Ryan Hanley, account executive, The Murray Group
Years at company: 3 years
College: University of Rochester '03
Organizations: YIP, CAYP

What is your mantra for success? There is always someone working harder than you, and when you go head-to-head for an account they are always going to win. I want to win.

Who do you look toward as a mentor in this industry? That’s easy, he work’s right down the hall. My father-in-law built the then-named Guilderland Agency—now named Murray Group—on nothing but extremely hard-work and amazing customer service, all while managing to be great father and husband. Whenever situations occur that I don’t know how to handle he’s always willing to help me calm things down and make them right.

What are your future goals in this industry? I would love to see the insurance industry embrace technology. There are tools available to agents and carriers that could allow us to do amazing things and yet there is constant foot-dragging. When the Red Sea parts and the technological floodgates open those with an open mind and an eye on the future will be hard to contend with.

How do you balance work and personal life? I work with my wife, father-in-law and brother-in-law. I basically consider the office a second home. So I wouldn’t say I’m the best one to ask about balance. But working so closely with my family has been a blessing and something I’m thankful for every day. Working hand-in-hand to grow a business with people you care about is extremely rewarding.

Gen Y’s often change jobs—7 times in their 20s, according to research. How can employers retain young talent? Engage young employees. Ask their opinion on matters that affect the organization. I’m not saying you make a 25-year-old a decision maker, just that you let them be heard. … The put-your-head-down-and-work-days are over. Young employees want to be involved in the operations of an organization.

Ryan Hanley was featured in the Feb. 2011 issue of AA&B. He is an account executive at The Murray Group (formerly named Guilderland Agency).

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Ryan Hanley Continues Young Agent Discussion - nGI

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