KIA&B May/June 2020 | Page 37

ASCK MARKETS Spotlight on the Kansas Front Lines Josh Nordin Senior Territory Manager Safeco Insurance Overland Park, Kansas Interview courtesy of the Agency Services Corporation of Kansas (ASCK) How did you get started at your company? I started in the industry after a short time in retail once I left college to be a commercial lines producer for an agency in Lincoln, Nebraska. I enjoyed 13 years in a career on the agency side as a producer and then an agency manager when I transitioned to round out my experience as a Senior Territory Manager for Safeco Insurance now in Kansas & Missouri. Why did you get into insurance? I’ve enjoyed the interactions with customers and agents the most, as well as the complex nature of insurance product, and understanding weather/consumer loss trends and their effects on rate. As a people-person, by far the paperwork and data entry involved in our industry is what I’ve liked the least! What has been the biggest change(s) you’ve witnessed in the industry? The biggest changes I’ve seen in the industry is the shift from primarily an agency in-house experience to a more digital and 24/7 environment from a customer interaction standpoint. It has also been interesting to watch how auto and home fluctuate back and forth between which product line is more profitable and desirable to carriers. Future of endorsement options? I believe that more endorsement options for the customer will become standard, and that both a RC and ACV option for roofs in the Midwest will be available from most or all carriers in the future. Do you have advice for agents or carrier reps? The best advice I can give new agents or carrier employees is to diversify your experience and perspective by taking time to shadow someone in a different part of this amazing industry. I knew I had a lot to learn from the “other side” when I was an agent, but the amount I continue to learn working with Safeco is more than I can express. MEMBERSHIP MEANS MARKET ACCESS Beth Smoller can help you get started! A KAIA COMPANY (785) 289-9228 [email protected] 37