Years at company: 12 years
College: University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign
Organizations: IIA of IL, NAAIA

What legislative issues are you interestedin?
The National Assn. of Registered and Broker Agents Reform Act(NARAB). It's a wonderful idea that any licensed agent can haveaccess to an independent non-profit corporation thatprovides non-resident licensing reciprocity. This legislationeliminates the long process of applying to each individual stateand provides a solution to agents that would like tooperate in multiple states.

What advice do you have for millennials struggling in aprofessional environment? I observe the millennialgeneration struggling with staying confident in a professionalenvironment. The best part about being young is that you arenot required to know everything during this time in your career. Myadvice is to stay confident that you belong in a professionalenvironment and take extra steps when completing a task or learninga project. A young employee with passion and a hard work ethic willproduce a positive outcome for your career.

What advice do you have when working withfamily?
To be candid, working with my family is the greatest challengeI face at my office but it is the most rewarding. It's not easy tolive up to the expectations and demands that you will have toencounter every day. I know that by meeting those expectations I ama better insurance agent and have the opportunity to bring value toa relationship where I was the only party receiving the benefits.Enjoy the rare opportunity that you have to spend time with yourfamily and making a living.

How can employers recruit young talent?
Employers can recruit young talent through InVEST. Our program teacheshigh school and college students about insurance in theclassroom, provides internship opportunities,scholarships and future employment in ourindustry.

What are some of your career highlights?
One of my career highlights is speaking to Chicago's Whitney YoungHigh School about the InVEST program this year. I enjoy seeing thelight turn on in students' minds when they understand the potentialof our industry. Another career highlight is when I won the YoungAgent of the Year Award for 2011. It feels good to have the respectand appreciation of the industry.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a youngagent, and how did you handle it?
The biggest challenge I faced as a young agent was earning therespect from clients, which occurred after I took the time to learnmy exposures and provide good service. I enjoy providing goodrecommendations and tailored service to my clients.