KIA&B 2017 Vol. 22, No. 3 | Page 11

YAK YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS Kyle Becker Years in Industry: 7 Contact Info: [email protected] office 785-263-1920 | cell 785-280-1611 Kyle Becker HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY? My partner, Doug Smart, recruited me from the car dealership I was managing. As a local professional I was excited for the opportunity and challenge of learning a new industry. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING TO THE INDUSTRY? I think it is a great introduction to people we will be in the same industry with for many years to come. For the people who want to eventually be leaders in our profession in the future it is a great opportunity to get to know a lot more about KAIA. HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS? Technology is going to drive the consumer into thinking that they can handle their own insurance needs, this could lead them into making decisions based on price rather than coverage. Young agents will need to transfer their efforts from service driven organizations to sales driven organizations. WHO/WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR GREATEST RESOURCES IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY? My greatest resource is the current KAIA board members. They have provided a wealth of knowledge for me and are open to having conversations to help grow in knowledge of coverages and business in general. I would encourage young agents to really look into building those relationships. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT? WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO BE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? I have 3 sons and I think that it is important for them to choose their own life paths. However, I would be very happy if one of my sons had the desire to continue in our industry. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS MORE THAN 10 YEARS? Encourage your young talent to be involved in Young Agents. Push them out of the office to go to Young Agent events. Support them in those events financially too. When they come back from events energized with a new idea, work through that idea and let them try to execute it. It could be the spark you are looking for in your agency. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? My plans are to continue to strive for excellence in our agency and our industry. In the future I hope that I have strong relationships with other young agents who have grown their businesses through KAIA’s Young Agent program and we can help protect and grow our profession. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN INCOMING YOUNG AGENT? 1. Ask! Ask for guidance from others. Ask for Advice. Ask for the appointment. Ask for the business! 2. We all know what we do. Don’t forget why we do it. 3. Keep learning. Our industry is constantly changing. You must always keep changing with it. My greatest reward is the customers I have been able to help through difficult claims. Not all claims go as planned but being able to guide people through those difficult situations makes me proud of the career I have chosen. | May - June 2017 | KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER 9