Wh yd Big I Kentucky Chair

How did you get started in insurance?

I graduated from college and moved home. I was interviewing for jobs and I would be called back but ultimately the job would go to someone with more experience. My Dad had a lady give her 2 weeks notice, he needed help and I needed money.

What goals are you aiming to accomplish as Chairwoman?

I would like to see more people participating in BIG I events. I will also continue to work hard with the board to ensure that we are offering the right products and services to our members.

What do you see as some of the biggest issues facing Kentucky independent agencies today?

In talking with our members and my peers, hiring is at the top of the list and navigating the hard market and economic future will be a challenge in the next year or so.

What do you find the most fulfilling about being an agent?

My favorite part is the relationships with my team and my clients. It is really rewarding to help a client through some of their roughest days, losing a home or having an auto accident to losing their loved ones. Most of the time it is just listening to them and helping them navigate through the process. I have laughed and cried with many of my clients.

What does it mean to you to be the third Chairwoman in the history of Big I Kentucky?

I think it is really special to be the third female in this role. Sandra and Michelle were wonderful presidents/chairs and I hope to be one too. Women have been at the heartbeat of our industry for years and it is great to see that we are taking on leadership roles in our industry and moving it forward. I hope that many more women will come behind me and make their impact. I will be here cheering them on.

How do you strike a work/life balance? And how do you try and promote this to your team?

We like to have a little fun will at work. We work hard and we play hard. I would say we are still working on the work/life balance. I have a wonderful group of people that care so much about what they do and the clients that they serve, I sometimes have to tell them it is okay for a break. Everyone needs time away. We encourage each other to enjoy life, to leave 5 minutes early to make it to a ballgame or recital. I encourage them to go to the Grandparent's lunch or parent breakfast. Life is about balance and some times we are in balance and others we are not. We will keep working on this.

What is your favorite app on your phone?

I would say my picture app is my favorite. I love looking back at pictures and laughing about the memories made.

What motivates you?

There are many things that motivate me. My family, friends and teammates motivate me everyday. I wake up and try to be a little better everyday. I am surrounded by people that are smarter than me and better than me at certain tasks and they inspire me to learn something from them and push to be better.

What would we find you most likely doing on the weekend?

In the summertime you will find me on Lake Barkley on the weekends. I like to spend time with family and friends on the boat.

What does a typical day look like? I am an early riser so I like to get up and start my day with my dogs, no coffee for me. I like to do some chores like laundry or dishes before I leave for work Once I am at work, we start everyday with our “daily stand-up ” This includes a message about our core values and also a place and time that we are all together and can discuss what we are working on or who needs help with something. The rest of the day is a little less scripted, it may include meetings with clients, board meetings, collaborating with my team, looking and implementing technologies, interviewing candidates, etc. At the end of the work day, I like to go home to my husband and dogs, have dinner and enjoy my family

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I took my brother's car for a joyride around town when I was 13 years old and he caught me.

What did you learn watching your dad serve?

I have been watching and learning from Dad all of my life but his service to the association taught me the importance to pour back in to the industry that has given me so much. We take so much as members from this association, by using the products and services, the human capital and intelligence, he showed me the importance to give back.

What advice would you give your 25 year old self?

Stop being so hard on yourself, life will happen if you worry about it or if you don’t. Work hard, be a good friend, develop and maintain relationships. Lastly, enjoy every moment, they go by fast.