Years in Industry: 14 Email: gjarmer @ kellerleopold. com
Office phone: 620-277-3452
| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE |
YAK
YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS
Gara Jarmer
Years in Industry: 14 Email: gjarmer @ kellerleopold. com
Office phone: 620-277-3452
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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