YAK
YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS
Carol Grudowski
Years in Industry: 14
Contact Info: [email protected]
M&M Insurance Associates, 1700 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214
office 316-264-9317 | fax 316-264-9317
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY?
I was previously in the healthcare industry, when I realized
that I wanted to help Medicare patients who were purchasing
poor supplemental policies. In 2003, I walked in to the
Wood-Dulohery Agency in Parsons and applied for a job.
Bob and Mike hired me, trained me and helped me get
licensed. I’ve been in the industry since.
Carol Grudowski
CIC, CISR
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN INDEPENDENT
INSURANCE AGENT?
My clients’ satisfaction and the personal “thank-yous” from
them. The reason I do what I do, is to help clients. It is my
ultimate reward to see their business succeed. The trust they
build in me, as their agent, is a great honor and I am truly
happy to help them thrive.
WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING TO THE
INDUSTRY? WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO BE
IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?
Drive, desire to learn and spirit. I would. Of course I would like them to pursue their
own passions, but I also believe that finding a passion in
the insurance industry would be very possible if given an
opportunity, as it was with me.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING IN THE
NEXT 5-10 YEARS?
Insurance agencies will have to entice young people to
enter into the industry in many new ways that have not
been used before. In an industry where there is not a lot
of interest, outside of family members of the principals
or existing employees, it is extremely difficult to attract
young talent. However, with many valuable skills that the
insurance industry provides, such as sales, customer service,
and the opportunity to learn about business operations, we
can expect to see new and exciting ways to recruit young
professionals.
WHO/WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR GREATEST RESOURCES IN
THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY?
Mentors and my fellow Young Agents. I have discussed
many things with them and they are always willing to share
experiences and resolutions that are helpful to other young
agents in many of the same situations. Also another valuable
resource is the continuing education classes that go far
beyond what my annual requirements are, as well as training
classes offered by our companies. If there are free classes
or webinars available, and if it is relative to my role in the
agency, I try to fit these in to my schedule. The knowledge
gained by these opportunities is priceless.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH
PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS MORE
THAN 10 YEARS?
Learn from your agents, and teach them everything you know.
Use one another’s experiences and knowledge. Apply their
skills where they fit best.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
I would like to continue to be a valuable asset to my agency
and bring new ideas and my knowledge of many different
facets of the industry into the agency. Upon retiring I plan to
travel the country with my husband.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN INCOMING
YOUNG AGENT?
1. Find a mentor, someone with experience who can help
guide you. Be open to their advice.
2. Network with other young agents who are more than likely
experiencing the some of the same challenges.
3. Take advantage of as many training opportunities as you
can, again, this is so important to your success as an agent.
| July - August 2017 | KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER
9