Steve Curtin began his golf career studying golf management at Clemson University. After graduation, he took to running golf shops and country clubs and working as a golf professional. However, the hours were demanding, and the pay wasn’t what he needed to support his family. He decided to make a change and began his role as an agent at Farm Bureau. Here’s his story.
Why Did You Join Farm Bureau?
In 2011, the golf business brought me to Kansas, where I met my wife, Brooke, and her son, Payton. As a golf pro, you are required to work a lot of weekends, and that wasn’t a good match for family life. I wanted to be able to provide financially for a family as well.
I had a couple of friends working at Farm Bureau, and they convinced me to try it out. I joined in 2015, and it’s been great ever since. I’ve had opportunities to grow my business over the years. It’s provided a much better lifestyle for my family and me.
What’s a Typical Day Like for You?
I try to make sure I’m doing something that is moving my business forward each day, so I’ll spend time prospecting for new business. We offer a SuperCheck meeting with each client every 12 months before their policies are renewed. So, my days also consist of meetings with existing clients.
It doesn’t matter how big or small their policy is, we discuss their renewal and make sure we’re meeting their needs as best we can. Educating people is important. You need to ask the right questions and sit back and listen. Everyone’s personal situation is different, and their risks are different.
What Part of Your Job Is Most Rewarding?
We’re really helping people. The more people we protect and serve, the more our business grows. I like being able to advise people and manage their risk. Come claim time, when you have that coverage right and you know they’re well taken care of, whether that’s life insurance or protection on their property, that’s rewarding. On our clients’ worst days, we are one of the first people they will call.
What Do You Like to Do Outside of Work?
I like to spend time with my wife and kids here in Kansas. Along with my 16-year-old stepson, Payton, I have a 5-year-old daughter, Claire, and a new baby, Xander. In the winter, we like to go to Colorado and ski.
I like to travel as well. Farm Bureau rewards hard-working agents with wonderful experiences all over the world. It is also important for me to travel to see my extended family. My brother, his wife and their kids are in Massachusetts, and my sister and parents reside in Montana. With my income as an agent, I am able to visit them.
Of course, as a former golf pro, I enjoy golfing. Golf has been extremely helpful in making connections with people and growing my business.
What Are You Looking Forward to in the Future?
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.
This role has given me an opportunity to not only provide a good income for myself, but to create a solid income for others on my team as well. It’s nice to see how much we can grow together.
What Would You Share With Someone Considering a Move Like Yours?
Farm Bureau is a company with a family atmosphere that always has your back. From the managers to underwriters to adjusters to coaches to the wealth management team, we have skilled people in all different areas to train you and help you make those initial sales. It can be intimidating when you start, but you can lean on them. Other agents are sometimes the best resource. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a veteran agent. In my experience, they are always willing to help.
As an agent, you need to be outgoing and optimistic, and focus on the positive. You need to have a thick skin because you’ll hear a lot of “no’s” before you get to a “yes.” You need to persevere. It’s important to think long-term. If you are consistent in your work ethic, the hard work will pay off in the long run.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to make a change like Steve did, consider a future at Farm Bureau. Reach out to learn more today.