What’s so great about being a young independent insurance agent today? Freedom, quality of life, opportunities to grow, challenges and the ability to solve them, the people and relationships built, the compensation, and, of course, the satisfaction that comes with helping others. However, young agents also face burnout, a hard market, worries over the U.S. economy and its impact on business, hiring employees, “unhealthy” competitors in the market, and the industry’s “not-so-great” reputation.
Despite these challenges, 79.8% of young agents told Insurance Journal they would recommend being an insurance agent to another young person. However, many young agents report feeling unsure about 2025. Their outlook on economic conditions in 2025 is much more negative than it was in 2024. Only 14.6% of young agents reported feeling “very optimistic” about the U.S. economy’s outlook in 2025, while 28.6% reported feeling “optimistic.” This is a significant change from the 50.0% who felt “very optimistic” in 2024, with another 18% feeling “optimistic.”
Young Agents Share Their Stories
Several young agents share their experiences and insights into their careers in insurance. Joey Maxwell, 33, transitioned from teaching to becoming a producer at an independent agency. He advises young professionals to learn the technical details of coverage early and never stop learning.
Katie Pope, 32, moved from law school to becoming vice president of executive lines at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers. She emphasizes the importance of being curious and understanding how insurance impacts various aspects of life and the economy.
Terren Moore, 28, started his own independent agency specializing in agricultural insurance. He advises young agents to keep their end goals in mind and maintain focus and discipline.
Winston Welch, 29, a commercial insurance broker, values the competitive nature of his job and the firm’s culture. He believes that understanding underwriting and gaining technical expertise is crucial for success.
Sam Villagrasa-Petroski, 29, vice president of strategy and growth at Concierge Insurance Solutions, highlights the importance of technical expertise and understanding carrier needs in serving the ultra-high-net-worth market.
Joe Iten, 32, a third-generation insurance agency owner, stresses the value of finding a mentor and getting involved in industry associations.
Walter Winter, 39, senior vice president and partner at Woodruff Sawyer, shares his passion for employee benefits and the emotional aspect of helping clients navigate challenging situations.
These young agents demonstrate the diverse opportunities and challenges within the insurance industry, showcasing their optimism and commitment to their careers despite economic uncertainties.
