Celebrating the Future of the Industry, One Young Agent at a Time
At Big I Illinois, we know the future of the independent agency channel is bright - because we see it in the energy and passion of young professionals across the state.
Our Young Agent Spotlight celebrates rising stars under 40 who are making a difference in their agencies, communities, and the industry.
Want to be considered for an upcoming spotlight? Fill out the form here.
View 2024 40 Under 40 Series.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
When I first got started, one of the biggest challenges was relating to different generations of business owners—especially when I didn’t yet have the personal experience to match theirs. Building trust took time and consistency. Another early obstacle was learning how to be disciplined with my time. In a fast-paced, relationship-driven business, staying structured was critical—and luckily, that clicked quickly for me. Overcoming those early hurdles shaped the way I approach clients today: with focus, curiosity, and respect.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
My generation experienced both pre-digital and digital eras—so we’re comfortable with both face-to-face conversations and fast-paced tech. We value hard work, but we also value flexibility and purpose. We’re not afraid to challenge old systems if they don’t make sense, but we still respect the experience and wisdom that came before us. In short, we’re adaptable, relationship-driven, and focused on getting results without losing the human element while utilizing technology for a better experience.
How has this industry impacted your life?
I never expected insurance to impact my life the way it has. What started as a career quickly became something much bigger. It’s introduced me to people I never would’ve crossed paths with—business owners, families, and mentors—all with different stories, challenges, and goals. It’s taught me how to listen, how to lead, and how to earn trust. Most of all, it’s given me a sense of purpose: knowing that I play a part in protecting what people have worked their whole lives to build.
Beyond that, this industry has opened doors I didn’t even know existed—personally and professionally. The opportunities are truly endless if you’re willing to show up, work hard, and stay curious. Insurance has shaped who I am, and I’m grateful every day that I found my way into it.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced when I first started in the insurance industry was being a young woman in a field where experience and age are often associated with credibility. I quickly realized that some people didn’t take me as seriously as they did older, more seasoned professionals. However, I never let that stop me from proving myself. Being uncomfortable pushed me to grow to heights I never thought possible in my career. It forced me to step up, build confidence, and prove myself through my work.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
I think people should know that my generation brings a strong sense of adaptability and ambition to the industry. We grew up with rapidly evolving technology, so we’re quick to adopt new tools to find smarter and more efficient ways to get things done. We’re not afraid to question traditional methods, especially in industries like insurance where change can be slow. Young agents bring fresh energy and perspectives, and I am excited to watch the business continue to evolve.
How has this industry impacted your life?
Insurance has pushed me grow in ways I didn’t expect possible. It’s boosted my confidence by challenging me every day and has introduced me to so many people, some that have become lifelong friends. I’ve been lucky to witness some of my clients’ biggest life moments, like buying their first home or starting a family, which makes this work truly rewarding. I also want to give a special thanks to my agency owner, Bob Matzenbacher, whose support and mentorship have been a huge part of my journey and growth in this industry.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was navigating the generational gap in communication. As a Millennial (shout out to my fellow Millennials), I entered the workforce during a time when technology habits varied widely. Some clients and coworkers were fully comfortable using the internet and digital tools, while others weren’t—and we were all trying to do business together.
I grew up with technology being a daily part of life—computers were in my home, classroom, and college experience. So it was a bit of an adjustment learning how to effectively work with people who didn’t rely on tech the same way.
But I quickly realized that flexibility was key. I learned to meet people where they are. Now, one of the first things I ask every new client is how they prefer to be contacted—whether that’s by phone, email, text, or even in person. The answers vary, but I’m happy to oblige either way. That small habit has gone a long way in building trust and providing better service.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
As a Millennial in the workplace, I think it's important for people to understand that we grew up during a major transition—from analog to digital. That’s shaped the way we communicate, adapt, and approach our work. We’re used to navigating change, we value efficiency and purpose, and we often blend traditional values with new tools. In many cases, we’re the bridge between generations—able to connect with older clients who prefer phone calls and handwritten notes, while also leveraging tech and automation to serve the next generation. We’re not lazy or entitled—we just want to work smarter and make an impact.
How has this industry impacted your life?
The insurance industry has completely shaped my professional life—and honestly, a big part of my personal growth too. It’s given me a career where I get to help people every day, whether it's protecting their first home, their small business, or their family’s future. It’s also pushed me outside my comfort zone—learning how to communicate across generations, handle tough conversations, and build long-term relationships. I’ve gained confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of purpose through this work. It’s more than a job; it’s a community and a platform to really make a difference.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
When I first started, I was so overwhelmed by everything I didn't know. There seems to be an unlimited list of technical-based terms in insurance and an even bigger list of tricks to use when making a sale. It's been said to me almost every day since I have started in the industry, "I learn something new about insurance every day." Learning to accept that the unknown is an opportunity to ask questions and, in turn, add something to my toolkit has allowed me to grow as a professional.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
My generation grew up with endless resources of information. I can remember using Google on my parents' desktop to ask a simple question from a very young age. Other generations might think of this as using the easy way out. I believe using the resources we have around us to our advantage will set us apart in the industry. Having this at our fingertips will not only help our generation, but additionally assist in training generations above and below us as well in the workplace.
