TC Anderson IV
Underwriter/broker, Risk Placement Services
Years at company: 16 years
College: Arizona State University, '03
Organizations: AAMGA Under Forty Organization
How does technology fit into your work strategy?
It plays a large role, but probably larger than it should. It appears that these days, everything is based on speed and final price rather than coverage and doing things correctly the first time. Cell phones, iPads and working remotely allow you to work 24/7, but it also means that your customers expect an instant response, no matter the day or time.
How did you decide that insurance was a viable career choice?
Family. I am a fourth generation in the insurance industry and the four generations have more than 100 years of experience. I grew up with a grandpa, father and uncle all in the business and I knew that it was a rewarding career that would allow me to have a stable job in a great industry and allow me to raise a family of my own.
What advice do you have for Gen Ys?
The largest struggle that I see with Gen Ys and Millennials is their perception that entry level jobs are not good enough and that they should be in management or CEO within the first 12 to 24 months. My advice is to be patient, work hard and learn every day. This industry has been around for decades and the more that you know, the more valuable you are to the industry. Lastly, stick with the employer who can dedicate time and money into training you. It's a large industry, but a small world
Have you experienced “generation gaps” with carriers in personal interaction or their products?
Yes, I have experienced gaps within multiple generations. There are numerous, experienced older retail broker and company underwriters whom I presume are more than 50 years old. Also, I have noticed more younger retail brokers, right out of college. The largest difficulty is personal interaction and making sure you can relate with everyone.
What is an important lesson you learned when joining a professional working environment?
I have always been in a professional working environment but I think the most important lesson would be that if you want the respect of your peers, then you must respect your peers first. The environment existed before I arrived, so I should adapt to the culture before trying to change the culture.
How can an agent successfully work with family?
If you are going to work with family, you have to enjoy being with your family and you have to be able to set aside personal issues. I really enjoy working with my father and wife. Don't work in the insurance industry just because your family does, but instead because you enjoy working in the insurance industry.
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