KIA&B 2018 Vol 23 No. 3 | Page 10

| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE | Michelle Stithem HERITAGE INSURANCE GROUP, INC Years in Industry: 3 Email: [email protected] Phone: 785-425-6734 What do Young Agents bring to the industry? Young Agents are the future of the insurance industry. Young minds bring new ideas, energy and fresh faces to a traditional, yet evolving industry. How do you see the Industry changing in 5-10 years? New products and technology are being created all the time to improve coverages and service for our clients. Staying in touch with your insureds and their changing needs will be a must. What do you most enjoy about being independent insurance agent? The freedom to work with multiple insurance companies. I enjoy getting to meet underwriters and offering so many options for one risk. Tell us 3 tips that you would give to an incoming young agent? 1. Get involved in the young agents. You will meet so many wonderful people. 2. Ask for advice when you need it. Others have been in the game longer then you and probably have experienced a similar situation. 3. Learn about the companies you represent. It will help you sell the right insurance for each risk. What advice would you like to share with principals who have been in the business more than 10 years? Next to her husband Jesse, Michelle stands behind their daughters, (left to right) Bodye, Bryah and Blayke. Change is a good thing. Young agents might see things a little differently, but don’t turn them away when they offer input or suggestions. What are your future plans? To continue my career in insurance and building my book of business. Spending time with my husband and three beautiful daughters. Eventually, buying into Heritage Insurance Group, Inc. Would you encourage your own children to be in the insurance industry? Yes. Selling insurance is a steady, yet flexible career for people raising a family. Plus everyone needs insurance! Why Join the Young Agents of Kansas (YAK)? Build Relationships/Grow Your Network Opportunities to interact with other successful agents. • Success breeds success ¤ Find Solutions ¤ Grow Friendships ¤ Exchange Ideas ¤ Intellectual Capital • Strengthen relationship with KAIA Industry Partners ¤ Gain Market Intelligence ¤ Opportunity to write more business 8 Strengthen the Young Agents Committee to Strengthen the Industry Opportunities for Young Agents to grow in many different areas of the industry. • Gain knowledge and experience ¤ Insurance Technical Knowledge including Industry Trends ¤ Sales skills ¤ Service skills • Increase industry talent pool ¤ Perpetuation of ownership ¤ Perpetuation of KAIA membership • Increase the quality of industry workforce KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | May - June 2018 | Quickly Gain and Grow Leadership Skills & Abilities Opportunities to gain firsthand leadership experience. • Retain top talent • Increase confidence in the industry • Future agency leaders and principals • Future KAIA leaders Find out more and join the YAK at bit.ly/YoungAgents