Darren Hasson, owner ofWHINS Insurance Agency
College:California State University Northridge
Organizations: 2011 Maurice Herndon ScholarshipAward,
Encino Chamber Member of the Year 2010

How did you determine that insurance was a viable careerchoice?
I have always been driven to reach out andmake a difference in people's lives but now helping people throughinsurance has given me a way to focus that ambition. I saw a needfor better customer service when I was involved in an auto accidentprior to becoming an agent. I had many questions that wentunanswered and my frustration made me realize that there was a needfor a different kind of insurance agency—one that actually caredabout their clients before and after selling them a policy.

What do you see Millennials struggle with in aprofessional environment?
The Millennials' tougheststruggle in this particular professional environment is that theyare in competition with the Geico and Allstate corporations. So, itbecomes necessary to figure out a way to beat the big guys. Theadvantage that the Millennial generation has is its mastery of thistechnological age, which goes without saying is fundamental to anyprofessional environment.

What do you see young agents struggle with in theirfirst years in this industry?
Financial burden andpatience are the two top struggles young agents are faced with. Ifyou come from a solid financial background, that is one aspect inyour favor. However, if not, it is important to prepare forfinancial vicissitudes. You can do this by making sure that youspend your money wisely, such as on marketing and advertising. Itis important to remember that it takes time to become established.Stay focused on your goals and keep a positive attitude.

What's your mantra for success?
Everyonehas a right to be heard. Everyone has a right to individualizedservice. Treat everyone as if what they have to say is the mostimportant request you've heard all day—because it is! Give 150percent effort. Respect your clients. Stay informed.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in2010?
My biggest challenge was getting carrierappointments. Through this struggle I learned that not only do youhave to work hard, but you have to work harder than any otheragency to get those appointments. The challenge is that you have tokeep getting referrals, referrals and referrals. Most of all, youhave to discover what works best for you as an individual and as aprofessional. For me, that was learning about useful services suchas Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. We all haveour strengths and weaknesses; we need to understand how to utilizeour strengths and work through our limitations so that we mayactualize our business goals.

What skills do you think young agents needtoday?
In 2011 young agents must be educated beyondthe licensing process. This includes a college degree, extraclasses, special training and leadership skills. Staying on top ofcurrent developments in the insurance industry is imperative aswell as listening to what the client needs now.