YAK
YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS
Lynsee James
Years in Industry: 10
Email: [email protected]
Office phone: 913-652-2231
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY?
As it seems like everyone in the industry says, I fell into it. I
started as a receptionist. I left for vacation and when I got
back, all of my things were in a box. I thought for sure I
was getting fired but instead I was being moved to the back
office to learn farm and home. Shortly after that, I got my
license and I’ve been at it ever since!
WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING
TO THE INDUSTRY?
For starters, we are chameleons. The ability to easily adapt
to our ever changing industry is in our blood. Whether
it is new technology or changes to the marketplace we
have the capability to look at this industry with a new
perspective which helps keep us moving forward. Also,
with technology playing such a big role in our industry,
we have the ability to translate the tried and true sales
process online. The times are changing, and every day we
see more and more people that want to initiate the sales
process on the web or via email.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING
IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS?
I think we will see a rise in InsurTech. Our customers
are getting more and more technologically advanced.
They want things and they want them now. We need
technology that allows us to do business faster, smarter
and more efficient than we currently are to stay relevant.
I see our major carriers teaming up with those InsurTech
companies to accommodate that change in the market.
WHO/WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR GREATEST
RESOURCES IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY?
My agency principal, and past KAIA President, Lee Hays.
I have held a couple of different positions within the
agency, each evolving with my strengths. He has always
encouraged me, and everyone in our agency, to attend
all of the education seminars that we can and learn as
much as possible. He has also made it a point to get me
involved in the KAIA and Young Agents of Kansas (YAK).
Lynsee James
Every single event I go to I make a connection with a new
young agent or agency principal, further building my
network of resources.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT?
The power of choice! I love having the capability to
tailor solutions for our customers’ needs at every stage
of their lives.
WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN
CHILDREN TO BE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?
Absolutely. This industry will always be a necessity and
there really is a place for everyone. There will always be a
need for good talent whether you are an actuary, claims
adjustor or an account manager.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE
WITH PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE
BUSINESS MORE THAN 10 YEARS?
Don’t be afraid to mentor! Insurance isn’t something you can
simply learn from a book. Share your strategies. Share your war
stories. It a great way to help retain those quality employees.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
I want to learn as much as I possibly can. I am a giant
operations nerd so my pipe dream is to open my own
consulting firm.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN
INCOMING YOUNG AGENT?
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There truly is no such
thing as a stupid question.
2. Network with other young agents. The YAK is a great
way to do that. It can sometimes feel like we operate on
our own island. You would be surprised to hear how many
others out there have the same struggles as you do.
3. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. The base of
everything is taking care of our customers and you can’t
forget that.
| January - February 2018 | KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER
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