Board Spotlight: Brian Chapman, Jr.

 

In the 80s, my dad had the opportunity to be a State Farm agent, so I grew up in the insurance industry. After graduating college, I followed in his footsteps and joined State Farm, where I spent about five years. While I initially thought I would stay there, I eventually chose the independent route in 2009, seeking new challenges and opportunities. 

 

 

It's hard to pinpoint just one person, as I've been fortunate to have multiple mentors who have generously shared their time and ideas with me. One impactful lesson came from a story my dad shared about working with his father at JCPenney’s in the 70s. On his first day, my grandfather told him, “If you’re not working twice as hard as everybody else, then you’re going to look like you got the job because I gave it to you.” This drove home the importance of a strong work ethic and truly earning your place through hard work. Nothing of value is handed to you, and this is a lesson I've passed on to my kids and also my brother who works with me.   

 

 

Patience is crucial, especially at the start. For those who are ambitious and driven, it can sometimes feel like success isn't coming quickly enough. However, every small step and experience, whether it's dealing with a client, a carrier, or a claim, contributes to your growth and understanding. These early lessons, though sometimes frustrating, are invaluable and will help you build a wise and well-rounded perspective. 

 

 

I think sometimes it starts out for selfish reasons, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. Initially, my involvement was motivated by the benefits of forming relationships and gaining insights into industry issues. However, over time, it became about making a positive impact on the industry, upholding the standards of a good independent agent, and mentoring others. Serving on the board has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to grow alongside talented individuals and give back to the community. The more you contribute, the more you gain in return, and it’s an honor to have been nominated. 

 

Committed. My commitment began with providing for my immediate family and evolved into supporting my team and their families and being a hero for my clients. For success in any endeavor, a strong commitment is essential. While the focus of my commitment has shifted over time, it remains the core of my work ethic. 

 

 

They might be surprised to learn that I married my high school sweetheart. We started dating when we were 16 and got married a week after graduating from college. 

 

 

Our family, all living within 20 miles of each other, never runs out of things to talk about. Like most families, our conversations vary widely. Whether it's about the kids testing their boundaries, recent events like school achievements, vacations, my dad’s changing moods as he gets older, or fun activities like volleyball matches in the yard, we always have plenty to discuss. 

 

 

I'm most proud of building a company that has the potential to be passed down through the generations. While I don't know if my kids will want to join the business, the opportunity for generational perpetuation is something I take great pride in. My dad started as a State Farm agent over 40 years ago, and now I get to be the next step for future generations. 

 

 

The internal culture of our agency and the accountability among team members have been game changers. It's crucial to create an environment where team members love what they do and feel valued. A healthy culture and dedicated team members lead to high performance and satisfaction, which ultimately benefits our clients. More than any product or service, our strong internal culture has driven our success. 

 

One of the biggest challenges has been adapting my role as the needs of the organization change, while maintaining a focus on what benefits the organization and what I love to do. It's essential to delegate and allow others to step in, transitioning from being hands-on to taking on more of a managerial role. Balancing these shifts has been difficult at times, but it's necessary for long-term success.