Years at company: 3.5 years

Organizations: San Antonio Manufacturing Assn.,San Antonio R.O.C.K.S. nonprofit animal rescue organization

What are your main priorities as a youngagent?
I enjoy working in the insurance field because I have the freedomand flexibility to dedicate time to both my career and mynon-profit organization, which rescues animals from kill sheltersand successfully rehabilitates, fosters and adopts them into lovinghomes.

How have you addressed weaknesses?
Rejection was my biggest weakness when I first started atLuhn-McCain. When I was told no, I would accept it and move on.Since then I have learned to ask questions and get a betterunderstanding of the client's current situation and how I can helpthem.

How can employers retain young talent?
Offer a structured training program with continuing education anddevelopment, and provide a good mentor to give advice and support.Have advancement opportunities within the company and lucrative,attainable incentive programs.

How does your office reflect how youwork?
Working at a family owned and operated insurance agency, I takeextra pride in my work, because it is not only a reflection of me,but also of my family. Everyone in the company strives to providethe best service possible to our customers.

Who do you look to as a mentor in thisindustry?
My grandmother, Marietta McCain, founded Luhn-McCain nearly 30years ago. She was the only female president of the IndependentInsurance Agents of Texas and also served as president ofIndependent Insurance Agents of San Antonio. Her office is 20 feetaway from mine. She has been a wonderful resource and major assetto my development as an insurance agent.

How did you determine that insurance was a viable careerchoice?
From an early age, I have been exposed to many aspects of theinsurance industry. My grandmother owns the agency and serves aspresident, my mother, Niki, is the CEO and my aunt, Donna, servesas executive vice president. Insurance has always been a vital partof my life.