How has this industry impacted your life?
This industry has given me the opportunity to build relationships in places I couldn't have imagine reaching when I first started. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes is a major contributor to gaining the trust of an individual. Once you have that relationship, they will always have your back and help you out when you are in a bind. The relationships I have built in just a few short years has me excited for what's to come in my career.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
The complexities of the healthcare industry. I'm still navigating them—it's an ongoing process of continuous learning and growth.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
I'm considered a middle millennial (born in 1990), and my peers and I have been hearing about the "lazy Millennial" stereotype for 15 years. Sure, there are some outliers, but most people in my age group are hardworking individuals who want to build companies, families, and communities.
How has this industry impacted your life?
It opened my eyes to a career path that was hidden but extremely rewarding in many ways. The insurance industry has given me the work-life balance I wanted, helped me build meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues, and offered a clear route for professional growth that I hadn't seen in my previous roles.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle for me was getting over the fear of cold calling. Every successful agent has their own process for acquiring clients. For me, that was primarily cold calling since that has historically been our agency’s primarily sales driver aside from referrals. It probably took me 3 months before I found a groove on making hundreds of cold calls a month. I learned quickly that it is all about your hook and how warm you sound over the phone. If you can get the business owner talking more than you are with a few questions, then you have a very warm lead.
About 80% of my commercial portfolio from the first 2 years was built from cold calling. Once those clients realized that we followed through and provided good service, they began to refer us to other businesses. Everyone prefers referral business, but what most people don’t realize is that you have to do a tremendous amount of leg work upfront to earn the trust of your current clients and referral partners before becoming their go-to insurance recommendation. After 5 years in the industry, nearly all my new business comes from referrals. I am thankful that we have been blessed with clients and referral partners that appreciate our services and the hard work that we do for them.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
I think that something younger agents can be knocked for is that we would prefer to sit behind a computer screen instead of building relationships. I personally think that you cannot be a successful insurance broker without acknowledging that this is a relationship first business. If you want to have a book of solid and loyal clients, then you need to make sure that you have a better relationship with them than any other insurance agent. Furthermore, I prefer to view technology as a tool that can help improve our relationships with our clients instead of as a hindrance.
How has this industry impacted your life?
This industry has fed my passion for the business world. I love how it rewards self-motivation. As an insurance broker and business owner, there is always a new business owner to meet, new leadership skills to learn, new coverages to brush up on, and new technologies to adopt into the agency. An early principle that I adopted when I started is “the only barrier to growth is how hard and smart you are willing to work.” Five years later and this saying is still true. This career has also provided my family with the means to allow my wife to be a stay-at-home mom with our kids, which has been a big blessing for our family as we are expecting our third in January!
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced early on was simply being young and realizing that I didn’t yet know what I didn’t know. Insurance is an industry that evolves constantly. I started my insurance journey nine years ago and found my way to the independent side about a year and a half later, a move that truly shaped my career. Earning my CIC designation and being surrounded by a seasoned, encouraging team of mentors gave me both the knowledge and confidence to grow. Their guidance helped turn uncertainty into curiosity and challenges into opportunities, and I’m incredibly grateful for those who invested in me and for the chance to continue expanding my education.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
One thing people should know about my generation in the workplace is that being younger doesn’t mean lacking insight — it means approaching challenges with fresh perspectives shaped by different experiences. Every member of an organization, regardless of age, has something meaningful to contribute, and businesses are strongest when those viewpoints are heard and respected. We’re learning every day from generations before us, and we will be teaching those who will come after us. It is so important to work together, share knowledge, and grow across the generations.
How has this industry impacted your life?
This industry has had a profound impact on my life by It’s showing me that growth comes from small, consistent habits — whether personal, financial, or spiritual — it is the small things that help you become a better version of yourself every day. Through insurance, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to grow a business while also caring for my family and building relationships, all while gaining a broader perspective of the world around me. The flexibility of this career, paired with the raw accountability that first drew me to the industry nine years ago, has allowed me to build a life that’s incredibly intentional and fulfilling. I’m blessed and excited to see where this journey takes me!
What obstacles did you face when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced early in my insurance career was simply knowing where to start, as the industry offers so many different paths. I chose to begin at a small, family-owned agency that was deeply rooted in the community, which gave me a strong foundation in insurance knowledge and taught me the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Another challenge was being young in the industry, as some clients were understandably hesitant to place their trust in someone new to the workforce. I overcame this by relying on my understanding of the insurance market and its products, using preparation and knowledge to demonstrate credibility and earn their confidence.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
Our generation grew up alongside rapid changes in technology and communication, which has given us a strong ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment. We are often motivated by meaningful work that also provides opportunities to develop new skills. When we understand the “why” behind what we do, it drives greater engagement and a willingness to put in the effort needed to succeed.
How has this industry impacted your life?
The insurance industry has had a significant impact on my life by showing me how important it is to be an active part of the community and how meaningful it can be to support people during times of uncertainty and turmoil. Additionally, the industry has allowed me to build relationships across many different industries, providing valuable insight into how those businesses operate and the day-to-day challenges that affect them.