Years at company: 3 years inbusiness, 8 years in industry
College: Cal Poly State University San LuisObispo, 2006
Organizations: Board Secretary for CommunityViolence Solutions; Referral Pros President

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a youngagent, and how did you handle it?
My biggest challenge was facing my clients directly when I made themistake in the insurance buying process. I can't tell you how manytimes I've apologized to my clients for something that I didincorrectly and tried to fix—mostly underwriting issues.

What's your mantra for success?
For meit's always been about providing valuable, ethical and professionalservice to clients. That word “service” certainly encompasses manythings, but at the end of the day, if the clients know that you arethere for them, they're much more willing to stay with and referyou.

How do you balance work and personallife?
I use my Outlook Calendar and phone to organize my meetings andactivities. Every week I schedule the items and activities that Ineed to do and block it off on the calendar. That forces me toaccomplish the items I need to do in the time period to do themin.

How did you determine that insurance was a viable careerchoice?
In college, I interned at an independent brokerage and becamelicensed at that time. After helping one of my initial clients withhis portfolio and receiving positive feedback from him, I washooked. I knew I had found what I truly wanted to do.

What are your future goals in thisindustry?
Next year I plan to hire one or two employees and increasing ourpolicy count exponentially. Our growth is limited to the peopleworking and servicing our accounts, so we need to hire morepeople.

What are your main priorities as a youngagent?
Having your own insurance practice is always challenging, but Ihave always believed in keeping a good work/life balance. You haveto spend time outside the office. With that said, I love spendingtime with my amazing wife. She pushes me to become a better person.I also value the outdoors and making sure to get plenty of exercisewhen I can.