I know. I am glad to know him. There are a lot of interesting
and “unique” people I’ve met in my career. Some you want
to spend time with and others you learn from but never
want to be in their presence again - it’s a weird way to be
glad you met them. The most famous person I worked with
and talked with was Zig Ziglar. I did a little work for him in
college and got the chance to meet and chat with him. I
always liked his perspective.
playing a part, but at what level, I can’t figure just yet.
Insurance will always be about relationships. Regardless of
what happens at the company side, agents will be needed.
Hopefully, agents will take advantage of the technology
to better serve their clients by analyzing coverage needs
rather than taking the time simply to gather data for
applications.
K: What sorts of trends do you see for agents?
C: More and more technology to help them in their real
K: With another election season, like no other, do
you have a crystal ball of insights regarding the
impacts on the insurance industry?
C: I say the soft market will end in the Fall. I have no idea jobs, taking care of their clients. I hope that agencies don’t
lose sight of the relationship side of the business.
K: How do you respond to someone who disagrees
with you?
C: I say, “I would agree with you, but then we would both much you really care, they would take advantage of you.”
Although I put up a tough exterior, my closest friends know
this about me.
which Fall, but it will be in the Fall.
be wrong.” Kidding! I try to learn why; they may have a
perspective I don’t. If it turns out they are still wrong, I
explain the facts as I see them, and if they don’t agree –
that’s up to them. I can’t control how another person views
facts.
K: What would you say are some of your strongest
business beliefs?
C: The graveyard is full of people who thought they were
irreplaceable; don’t think life won’t move forward without
you. A few things that keep me awake at 2:00 am never
come to pass – why worry? Just when you begin to think
you are really something, remember there are over 1.3
billion people in China who don’t even know who you are.
People are laughing at you, why not just go ahead and join
in and have fun. I realize these all sound pessimistic, but
they aren’t. My point is that we should really understand
that we are here to serve for a just little while. Take the
opportunity when it presents itself, don’t take yourself too
seriously, and simply enjoy life. Be happy for others and
with others. Be there, be present, and be joyous.
K: What might readers and other KAIA members be
surprised to know about you?
C : I’m a dull, boring individual who actually likes reading
insurance policies. Well, that may not surprise anyone.
K: What would you tell someone who is thinking
about breaking away to become an independent
agent?
C: Don’t do it. It’s a hard life filled with awesome people,
amazing opportunities, and satisfaction. Why would you
want to face that kind of existence?
K: What do you think will change in insurance over
the next five years?
C: This is something I wish I could guess. I see insurtech
K: How would your friends describe you?
C : One friend said this about me, “If people knew how
K: What do you do when you aren’t working?
C : I’m never not working. But, when my wife makes me
stop, I’m usually hanging out with her (we’ve been married
28 years). She is my favorite person. I also spend time with
my two daughters – one is a freshman in college, and the
other is an eight grader. My wife and daughters make me
go to Disney quite a bit; it’s not the happiest place in the
world for the person who pays. From time to time, you
might find me at a baseball or hockey game.
K: What do you wish other people knew about being
an independent agent?
C: It’s hard, rewarding, and a great career. The part you
play in the lives of others is unparalleled.
MORE ABOUT CHRIS
Suzanne
Number of children:
2
Number of Pets:
0
Favorite Book:
Against the Gods: The
Remarkable Story of
Risk
Favorite Song:
Linus and Lucy (the
Charlie Brown theme
song.)
Significant Other’s Name:
Best song lyrics
ever written:
‘If you give a kiss goodbye,
you might be alone.”
My oldest daugher wrote
them in kindergarten.
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