KIA&B 2018 Vol 23 No. 4 | 页面 11

| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE |

YAK

YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS

Gara Jarmer

Years in Industry : 14 Email : gjarmer @ kellerleopold . com

Office phone : [phone]

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY ? My boss pursued me at the credit union I was working at . I started as the receptionist and then worked my way up to a CSR and for the last 2 years have been an all lines Producer . It has been a fun and challenging journey . My Mom has been in this business as long as I have been alive . It is kind of in my blood .

WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING TO THE INDUSTRY ? Young agents offer new ideas and an open mind to take on ever changing coverages and company needs . They have the energy and hunger to improve and be successful . We can learn from those that have been at this for a long time all while absorbing up-and-coming ways to be competitive and better serve our customers in the future .

TELL US 3 TIPS THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO AN INCOMING YOUNG AGENT 1 . Set short and long-term goals for yourself . It doesn ’ t happen overnight , but you also need to be planning for the future

2 . Continued coverage and company education is imperative .

3 . Some will try to offer you a cookie cutter approach to being successful in this business . Develop a process that works for you . The only way you are going to do this is by trial and error . Get out there and learn by doing ! Don ’ t be afraid to hear the word “ no .” Prepare how you can get them to say “ yes .”

HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS ?

I feel that service is coming back around . In the past it was known that a lot of younger consumers were going online to buy their insurance . More and more , I am seeing that these same people have learned the old “ get what you pay for ” lesson and are looking to independent agents to offer them options and educated advice .

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO BE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY ? Definitely ! The flexibility and successes that I have had with this business set a good example for my children . It shows them whether they choose this industry or something else they must work hard and be self-driven .

WHO / WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST RESOURCE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY ? My team has been the best resource that I have available . That team includes agency principals , coworkers and company underwriters who are always willing to offer up their knowledge and answer any questions that I have .

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT ? The sky is the limit with what you can do for yourself financially and for your customers with the insurance options we have available . I love helping people protect what

Gara stands at the center of her family , decked out in K-State Purple . Left of Gara is her son , Clayton , and daughter , Abigail . To the right is her daughter Lauren , and husband , Brett .

they have worked hard for . I know that their successes don ’ t come easy and it is always great to know I have helped them protect what they have earned . That is very rewarding .

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS MORE THAN 10 YEARS ? Don ’ t get too caught up in writing new business . It is a very important part of growing but it is just as important to have relationships with your loyal customers . Taking the time to go out to their businesses , talk with them and review their coverage adds so much value for the customer and for you as their agent .

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS ? I would like to eventually pursue an ownership opportunity in our agency . I already feel a sense of ownership here and putting a financial stake in our business would be a great step in achieving that goal . I would like to continue learning and growing in the industry all while enjoying the fruits of my labor . Family is my No . 1 priority and this business allows me to keep it that way .

| July - August 2018 | KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER

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