YAC Spotlight: Lauren Iten

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

• My whole life has been my parents being in insurance, because they own the agency, and so, from a young age my siblings and I were doing things like stuffing envelopes and helping out around the agency. While I was in college, I worked part time for the family agency. When I graduated with a degree in healthcare management in 2020, it was during COVID, so there really wasn't a whole lot of opportunity in the medical field. So, I started working for the agency full time and stuck with it. 

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

• My mom. Being in the business with her has pushed me to be better. She got me involved in different associations and introduced me to people to build relationships and connect with people on a higher level. She really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and has guided me through how to be successful, like her. 

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

• There's so much opportunity. Even me, being in a family that’s been so involved in insurance, I didn't realize how much opportunity there is while in college. There’s more opportunity outside of working in an insurance agency. There are so many opportunities in Florida with carriers and agencies that if you find that something's not for you, there's always an opportunity waiting for you somewhere else within the industry. 

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

• I’ve definitely learned through being a part of YAC that you can use those relationships with other agents to bounce ideas off each other, confide in each other, and create a support system when it’s difficult or you don’t know where to go next. You can also have a chance to help others who maybe haven’t gone through the same things you have. 

What is your favorite aspect of the job? 

• I like meeting different types of people and being able to connect those people with folks who are realtors, contractors, mortgage brokers, and title companies—and just being able to work with so many different people, which allows me to form connections that benefit my clients. For example, when someone is going through the stress of buying a house, I’m able to be there for them not only as an insurance agent, but I can use my connections to get them a contractor or other resources. To me, it’s not just about the insurance. There’s so much more to it.  

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

• I actually have the opportunity to speak with the next generation through Independent Insurance Agents of Broward County’s (IIABC) INVEST program. So, when I speak with high school students and educate them about the different needs of insurance, I tell them about the many opportunities that are there in the industry. Maybe college isn’t for them, and they want to get to work right away. I try to highlight those opportunities and tie in how they can do that while furthering their education as well. 

What is your favorite food/restaurant? 

• I have been on a quest to find the best Penne alla Vodka in South Florida and the best I’ve had so far is from a restaurant in Miami called Carbone. But I still have other restaurants to try. 

Who do you admire and why? 

• My parents. I appreciate how they have raised me and taught me to be outgoing. I also appreciate how much they have done in the industry, how all of their hard work is paying off, and where it’s led them. I admire their passion.  

How would your best friend describe you? 

• She would say that I am very ambitious, and I go after what I want. She would also say that I go above and beyond for everyone and only want the best for myself and for the people I love. 

Are cats or dogs better and why? 

• There's nothing like coming home to my golden retriever. There’s no day in her life where she’s ever sad. She's either extremely happy or very sassy, and there's no in between. You open the door, and no matter what is going on, she's just so excited to see you.