Sara Sheppard Pacifici, v ice president, Sheppard Insurance GroupYears at company: 1.5 years
College:University of South Carolina, '07
Organizations:IIABA, PIA  What advice do you have about working with family members who also are in the insurance industry?
I am fortunate because my mother and I have a wonderful relationship, but even we can butt heads at the office. You have to figure out when a conversation or interaction is between family and when it is as co-workers or as employee/employer. That is not always clear cut, but if there is mutual respect, it all works out. What skills do you think young agents will need in 2011?
Innovation and creativity. Core business practices should always be respected; however, in this day and age, young agents will have to be creative in their pursuit of new business and also in retaining existing business. How did you determine that insurance was a viable career choice?
I have grown up around this business. My mother has been in the industry for more than 25 years and has owned our agency for almost 20. I have seen all aspects of being in insurance, both good and bad, but overall it has been very good to my family. Growing up, I saw this as both a challenging and rewarding career. As my mother has always said, “I didn't choose insurance, it chose me.” My life has brought me to a career in the industry and I couldn't be happier. What is an important lesson you learned working in a professional environment?
Without a doubt the best lesson I have learned from being in the workforce is the importance of knowing how to talk to and relate with all different kinds of people. In my first job I served as a legislative aide to a North Carolina state senator. I was put into different kinds of situations with people in all levels of government as well as constituents. I learned quickly that being a people person and a good listener is invaluable. Bringing this skill with me into the insurance industry has been very helpful. Who do you look to as a mentor?
She allows me to work independently, but her door is always open whenever I have questions or a difficult situation I am working on. I look toward my mother as a mentor. Her industry knowledge is invaluable. She has the CPCU and AIC designations and she has encouraged me to pursue this as well. She has helped me learn that in this day and time it is not enough to simply get your license and attend mandatory continuing education classes. What are your goals in this industry?
My ultimate goal is to buy the business from my family and continue to grow the company. I would also like to continue working toward receiving professional designations. Currently I am working on my CIC designation.