Are you a natural leader looking for a new challenge? Working as your own boss might be just the change you need. At Farm Bureau, many of our most successful agents have an entrepreneurial spirit that helps them work efficiently and thrive independently. The motivation and enthusiasm to push yourself to take on new opportunities and to help others is exactly what you need to become a successful insurance agent.
Our insurance agents come from all kinds of backgrounds - from the military to banking, teaching to sales and even agriculture to business – so many careers can translate well to being an agent. If you look at some of our current agents, you’ll notice a theme — they all share a commitment to helping the people they care about.
Here, we highlight traits of some of our agents who have successfully built their own businesses. If you share these traits, ask yourself if a future as a Farm Bureau insurance agent might be right for you.
1. You’re a Natural Leader
If you think of yourself as an entrepreneur, taking charge of a tough situation is something that comes naturally to you. This is an important skill for insurance agents, since you need to be ready to act when the unexpected happens and people need you the most.
Brandon Dicks learned a lot about dealing with difficult situations during his ten years with the Army, which included deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. “Most people who are retired from the military were in leadership positions, and [Farm Bureau] is a place where you can control your day-to-day operations,” he said.
If, like Brandon, taking the lead in a challenging situation is something comes naturally to you, working as an insurance agent may be a good fit for you.
2. You’re Resourceful
Are you quick on your feet? Successful entrepreneurs know how to come up with solutions when life throws a curveball. Any entrepreneur will tell you that running your own business takes creativity and quick thinking.
Agent McKennan Hansen does a great job finding the insurance coverage her client/members need based on their unique situations. McKennan deeply cares about protecting the people within her community from disaster, so she uses her skills to help them find the right type of coverage. “I am not here to sell you a product; I am here to match your needs to a product,” she said.
3. You Have Ideas
If you’re already working in a business setting, you’ve probably imagined the changes you would make if you were in charge. Thinking of new ideas and improvements shows you have an entrepreneurial spirit. You might excel in a position where you can build your own team and work together to make your business effective.
That’s what agent Steve Curtin, who switched to Farm Bureau from a career as a golf pro, is doing. “I try to make sure I’m doing something that is moving my business forward each day,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to continued growth both in my agency and as a professional. I have offices in Hutchinson and Wichita and a fantastic team that helps me run both office locations. I am looking forward to growing my team of associates within these two locations.”
4. You Constantly Learn and Grow
Working hard in the insurance industry leads to advancement opportunities. With new service offerings and more positions becoming available in years to come, this could be the best time to look into starting your own business as an insurance agent.
That’s what motivated Beau Jackson to make the switch. After years as an ag teacher, he wanted to use his agriculture knowledge and grow his business and entrepreneurial skills as an insurance agent. His knowledge and passion for helping his friends, family and neighbors made Beau a great fit.
5. You Take Action
Tragedy could strike at any moment. Whether it’s a natural disaster, an accident or the death of a friend or family member, when tough times strike, your community members need you the most.
That’s part of what makes working as an insurance agent meaningful for Nick Wetzel. He said, “Someone might pass away unexpectedly, and you have to help that grieving family through the process of accessing the life insurance. That might not be fun, but it’s important.”
If you’re the type of person who can be level-headed and ready to step into action when the unexpected happens, then the insurance business might be a good fit for you. Serving others is second nature to Farm Bureau agents. The willingness to help and be a part of the community is part of what makes someone a successful insurance agent.
6. You Bounce Back Quickly
With a new business, there will inevitably be setbacks and disappointments. The top entrepreneurs don’t let these issues get in the way of their goals. Having the persistence to push through tough times is exactly what it takes to be a successful insurance agent.
That’s the advice Steve Curtin shared. “You need to have a thick skin because you’ll hear a lot of ‘no’ before you get to a ‘yes.’ You need to persevere. It’s important to think long-term,” he said.
7. You’re Motivated by Challenges
You’re willing to put in the work it takes to surpass your goals and grow your business. When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re in control of your success and you push yourself to grow. The enthusiasm and dedication to help individuals and families protect their livelihood are what makes Farm Bureau insurance agents like Brian Bruce trusted in their communities.
Brian has a competitive nature, so he’s ready to embrace any challenge that comes his way. This motivation comes in handy when recruiting new client/members and helping families file claims when they’ve had a loss.
8. You Like Being in Charge
Becoming an insurance agent gives you the independence and flexibility to start a new business. From managing a team to implementing values that are important to you, you can find a lot to love about being your own boss.
That’s what motivated Kelly Stephens to make the change from teaching high school agriculture to working as an agent. “I was looking for a change of pace and an opportunity where I had more control,” she said. “With Farm Bureau, I run my own business.” If you’re looking for more opportunities to take charge while helping others, becoming a Farm Bureau agent is worth considering.
9. You’re a Problem Solver
Are you the person your friends go to when they need advice? Put your skills to work resolving problems in the community or recommending the best fit to protect a family’s assets. Farm Bureau insurance agents use their personal experience and knowledge of our product offerings to do this every day.
Agent Christina Gardom says solving problems for her client/members is a highlight of her job: “When I see somebody who is underinsured on their home or who just has state minimum coverage on their vehicle, I can explain the advantages of increasing their coverage.”
We know the details matter, and by building connections with client/members and answering questions about their coverage, our agents find the right solutions. As a Farm Bureau agent, you can make a difference in your community like Christina.
10. You Take Risks
Part of starting your own business is taking a chance on yourself, which is why a risk-taking nature is a common trait of entrepreneurs. While she admits it required a leap of faith, Nikki Schaal knew she had the skills and drive she needed to start her own business.
Although she was doing well in her career, she decided to make the switch to help others. Like Nikki, many new business owners are willing to take the risk because they believe in their ability to succeed.
If You’ve Got the Skills, Get Started With the Developing Agent Program
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a business mindset, there’s no doubt you’d be a great candidate for Farm Bureau. If you’re ready to give this opportunity a shot but you’re not sure how, we will make it easy to make the switch. Before leaving your current position, you can test the waters as an agent.
During our Developing Agent Program, you can experience what it’s like to become an insurance agent and learn the basics of the industry. We’re by your side to assist you every step of the way.
Once you complete the program and we’re both ready to move forward with this partnership, Farm Bureau will support you in all your business efforts. We give you the tools and materials you need to succeed, and your earning potential is unlimited.
Put Your Entrepreneurial Skills to Work at Farm Bureau
At Farm Bureau, we’re always looking for passionate, driven individuals with a business mindset to join our team. If you have the natural skills of a successful entrepreneur, becoming an insurance agent and running your own business could be a great opportunity for you. Learn the next steps to becoming an agent with Farm Bureau and get started today!