| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE |
YAK
YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS
Eric Schwarz
Years in Industry: 14 years
Email: [email protected]
Office phone: 608-410-3370
How did you get into
the Industry?
I have always been interested in sales
but knew nothing about insurance.
In 2005 I was hired for an Inside
Account Executive position for The
Hartford. I was sent to The Hartford
School of Insurance for three weeks of
training. Shortly after I was promoted
to an outside Personal Lines Sales
Representative position and soon
after accepted a Select Customer Sales
Representative position. Currently, I
am fortunate enough to be the Kansas
Regional Sales Manager with West
Bend Mutual.
What benefits do Young Agents
bring to the Industry?
Young Agents bring energy, an array
of fresh of ideas, and a desire to learn
from others. The future of the industry
looks very bright for the involvement
from our Young Agents.
How do you see the
Industry Changing in the
next 5-10 years?
First, technology and social media is
ever changing and developing. If an
individual is not willing to adapt to
the changes in technology, you could
find yourself and others around you
being left behind. Consumers are
now more than ever looking for the
quick and simple way to find their
insurance coverage. Whether we like
this or not, this does not necessarily
mean picking up the phone and
talking with a “live” person but
rather through a website, social
media, by email, texts, etc. Insurance
companies and agents willing to
adapt at a seemingly rapid rate will be
those leading the charge. Second, I
continue to see more agency mergers
and acquisitions than I ever have
before. I believe this is a sign of the
times of our industry, and agency
12
owners are getting more interest from
buyers than ever before. Owners and
principals should be willing to be
open to these opportunities should
they arise.
Who/What has been your
greatest resources in this
industry and why?
It is really a long list of individuals
to name, but our West Bend Mutual
sales and management team, and
underwriting team, are all always
excellent resources for me. My
current West Bend Mutual State
Sales Manager David Wiersma is
a great resource and has a wealth
of knowledge regarding insurance
legislation, insurance coverages/
guidelines, and in the insurance
industry in general. I am also lucky
enough to get to partner with several
agents in the state.
What is your greatest reward as
an insurance company regional
sales manager?
My greatest reward is I get to work with
agents to help find a solution for their
clients on products that might not
otherwise be desired by other insurance
companies. It’s satisfying in helping
others and being engaged from all
sides of the industry.
Would you encourage your
own children to be in the
insurance industry?
I do not have any children, but if I did
I absolutely would encourage them
to consider insurance. There is an
abundance for potential growth for new
agents in the insurance industry. When
it comes down to it, consumers will
always need insurance, whether it’s a soft
market, hard market, or the economy
is trending up or downward. There
are also endless tools and resources for
furthering education in this industry.
KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | January - February 2019 |
What advice would you like to
share with Principals who have
been in the business more than
10 years?
I would say continue to listen and
adapt to the ever-changing insurance
environment. Strive to provide
continued quality customer service
to your clients as this will always be
something they fall back on when
considering other potential threats that
might present themselves for a change.
What are your future Plans?
I work for a great company at West
Bend Mutual and look to continue
working in a sales or management
role. Traveling more with my wife
and hoping to take more trips abroad.
Staying active and spending more time
with our English Bulldog Sophie.
Tell us 3 tips that you would
give to an incoming young
agent?
1. Be patient. It takes time to learn
the industry and build a quality
client list. There are many people
that can assist to get you jump
started.
2. Networking. Get involved
with local groups, chamber of
commerce, charity events, KAIA
and/or Young Agents Group, etc.
Do not be afraid to get involved.
Ask other agents, coworkers, or
company sales reps if they are
aware of any groups or programs
you might be able to engage with
or join.
3. If your an incoming agent, its best
to find a mentor. Don’t be afraid
to ask questions and advice of
their routines and where they have
found success.