Profiling insurance pros under 40: Melissa Power, Spokane, Wash.

First Vice President,
Homestreet Insurance Agency
Spokane, Wash.

Years at company: 14

What goes around comes around
Right out of high school, I applied to a P.O. Box number for an administrative assistant and file position. This was for a local insurance agency, and I started at that job and over the years moved up to CSR, agent and then to manager. I give credit to everyone who provided me with knowledge. I just hired a receptionist, and she has realized how interesting the insurance industry can be and she already is pursuing her license. I was lucky enough to have someone take the time to teach me, and now I have the same opportunity to pass that knowledge to someone else. It's come full circle. A lot of young people don't know that insurance is a viable option for employment, and I'd like to get involved with high schools and speak about the industry.

Turning challenges into strengths
As a younger woman, sometimes I don't get taken seriously in this industry. A lot of people have assistants that are females, so they assume that I must be assisting someone. It can be a constant battle to be taken seriously. But my achievements— and fulfilling promises—impress people. I see it as my biggest strength that I am a successful woman. I tell young women in this industry to take advantage of every opportunity, and to have confidence in your abilities.

Ms. Power goes to Washington
I previously served as the representative of IIABA's Young Agent Committee for the state of Washington. Young agents are starting to realize how important it is to donate their money to InsurPAC—IIABA's political action committee fund—and to be involved in legislative issues. It's costing more and more money each year to represent us in the right manner in the Capitol. Young agents are the future, and if we don't support the PAC, how else can we ensure that our issues are important and up front and personal to the insurance commissioners?

Always be closing
My husband says I have a sales person in me that I can't get rid of—I'm always trying to negotiate and sell. I think young agents need to learn to be adaptable. One box doesn't fit every customer: The specific policies and coverages that work for one, might not work for the next client. Take a fresh mindset to each situation. Through the IIABA, I've met people who have given me strategies for cross-selling and ideas for new programs. And in turn, I refer clients whose risks I might not be able to place.