adams
Commercial Lines Marketing Manager
Denver
Age: 30
Go-to drink order: Iced vanilla latte
Favorite movie: “The Intern."
No. 1 item on bucket list: Go whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon
How did you get started in insurance?
I went to the University of Mississippi—Ole Miss, as more people know it. I majored in finance but took an elective intro to risk management class in the fall semester of my senior year and loved it. My professor mentioned there was an independent agency looking for interns and I needed a job on my resume that wasn't being a summer camp counselor.
I worked there, then remotely for an agency out of Texas, but then moved to Colorado in 2023 and realized this is where I'm going to be long-term. I wanted to plant some roots here and have opportunities in this area. I was lucky enough to find that at Flood & Peterson.
Biggest industry challenge?
There's always been change as long as insurance has been around, but I think we're seeing rapid change with technology—both in terms of trying to create products to properly insure technology or having technology in place at our agency. We have also been facing a pretty severe talent gap crisis for at least the last decade. We have to be agile, adaptable and nimble.
Launching your state's young agent committee?
The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC) Next-Gen Committee launched back in October. I lived in Oklahoma before I moved here, and I served as a member of the Oklahoma NextGen board for two years, which is a very established, successful group. When I moved out here and PIIAC reached out to me about starting a chapter, there was no hesitation. It's been a challenge but a fun ride for sure.
What do you love about insurance?
I love the community that comes with it. We have something that is extremely special and unique that a lot of my friends in other industries don't have the opportunity to experience. Everyone says insurance is relationship-based and sometimes that can just be a throwaway statement. But when you're up against a deadline, it's six o'clock at night and you're not going to get paid if you don't get something done by 8 a.m. the next day, you need relationships and connections, and people you trust to get something done and do it honestly and ethically.
Best thing about being an independent insurance agent?
It exposes you to so much. Nothing is mundane or routine. There's always a new exciting risk or problem to solve, a new relationship to cultivate. And you get out what you put in. If you're driven and passionate, there's really nothing that you cannot do.
Goals for the future?
With the Next-Gen Committee, growing involvement and engagement with the community is a big goal of mine over the next two terms as I serve as chair. And then, at my agency, I work in a new business marketing role so I handle a lot of carrier relationships and new business placement, and would love to just continue growing in that role in the Colorado marketplace. I also want to get more involved with the national Big “I."
AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.
