KIA&B 2019 March/April 2019 | Page 11

| YOUNG AGENTS PROFILE | YAK Skylin Day YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS Years in Industry: 14 years Email: [email protected] Office phone: 785-743-5781 HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY? The insurance industry was something that had caught my attention in high school, but I wasn’t 100% convinced it was where I wanted to go. I tried a variety of avenues after high school, but when I was approached about my current position, I felt like it was the perfect timing to try something that could become a life long career. WHO/WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST RESOURCES IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY? My boss has been a tremendous resource. She has many years of experience and no question is a stupid question. I have also found that our underwriters with our companies are incredible resources for information and for explanations of why things are the way they are. WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING TO THE INDUSTRY? Young Agents bring a fresh mindset and new ideas to an industry that is always evolving and always changing. With so many advancements in marketing, technology and small business operation overall, I think there is always a need for new techniques to attract people to your business. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT? The ability to have a flexible schedule and keep my family as my number one priority. With a young and growing family, it is important to me for them to know that they are my top priority. I love that I can be successful in my career while also being present for my family. HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS? Living in a rural community, we tend to have more people actually come into our office and utilize the opportunity to contact us as their agents, rather than contacting the company direct. In the next 5-10 years, I can see more people utilizing company apps on their phone for information needed because it is instant information. WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CHILDREN TO BE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? Absolutely! There are so many opportunities within the insurance industry. I think it challenges you, in a good way, as a person to get out of your comfort zone to network and get involved in order to succeed as an independent agent. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I would love to be able to eventually co-operate/own our agency. As a small agency, I feel like when your customers know you, they know they are getting exceptional service. I will continue to further my knowledge in all areas and grow as an individual and team member to provide excellent service to our customers. TELL US 3 TIPS THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO AN INCOMING YOUNG AGENT? 1. Get involved. Don’t be afraid to get on committees or go to events. You will meet so many amazing people and gain so many resources by attending events! 2. You’re never going to know it all! Get everything you can out of your continuing education. Be a sponge-—take notes, ask questions and know other agents are your FRIENDS! 3. Develop your own strategy for how to tackle the information you’re given. Everyone works differently, so don’t be afraid to do what works for YOU. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS MORE THAN 10 YEARS? It’s never too late to learn new techniques to adapt into your agency. Whether it be for your customers, for your employees or for yourself. | March - April 2019 | KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER KIA&B_MarApr2019_Draft.indd 9 9 4/19/2019 10:11:18 AM