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

What legislative issues are you interestedin?
The National Assn. of Registered and BrokerAgents Reform Act (NARAB). It's a wonderful idea that any licensedagent can have access to anindependent non-profit corporation that providesnon-resident licensing reciprocity. This legislation eliminates thelong process of applying to each individual state and providesa solution to agents that would like to operatein multiple states.

What advice do you have for millennials struggling in aprofessional environment?
I observe themillennial generation struggling with staying confidentin a professional environment. The best partabout being young is that you are not required to know everythingduring this time in your career. My advice is to stay confidentthat you belong in a professional environment and take extra stepswhen completing a task or learning a project. A young employee withpassion and a hard work ethic will produce a positive outcome foryour career.

How can employers recruit youngtalent?
Employers can recruit young talent throughInVEST. Ourprogram teaches high school and college students aboutinsurance in the classroom, provides internshipopportunities, scholarships and future employmentin our industry. 

What advice do you have when working withfamily?
To be candid, working with myfamily is the greatest challenge I face at my office butit is the most rewarding. It's not easy to live up to theexpectations and demands that you will have to encounter every day.I know that by meeting those expectations I am a better insuranceagent and have the opportunity to bring value to a relationshipwhere I was the only party receiving the benefits. Enjoy the rareopportunity that you have to spend time with your family and makinga living.

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

What are some of your careerhighlights?
One of my career highlights is speakingto Chicago's Whitney Young High Schoola bout the InVEST programthis year. I enjoy seeing the light turn on in students' minds whenthey understand the potential of our industry. Another careerhighlight is when I won the Young Agent of the Year Award for 2011.It feels good to have the respect and appreciation of theindustry.