Years at company:

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

Read Michael's previous nGI Q&A

How can Employers retain youngtalent?
Employers can retain young talent byproviding opportunities and incentives for the young employees. Ayoung employee should feel that they are compensated fortheir hard work and have an opportunity to grow within theirorganization.

How did you determine that insurance was a viable careerchoice?
I look out the window of my agency and Isee personal auto and business owners' policies that will renewevery year. I can't think of another business that relates toeverything. I challenge you to think of something that doesn'tneed insurance? I want to buy a new watch, car and house, butI need insurance.

Who do you look toward as a mentor in thisindustry?
Charles Edward Hilson is my mentor and heroin this industry. I would not have the pleasure of working in thisindustry without Mr. Hilson's guidance and support. Mr. Hilson hasover 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and isthe best Insurance Agent that I have worked with in my career.

What are your future goals in thisindustry?
My future goals include Illinois havingthe highest school participation for the InVEST programin the nation and helping to influence students to selectInsurance as their top career choice.

What skills do you think young agents will need nextyear?
I believe that Young Agents need to have goodcustomer service and computer skills. Providing good serviceto your clients is a positive outlook for your organization andstaff. Often clients that receive good service will continue torenew their business and provide referrals. I encourage you to gothe extra step to learn your computer operating system. Mostorganizations are looking for computer specialists to helptroubleshoot or increase the time efficiency of their office.

What are some of your careerhighlights?
One of my career highlights is speakingto Whitney Young High School about the InVEST program this year. Ienjoy seeing the light turn on when the students understand thepotential of our industry. Another career highlight is when I wonthe Young Agent of the Year Award for 2011. It feels good to havethe respect and appreciation of the industry.

Michael Charles-Hilson was featured in the September 2013 Issue of AA&B. He is thevice president of GBG Inc.