Lisa Lemanski
Agent/Owner
Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance
East Lansing, Mich.
Years at company: 4.
What to do with a comparative politics degree: After I graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 2003, with a degree in comparative politics, I couldn't find a job. My husband had been working as a claims rep for Auto-Owners Insurance Co. in Michigan at the time, and he suggested that I apply for a commercial underwriting position there. I ended up working at Auto-Owners for eight years, after which I followed my husband to work at his uncle's agency.
Learning the nuts and bolts: When I was a underwriter, I was promoted to a home office position. There, I learned how an insurance company runs: I saw how rates were decided and how new coverages were developed and implemented. Because I worked at a carrier, I understand forms and know what an insurer is looking for. It's easy for me to place business with carriers, because I feel like I have a different perception of why a company would say “no” to coverage. I may not like it, but I do understand it.
The next gen is in the house: It was tough coming onboard the agency as owners for my husband and me, in part because we are significantly younger than the previous owners who were my husband's uncle and his partner. We wanted to make sure that they didn't feel like we were pushing them out. We wanted them to still feel appreciated and part of the agency. But at the same time, there were changes to be made. We now have both a [traditional] website and a mobile website, which we didn't have before. The partner has since passed away, but we perpetuated the agency before that. My husband's uncle is still here with us in the office; he turns 70 this year.
High honors from the Big “I”: The Big “I” has been huge for my development. When I first started at our agency, the average age was in the mid-50s, so that is what prompted me to get involved with its Young Agents Committee. I'm so humbled by winning the Outstanding Young Agent of the Year award from YAC. It has been such an awesome experience. It's hard for me because I'm not one who likes a lot of attention, but I do what I do because I like my job. This work challenges me and I always feel like I should be doing more. We help our clients in their darkest days and in their happiest times. I get to educate people about insurance, and I am incredibly honored that my council at the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents would even nominate me.
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