KIA&B July/August 2020 | Page 19

COVERED Lorie Estelle Known as the $2 lady, Lorie Estelle knows just how to put capial to work for Kansas’ independent agents K: What do you want to be when you grow up? LE: Doesn’t everyone grow up to want to be in the Insurance Industry??? K: How old were you when you had your first paying job? LE: If you discount babysitting; I first worked at The Drumstick Restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas. I was 14 or 15 years old. K; What do you like best about working with independent agents? LE: An ever-changing landscape, so many become your good friends. K: When did you start being called the $2 lady? What was your first reaction? LE: Probably April 2009. I loved it! It’s excellent brand recognition and it doesn’t matter if you know my name as long as you remember the $2 bill! Estelle, who has spent all but 12 years of her career in the insurance industry, started with Capital Premium Finance in 2009 as Regional Manager. Quickly moving into the position of Vice President, thanks to her tenacity and signature work ethic. KIA&B: How do your past experiences help you in the role you are in today? Lorie Estelle: Tremendously! All of them have to do with risk assumption and marketing. K: What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? LE: First, morning is my favorite time of day. The earlier, the better. I always look forward to the morning! I like my life and my career. K: What makes you happiest and most effective when working with others? LE: When I can help them solve a problem, resolve an issue, answer a question, and make their lives easier. K: Tell us about a time you had a measurable impact on a job or an organization. LE: In the mortgage acquisition business, before the market collapse, investors stopped buying loan pools and only purchased flow loans. My flow loan production kept the entire division afloat for several months before the collapse in 2008. K: What traits or characteristics do you think it takes for someone to succeed as an independent agent? 19