KIA&B May/June 2020 | Page 23

COVERED K: If you were able to sit yourself down 10 years ago, what advice would you give your younger self? ZR: If Marty & Doc showed up in the DeLorean, I’d immediately give my younger self stock tips like investing as much as possible in Netflix, Amazon and Apple. Then, tell myself how the Royals win in 2015, the Cubs in 2016, and the Chiefs in 2020. Finally, tell myself it’s time to stop working jobs that I don’t enjoy and make the leap to insurance. K: What are the most important lessons you’ve taken away? ZR: If you work hard, treat people the right way and stay true to your values, things will work out for the best. K: What advice would you give to someone looking to make a transition into the insurance industry? ZR: Tell them to be patient and not get overwhelmed because it probably takes over a year to start feeling comfortable discussing insurance. K: What do you think it takes for someone to succeed as an independent agent? ZR: Honesty, integrity, persistence, and resourcefulness. K: What do you suggest insurance professionals do to move up the agency/company ladder? ZR: Always look for areas of improvement and try to find ways to help your company become more efficient. K: What do you do to stay up-to-date in what is happening in the industry? ZR: The KAIA does a good job providing updates on what is happening within the industry on a State level. I also subscribe to several newsletters and insurance blogs that give tips and ideas of how to same relevant on topics within the industry. 23