YAC Spotlight: Brandi Sarrett

I was a stay-at-home mom for 11 years with my two boys. I really needed something to challenge my mind and cognitive abilities. One of my best friends worked for Seibert, and she knew the struggles I was having, so she told me to apply for a part-time job at the agency. I got hired, and I intended to stay in my role, assisting with sales and underwriting notices. However, an opening for an agent became available and the folks at Seibert told me they thought I would be a good fit for it. I applied, got hired, and I loved it.  

It’s twofold. I would have to say my agency owner Karyn Roeling. She is sharp, driven, and a confident individual. She can get down with the girls, is respected by the dudes, and crosses all planes seamlessly. Karyn has a sharp insurance mind as an astute business owner but is also amazingly compassionate and generous and has encouraged me to explore any opportunity. If it’s got something to do with career advancement or curiosity, she doesn’t know the word no. Also, I’d have to say my direct supervisor, Candace Brantley. She’s my go-to, my mentor, and my everything at the agency. In terms of my career path and managing it as a single mom, she’s given me the space and the freedom to do that and be an agent, and that’s invaluable to me. 

Jump in headfirst. You’ve already devoted money and time to going to college, and you’re at the age where exploration is key. Be as well-rounded as you can, that way you can pick your path when you’re ready. Finding something like a residency program but for insurance is something you should look into. And even if you find you hate one element of insurance, at least now you know and you can better understand that component of the insurance process. 

Having contacts or relationships you can draw on in this increasingly volatile market can help you be better prepared. They can also help you develop goals for yourself, deepen the knowledge you have, and help you find the path you’re looking for in this industry. You can be an innovative thinker naturally, but it’s difficult to innovate when you’re just getting your feet under you. Having relationships to look up to, trading ideas, and having conversations will help you see what’s possible. 

The people connection with my clients. My friends have always joked that my dream job is something where I’m paying them to let me work there; meaning that I always want to volunteer or work in a service capacity in some way. That is why I love the service aspect of what I do. The people connection, solving problems for them, and getting those big wins; when you’re able to relieve someone’s worries, it feels great. 

I have a 13-year-old son. I hate to say it, but the first thing I would do is play on shock value and show them the earning potential of insurance. That’s a massive factor for the next generation. And let’s be honest: Insurance sounds really boring, so I think you have to add a little glamour to it so it’s not all about dollars and cents, but instead explains how multifaceted a career path it can be.  

Curiosity and charisma. If you’re looking to network and truly connect, I think curiosity and charisma are a powerful combination. Curiosity is such a broad term, so the sky’s the limit. 

Anything active outside, ideally traveling somewhere else to do it. Traveling, hiking, exploring, just putting my feet in the grass. I love it all, but I’ll take mountains over beaches.   

Laziness. Laziness can mean so many things whether it’s someone who didn’t take that extra step to take care of a client, or my son leaving his protein drink container on the table instead of throwing it away. Whatever you do, do it with all of you or just don’t do it.  

A children’s book author. I’ve had this idea for a book series for a good long while. I think that reading is such a connective experience if it’s done the right way and I think it’s a potentially great way to connect with younger generations. I would find a way to take an entertaining story like Captain Underpants or Diary of a Whimpy Kid but make it with a compassionate end goal in mind.