12
| MAY 2020 | 20 UNDER 40
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
EVAN HALL Age: 26 Occupation: Agent, First Mid Insurance Group, co-owner Mike Hall Auction Co.
1. I worked my way through college. Throughout most of my time at Millikin, I held three jobs — drove a truck for Home City Ice, worked as the intern for JL Hubbard, and still worked at the auction. 2. When I was a kid, I sold sweet corn out of the field to make extra money. There is no better ear than Maddox Sweet Corn in Warrensburg. 3. I’m the superintendent of the Standardbred Horse Races at the Macon County Fair and myself own part of a show horse (cutting horse-NCHA). I love horses and livestock, LOVE THEM.
Career highlights and/or accomplishments: Began my career for JL Hubbard while still a senior at Millikin University in December 2014. I would go to class in the morning, and hop in the car and go meet with business owners in the afternoon. Chosen as a top 50 agent for Berkley Insurance Group 2017. Westfield Open Invitee (Westfield Insurance Co.) 2016. Write Commercial Insurance in Illinois and Indiana. Becoming a partner in my family business at age 26. What is the best and worst piece of advice you have ever received? Community involvement: Former presiBEST: Don’t leave the gate open…EVER. dent of Macon County 4-H and Extension We raise livestock, and I just purchased my Foundation; secretary, Macon County Fair own farm. I have, in fact, learned this the Board; member of Macon County Farm Bu- hard way. reau Young Farmer’s Committee; member Worst: Buy a rental house. It’s an easy Illinois Auctioneers Association; active in investment. Illinois Grain & Feed Association, Southern IL Builders Association. Recently joined If you were a fictional character, who would Decatur Country Club. you be and why? Rip Wheeler, from the TV show “Yellowstone.” I just want to work What should the community do to attract cattle all day on horseback. That’s my idea more young people to the area? Being a of fun. local (our family roots here trace back to 1832), I have seen most of my friends grow- What are your three favorite movies? “Giing up, leave for big cities. I understand ant” (with James Dean and Elizabeth Taythe attraction, more opportunity. But, at lor), “Pure Country” (George Strait) and the end of the day, some are coming back any Humphrey Bogart movie. The old black home. This is a great place to raise a fam- and white movies are the best. ily, and young people can see that. In my opinion, attracting more white-collar jobs What would your perfect Saturday be like? to this community is the only way to do it. Without question, sale day. Any Saturday There will never be a service sector boom I can conduct an auction is already a good for entertainment without the demand. day in my book. Technology- and financial-service based businesses could have a great home here in Who inspires you to be better? Easy quesDecatur, due to the low cost of real estate, tion. My father, Mike Hall. He’s been my and local colleges like Millikin and RCC role model my whole life. I learned how to looking to place graduates. But they have conduct business from him, how to build to set up shop first. relationships, and the value of ethics and integrity. Working side by side with him in What are three things most people don’t our family business is a dream come true know about you? for me.
Being a local (our family roots here trace back to 1832), I have seen most of my friends growing up, leave for big cities. I understand the attraction, more opportunity. But, at the end of the day, some are coming back home. This is a great place to raise a family, and young people can see that. In my opinion, attracting more white-collar jobs to this community is the only way to do it. There will never be a service sector boom for entertainment without the demand.
SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY
