| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE |
YAK
YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS
Michelle Hamilton
Years in Industry: 3
Contact Info: [email protected]
316-621-4915
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY?
I worked with BCBS of TX before moving back to
Kansas. I enjoyed working in insurance and came across
an employment ad for ICI. It took me 2 years and 3
interviews to get the job .
WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING
TO THE INDUSTRY?
Young agents bring a lack of knowledge. This keeps us
vigilant. We tend to be afraid of missing anything so we
ask more questions.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING
IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS?
I see more business going to online entities. Agencies will
need to increase their online presence while still finding a
way to promote the benefits of a personal relationship.
WHO/WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR GREATEST
RESOURCES IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY?
My husband and the ICI Team are invaluable to my
success. ICI is a strong promotor of a family environment
which creates a strong support network. Ryan, like his
father Tom, encourages us to continue to learn and grow
as individuals and agents.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT?
I appreciate having options and being able to pass those
options on to our clients. ICI is not a “one size fits all”
insurance company and being an independent agent
affords us the opportunity to explore many options for
our clients.
8
Michelle Hamilton
WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN
CHILDREN TO BE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?
I have and would encourage my children and nieces
into this profession. This is a career that can have huge
economic rewards without requiring a college degree or
incurring a large debt. You can dictate your level of success
in this industry.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE
WITH PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE
BUSINESS MORE THAN 10 YEARS?
My experience is still very limited given I have only worked
in Commercial Insurance for 3 years. My only advice would
be, be patient. Take time to listen to those who are new to
the industry because we’re going to ask the most questions.
It might be tedious but you never know what you will learn
from us.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
Right now, with only 3 years under my belt, my only plan
is to keep learning and growing. I’ve obtained my CISR
designation and have a goal to start my CIC courses in
another 2-3 years. I want to learn as much as I can so I can
be the best asset to my team and my clients.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN
INCOMING YOUNG AGENT?
1. Take your CISR courses. These classes are packed with
information and provide a wealth of knowledge in the
course books.
2. Ask questions and stay humble. These go hand in
hand because this industry changes so much. Nothing in
insurance is exactly the same from one risk to the next.
3. Utilize your peers. Whether it be your producers, co-
workers, underwriters or the network of agents, draw on
their knowledge.
KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | March - April 2017 |