Becoming an insurance agent can be a life-changing event for some, especially when the opportunity turns into a calling. The following three producers may have come into the business for different reasons, but they're each staying in the industry for the same: to improve the lives of others.

Want to share your own insurance story? Click here to tell us about your life as a successful agent. For more producer profiles, see Meet Your Peers: March 2013.

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Randy Geving, vice president
Six & Geving Insurance Inc.
Colorado Springs, Colo.

How and when did you decide that an insurance career was for you?
I was invited by my brother-in-law to join his agency in 1983 to pursue commercial lines business. I found that I truly enjoyed getting to know business owners and bringing to them something of real value— the protection of their business. I found it to be very gratifying. The opportunity to build trusted relationships with clients is a major part of my satisfaction with the insurance business and it keeps my motivation high.

What do you love most about being an insurance agent?
The true test of our work comes when a serious claim occurs. When we find our coverage program is structured to address these losses, our clients understand the value of what we do. It means so much that a business owner can maintain their business without suffering a major financial setback. This also brings genuine satisfaction.

What's your favorite client success story?
There are many, but one which stands out is with a homeowners association that was devastated by a wildfire last June in Colorado Springs, which destroyed 347 homes. Our townhome association lost 13 of their 14 units. We had a great carrier who worked with us to settle the claim promptly and fairly. This was the largest dollar loss we have had in the agency. The insured received a large advance payment to begin their rebuild within a few months. We had a great relationship with the Board of the HOA and had many meetings to discuss how the claim would be handled. They saw the value of a good insurance program first hand. I was pleased we had a strong carrier with a great policy in place for them. It is exciting now to drive by and see the beautiful new townhomes under construction and families moving back in.

What career advice would you give new agents and/or what's your mantra for success?
The insurance business is a great career if you are looking to serve people regarding serious matters. It is challenging in that there are always new things to learn about coverages in a changing industry. My mantra for success is to always do the right thing for your clients, and put their needs first. Your reputation will be the biggest reward.

What career would you want if you weren't an insurance agent?
If I were not an insurance agent, I would love to be a coach or a professional golfer (in my dreams)!

What public figure (past or present) do you most admire, and why?
I am a big fan of Ronald Reagan because he spoke so directly to the challenges we faced as a nation. His love of country was so evident and he was humble in his high position.

What are your hobbies/what do you most enjoy doing outside the office?
I have a wonderful wife, Sandi, and two great kids, Lindsay (age 20) and Carson (age 16). I serve on some local Boards which I enjoy, also. My favorite pastime is getting on the golf course, and I try to do that as often as I can.

Paul E. Felsen, president
Felsen Insurance Services Inc.
Denville, N.J.

How and when did you decide that an insurance career was for you?
I was not very good in foreign languages so I became a business major in college as opposed to following a liberal arts path. I had an uncle (since deceased) who I admired that was in the insurance business and who appeared “successful” in my young eyes. My path began there.

What do you love most about being an insurance agent?
I love the technical side—the lost art of putting an account together and hopefully, more often than not, out-working my competition.

What's your favorite client success story?
My office is a large national provider of p/c insurance for synagogues and temples. This began in 1981 as my own temple came to me with their insurance. It blossomed into a national program and niche. I figured if my own temple needed help, so did others. Our scope went from NJ to the northeast, to all over the country.

What career advice would you give new agents and/or what's your mantra for success?
Be prepared, work hard, work every center of influence you can and, most importantly, be professional and learn your craft. Get a professional designation–I have been a CPCU since age 26. Also, remember how it feels to “win” and how it feels to “lose.” You decide which you prefer.

What career would you want if you weren't an insurance agent?
Point guard for an NBA team except I can't run anymore and I'm too short!

What public figure (past or present) do you most admire, and why?
On the political side, JFK, because he was so charismatic. In sports, Derek Jeter, because of the way he carries himself and handles prosperity and adversity. He sets an excellent example for someone in any walk of life.

What are your hobbies/what do you most enjoy doing outside the office?
Family and being a sports fan are my passions. I love being with my three year old grandson, Ethan. Next to him and my wife and children, Giants football and Yankee baseball are my main interests.

Want to share your own insurance story? Click here to tell us about your life as a successful agent. For more producer profiles, see Meet Your Peers: March 2013.

Patrice Lee Davison
Davison Insurance Agency
Boerne, Texas

How and when did you decide that an insurance career was for you?
My folks owned the local insurance agency, and when my mother became terminally ill, they sent up the red flag and moved from Illinois to Texas.

What do you love most about being an insurance agent?
Knowing our clients and being able to hear their needs and helping explain insurance to them.

What's your favorite client success story?
We were able to help a client pay his medical expenses (deductibles and co-pays) by holding a blood drive here in our office. I think we brought in more new clients that way compared to any social functions I have ever attended!

What career advice would you give new agents and/or what's your mantra for success?
Persevere. The client you don't write today may be the one who gives you the most referrals! Our mantra for success is, “If you do it right, you always sleep at night!”

What career would you want if you weren't an insurance agent?
I had dreams of being a veterinarian. I don't think most of us plan on being an insurance agent, but when we become one, you realize how much you can help people!

What public figure (past or present) do you most admire, and why?
If you mean since Jesus, it would have to be Abraham Lincoln, who worked so hard to set our country on the path to equality.

What are your hobbies/what do you most enjoy doing outside the office?
I love boating and making jewelry!

Want to share your own insurance story? Click here to tell us about your life as a successful agent. For more producer profiles, see Meet Your Peers: March 2013.

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Producer Profiles: Meet Your Peers July 2013

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