The Brokerage World

Pictured: (Left to Right) Kurt Cheesbro, Dave Wagner, Emma Bradford, Samantha Katchen, Maggie Garcia, Matt Ruddick 

Within the industry there are many different avenues to venture down while looking for a career path. At Advocate Financial Partners we focus on personal lines of insurance including life, health, disability, and long-term care. All of the agents that are associated with Advocate are contracted with all of the top rated insurance companies that offer these products. This allows our agents to have a wide variety of products, companies, and underwriting guidelines to work with. Not all insurance agents work in this type of environment, many are what is classified as "captive" rather than "broker". Partner, Samantha Katchen shares her ventures in the insurance industry filled with trials, tribulations, and success.   

By:
Emma Bradford
Social Media Manager 

In The Beginning 

Samantha  graduated from college with high hopes and expectations for her bright future. She was entertaining a few different options for career paths, but settled on insurance, something in this industry just clicked with her so she gave it a go. She worked at Bankers Life for 2 and a half years, moving from the trainee to the trainer and quickly into management. 

Pictured: Samantha Katchen, Emma Bradford

Pictured: Samantha Katchen 

"After the first six months, I began training new agents how to connect with clients and run their business. After about a year, I was running a team of 10 agents under me while still maintaining my own business. Keeping up with current clients, reaching out and finding more people who needed help, and managing a team of agents taught me so much."

After a Little While 

Pictured: Samantha Katchen

After being in the business for about three years, Sam started noticing something. There were more options in the market with other companies that her clients were asking about. At Bankers Life she was only able to offer certain products, this is what is called a captive agency. Over time as she build up a larger client base, she started thinking more about her clients, and realizing that there may be better options!

"I knew what I knew at Bankers Life, and did not look into other options. I quickly realized that people were knowingly playing much higher premiums for their policies than they needed to, just because they wanted to work with me. If people were going out of their way to do this and they really liked my service, I really wanted to make sure that I was doing the best thing out there for them. Not just within my company, but the best solution available in the market place."

Pictured: Samantha Katchen, Chris Yokley

Now I Realize 

Before when Samantha would meet with clients, she would go into an appointment with the mindset of closing business that day. It was much simpler than what she is doing now, but simple does not mean better. The easy solution is often masked as the best, when in reality sometimes it is better to look at various options, discuss them with clients, and see what they feel comfortable with considering needs, budget, and health. 
Previously, if someone wanted a certain product but they couldn't qualify... I was unable to help them. Where now, I am able to help anyone find a solution for their specific needs, regardless of health background. ​
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Pictured: Samantha Katchen, Matt Ruddick  

Pictured: Samantha Katchen, Emma Bradford 

"I now take the time to get to know my clients personally, and really understand their whole situation. I then go back to my office and team, do research and find unique solutions. It feels good to have been changing lives and helping so many more people now."

It Takes Awhile

Pictured: Emma Bradford, Maggie Garcia, Chris Yokley, Samantha Katchen

Being in the insurance industry is a career path that takes time. Many people, when they first start out expect to be successful and make a significant amount of money right away. Unfortunately, this is not that kind of business. It is important to build a good rapport with clients, learn the sales process, and understand your product portfolio. You must put the time in that it requires to be successful. 

"Looking back now I would encourage anyone that is in the insurance industry to open your eyes. There is more out there than you think and you only know what you know. Do not have your blinders on and do your due diligence and research. Someone shared an analogy with me once, and I would like to share it with you. You see someone digging in the sand with a small shovel. You have a big shovel. That other person is doing fine with their small shovel, they are getting by...but imagine how much more efficacy they would be if they had the bigger shovel. Always be looking for the bigger shovel."

Pictured: Mike Rice, Samantha Katchen, Emma Bradford

"Loving what you do, who you work with, and being in the right environment makes all the difference."