Years at company: 9 years
College: University of Dallas, 2001
Organizations: Independent Insurance Agents,International Standards Organization

What do you see as your biggest strength in thisindustry?
I can explain insurance terms and ­coverages to customers. So manytimes we take for granted that our customers might not understandthe insurance vocabulary that we use—and they might be too shy tosay so. I really try to explain things in understandable termswhile not losing the importance of the contract.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a youngagent?
It was challenging to get up to speed with thetechnical knowledge of insurance policies. I handled it byattending classroom education sessions.

What are some of your career highlights?
Iarranged for a shipping container to be delivered to the parkinglot at an industry convention. I gave a presentation inside thecontainer on container shipping best practices. It was wellattended!

How does your office reflect how youwork?
Our office is a very open space. We have nocubicles. Our agents are arranged in teams with CSRs. It may get alittle loud sometimes, but the exchange of information that occursis worth it. I also have a desk that can move from a sittingposition to a standing position. When ­standing I can easily walkto another desk to discuss an issue—or run for a cup of coffee.

Have you ever experienced any “generation gap” issueswith your carriers?
Early in my career, I dealt withan underwriter in London who refused to use email and would onlyuse the fax machine. He said that he valued the exercise hereceived when walking over to the fax machine.

How can employers retain young talent?
Wemake great effort to show that there is more value for theemployees than just the digits on their paychecks. This includestypical benefits such as healthcare, but also benefits that mightnot be at the top of their minds, such as professional educationand unique experiences that will advance their career. We evenoffer covered parking!