NICOLE BUHRMAN
YAK
YOUNG AGENTS of KANSAS
BURNS & WILCOX Overland Park , Kansas T : 913.451.3135 x2224 www . burnsandwilcox . com
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY ? I was looking to change jobs and located a job opening on Craigslist to be a receptionist for a local insurance office . Upon meeting with the agent , he decided he would like to train for a more hands-on role . I ended up obtaining my licensure for property and casualty , and my career ran from there .
WHAT BENEFITS DO YOUNG AGENTS BRING TO THE INDUSTRY ?
I believe that insurance is sometimes an elusive obligation that younger people may not always understand . It ’ s easy to quickly obtain insurance on the internet and feel that you are covered . Young Agents can help bridge that gap and allow younger generations to find resources they might be more comfortable with , which results in better coverage and a stronger agent / client relationship .
HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS ? As our economy evolves through the wreckage of Covid-19 , I feel we are currently entering a hardened market , and I expect that we will continue to see higher premiums and stricter underwriting requirements across the industry .
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST RESOURCES IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHY ? My greatest resource in the industry is a veteran agent that I started working for in 2014 . Previously , I had only worked in a captive agency , and that was all I understood . My new position was for an independent agent with 38 years in the industry , and it was at this time that my passion for insurance began to bloom . He taught me the trade ’ s ins and outs , and I taught him how to use technology ! I learned so much from this office , and still to this day , he is a reliable resource for me that cheers for me and my career growth .
Years in Industry : 7
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REWARD AS AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT ? In my current role as an Underwriting Assistant at Burns and Wilcox , I made many acquaintances with independent agents across the area . In doing so , I have developed a passion and drive for becoming a great resource for agents to place E & S business with . It is really rewarding to provide that benefit for the agents that I ’ ve developed relationships with !
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS MORE
THAN 10 YEARS ? I think it ’ s important for veteran agents to remember we must never stop learning . This industry , and the world around us , is continually changing . By staying ahead of the curve and continuously expanding our realm of knowledge , we will be able to always offer our clients value that gives them peace of mind .
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS ? I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and the mentorship I ’ ve received here at Burns and Wilcox . I have learned so much over the last 16 months . I hope to continue growing and learning new things under this leadership and lean into an Underwriting position with them shortly .
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN INCOMING YOUNG AGENT ?
To young , incoming agents , I would encourage you to write what you are good at , stay consistent with your business practices , and always balance what is right for both the carrier and the insured .
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