Joe Hamilton
Producer
Hal Rakowski Insurance, Lakeside, Calif.

Years at company: 10

College: University of Phoenix, 2005

Why should Gen Y work in insurance?
I didn't realize that there are so many careers within insurance. People who have math skills can have a job as an actuary; people who are good at selling can be successful producers or account executives; and people with great communication skills can work in customer service.

What attracts you to the insurance industry?
I love that the industry gives back to charities and communities. Last year, we—the San Diego IBA—gave almost $10,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation. This includes a party for a child, where his wish was granted. We found out what he likes and gave him a Chargers jersey and an Xbox One. It was a very powerful event. His wish was to get slimed at the Nickelodeon Suites Hotel in Orlando.

Has your charitable involvement helped your career?
The obvious answer is the networking opportunities. But the part you don't realize until you do it, is that you receive an overall good feeling from helping others. It encourages you to keep giving back. I love being part of an industry that doesn't just look at money, but also tries to assist other organizations and people. That drives me.

Have you experienced generation gaps when working with carriers?
No, because carriers want to hear young agents' perspectives. Carriers realize it's no longer about the young agents being the future; it's about them being the present. Insurance companies want to know how young agents are using technology, how they are placing business.

What lessons have you learned about this industry?
My dad—who worked in insurance years ago—taught me that insurance is about helping people. We don't sell policies—we counsel people with their valuables and help them when tragedy strikes.

Can you share some career highlights?
Being respected by my peers with the awards for the San Diego IBA Agent of the Year in 2008 and the IIABCal Anthony J. Dibuduo award (given for service to community and association participation) in 2009. I am honored and humbled and used those awards as motivation to push myself. Those honors allowed me to attend other events, where I met new carrier representatives that approached me with ideas about how to engage other young agents.

Special Reports /

Profiling Insurance Pros Under 40: Joe Hamilton, Lakeside, Calif.

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