Q&A with Kip White

Kip White, CPIA, LUTCF is president of American Insurance, a full -service independent agency in Nottingham, MD. He also serves on the IA&B of Maryland Government Relations Committee.

Q. Tell us about your career path. We understand it’s atypical, beginning in law enforcement!

A. I graduated from Towson University in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, the corporate jobs that I was offered did not fit with my goals. An acquaintance, who was a Baltimore City Narcotics Detective, spoke with me about his career. He was very passionate about his responsibilities, and it was something I was very interested in doing. Eighteen months later, I was working next to him in the Baltimore City Narcotics Taskforce.

Being a detective was a very exciting career; however, it was not able to offer me the financial future that I desired. After several years, I decided to leave the Taskforce to become a Finance and Insurance Manager for the Len Stoler Automotive Group. Even though I found success there, I wanted a career that would allow me to have more control over my future. I left the automotive industry in 1991 and joined Nationwide Insurance. This was my gateway into the insurance industry.

In 1996, after many training sessions, cold calls, mistakes, and successes, I was ready to start my own independent insurance agency – American Insurance. I had many mentors along the way that helped confirm this move, and I was driven by the need to offer services and products to my clients that would fit their needs. I never looked back!

Q. What has been your biggest professional challenge in the insurance industry?

A. As an agency owner, I am responsible for all aspects of a successful business and a satisfied customer base. I have found human resources to be the most difficult to stay informed about. It is very important to have a valued employee who can monitor HR regulations and work with employees.

Obviously, another challenge was the COVID pandemic. It required an agency to alter the way business is conducted. Communications, training, and the agency culture have all changed. I am proud of how American Insurance, my employees, and the insurance industry have been able to adapt to still meet the needs of their clients.

Q. What advice would you give to the newest generation of independent agents who are just getting their start in the industry?

A. Invest in yourself with education and training. Regulations, and clients’ needs, are constantly changing, just as technology and communications change. You are never too experienced to continue to learn and adapt!

It is important to obtain and nurture contacts and relationships with the best insurance companies available. Make the financial commitment to grow your agency with quality employees early. They need to feel valued and important to the success of the agency. I believe it is imperative to hire slow and fire fast. You cannot do it by yourself. Get, and keep, the best crew you can to keep the boat afloat!

Q. You’ve been a volunteer leader with IA&B for many years, including terms on the IA&B Government Relations Committee. What prompted your involvement, and why would you encourage others to participate?

A. It is important to make sure independent agents are being treated fairly by government entities, state legislatures, and carriers. We need to work as a team to protect the Independent Insurance Agency distribution system and stay important and relevant to our clients and carrier partners.

IA&B has been a key part of my insurance career for over two decades. Time spent with other agents discussing relevant topics is vital to succeed. We are much stronger as a team than as individuals.

Q. We understand you’re an avid fan of Baltimore sports. What’s the most memorable game you have ever attended?

A. I was lucky to see the 1983 World Series baseball games played at Memorial Stadium. I also attended both Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl games. I cannot pick just one memorable game – each of these games was incredible!

Q. When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?

A. Spending as much time as possible with my friends and family is very important to me. I enjoy skiing, boating, fishing, golf, and traveling. Most recently I was able to take a tour on the Danube River. Any travel that includes history or physical activity interests me. I am thankful for the lifestyle I have been able to enjoy as an independent insurance agent.

Photograph by Danielle Arcilesi Photography, https://daniellearcilesiphotography.com/.