YAC Spotlight: Colton Langsam

When and why did you decide to pursue a career in insurance? 

• I started out as an intern in the mailroom at a flood insurance company. In between doing the mail, I would sit with the underwriters, and what they did piqued my interest. Going into insurance, I had no idea what it was. But, once I was hired on as an assistant and got in that environment, it stuck with me. I was hooked by the people and the work product, and that’s how I'm here today! 

Who has made the biggest impact on your career up to this point? 

• Three or four years into my career, I started working in wholesale and the casualty side, and my boss, Maria Demola, taught me what it meant to be an honest, patient broker who actually markets an account and looks at what the risk is. I definitely would not be where I am today without her guidance. 

What advice would you offer college students unsure of majoring in Risk Management? 

• Just dive in. You know, I like to say there's a lot you have to learn before you can spell insurance, but don't let it dissuade you. The opportunities in our industry are pretty much limitless. Risk management really affords you the opportunity to not only grow in your own career but also to give back to your community.   

Tell us about the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the insurance community as a young agent.  

• I would say networking is a core part of our industry. You have to know your underwriter, know your agent, and know your wholesaler because we’re pretty much a community. So, no matter what your role is in our community, having the contact to lean on or just run something by is super crucial. It's why I love YAC so much. It takes that scary part out of networking and helps you grow your life and long-term career connections. 

What is your favorite aspect of the job? 

• The people and the challenging accounts. I never know what's going to be on my desk when I wake up in the morning. It could be something from just your average run-of-the-mill apartment complex to a deep-sea cable that runs underneath the New Jersey sound. It's always interesting, it's always new, it's always keeping me on my toes, and the people in the risk management community have a passion, unlike any other career path that I’ve seen. 

How would you help the next generation become interested in a career in insurance? 

• I always tell people to join YAC first and foremost. The networking events, the virtual events, the Ask Me Anythings, the continuing education opportunities—all of those things will propel you to learn how to spell insurance. People in our industry tend to stay for life. So, I would just tell them to enjoy the ride and don't rush it. Insurance is always going to be there and is a stable environment. There's no rush to the finish line here. The most important thing is to grow and learn and soak up as much as you can like a sponge. 

In your opinion, what is the most valuable skill that a young agent can have? 

• You have to think quickly on your feet, and you've got to be very strong because while it is a great career path, it is still competitive and everybody wants to be at the top no matter how much I think you should take your time to get to the finish line. You have to have that willingness to learn, observe, and absorb everything that gets thrown at you because you never know when you're going to have to use those skills again. 

Who do you admire and why? 

• I'm going to say my wife. She just started her career in insurance, and she's absolutely killing it while still doing all these crazy projects around the house. Our laundry room was not air conditioned, and in between building her own career, she put in the air conditioner, put a wall up, and moved the door. 

How would your best friend describe you? 

• I actually asked my best friend this question, and she said, “Colton is a hardworking, loyal, bright, and goofy young guy who always goes the extra mile.” 

Are cats or dogs better and why? 

• That’s tough because I have two cats and a dog. My cats, Mac and Cheese, are pretty chill and we have a puppy, Murphy, who’s pretty goofy and ridiculous. They both have their ups and downs, so I’m in the middle.