Zach Boss has known Hall of Fame agent Bill Thomas for years, having been close friends with Thomas’ son since childhood. Thomas always told Boss he would be a Farm Bureau agent someday. In 2021, the timing worked out. Here’s how that referral helped set Boss up for success.
How Did You Get Your Start With Farm Bureau?
Bill nudged me about being an agent as far back as high school. He saw that I wasn’t afraid to talk to anybody about anything — but I didn’t really take him seriously at first. I graduated from Iowa State and had a career in commodities and as an ag lender at a community bank for several years.
Finally, I decided to hear him out. I met with him and a district manager a couple of times, and it seemed like a good opportunity, but it didn’t work out with my family at that time.
Bill was really persistent, and when he came to me with a third opportunity located in my hometown, I had a change of heart. After talking with my wife and family and praying about it, I felt like I was called to give it a try.
What Drew You to Make a Job Change?
Being in banking, I helped business owners work with their finances to reach their dreams. I've always had this entrepreneurial spirit, and I wanted to work toward my own dreams.
Plus, when I was interviewing, my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly, and I saw the power of how life insurance and financial services products can help people. It really felt like I had a bigger calling to help people with money but in a different way.
What Support Did You Get for Your Start With Farm Bureau?
Farm Bureau and Bill provided such great resources for me. I had an instant mentor and coach on my side with Bill. I could bounce ideas off him in my first few months in the industry. And my district manager was an excellent coach who was there for me and kept me accountable.
I would contribute a lot of my success to partnering with all of our different teams — the home office, the training staff, the wealth management advisors, the underwriters and even the crop insurance consultants. We have an all-star lineup here.
What Do You Like Most About Being an Agent?
I love the impact I can make day-to-day for people. We can go above and beyond. We have a great opportunity to make a huge impact financially and to keep capital within the communities we serve here in eastern Iowa.
What Is a Typical Day Like for You?
There’s no typical day — there are a lot of different things going on. I’m a visual guy, so I have my whiteboard and I see where we’re at with our goals. Looking at that allows my staff and me to have an open line of conversation and communication. We figure out how we're going to attack the day by reviewing everything. That's been a big part of our agency’s success.
I have two sales associates working with me, and sometimes my wife Marisa helps, too. We’re meeting with client/members, looking at prospecting opportunities, attending webinars, learning about different changes and scheduling appointments with our joint work partners. There's a lot going on.
How Has Your Opportunity With Farm Bureau Worked Out So Far?
I just reached my three-year anniversary with Farm Bureau. In 2022, I qualified for All-American and traveled to Ireland. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I never had those opportunities in my previous jobs.
After you get a taste of that success, you do everything you can to make sure that you stay on track for your goals. We're taking care of people, meeting with people every day and having good conversations. The results will take care of themselves.
What Do You Like to Do When You’re Not Working?
Marisa and I have four kids under age 6 at home right now — two boys and two girls. The oldest just started kindergarten. So, I’m trying to be there for them. We’re big Iowa State fans, so we love to watch and attend as many games as we can. And we travel to visit our family in other states.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Considering Working With Farm Bureau?
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, there is no better company to work for in my opinion. You have the resources and great teammates to build a good business and truly impact your community here at Farm Bureau. You do not have to do this alone. There’s a wealth of resources available, and we want to see you succeed — you’re the next generation. We want you here at Farm Bureau.
Take the Next Step
If, like Zach, you’re ready to make a change, consider a role as a Farm Bureau agent. Reach out to learn more today and explore the possibilities.