Adjuster to Agent...HELP!!

[sumertyme]

Hi all!! First post here as you see but I've lurked for months learning quite a bit. A little about myself and my background, I'm a young woman, early 30's and I've been in insurance since right after graduating college. I started as a property adjuster nearly 10 years ago, worked for a few different companies during that time as well as being an independent adjuster. About 2 years ago I decided I wanted to become an agent, every sales position I applied for I was invited in for an interview. The feedback I always received was that they loved my experience, my personality, my "look" but I just didn't have any prior sales experience to make them take the chance on me.

Fast forward to 7 months ago I start working at a non standard agency. I'm now licensed, have nearly a decade of P&C experience and have numbers to back me up as a sales person. I KNOW I want my own agency when the time is right as such I am now looking to apply with Nationwide for their Agency Capital Builder program. From browsing the forums I understand most everyone despises being a captive agent but as a beginner and as someone who truly wants to succeed in this industry I believe going captive initially will be the best option for me. However any additional input is welcomed.

Being that I'm employed by a non standard agency, I know these are two completely different beasts. I don't think I've truly learned anything about the agency side of this business, therefore I'm not confident on what questions I should ask in any upcoming interviews. My biggest concern are agency start up costs. I know many times companies will paint a pretty picture of financial help they offer but realistically is it really that great? Basically I would love you seasoned veterans to offer any advice on questions that I should ask that may be otherwise overlooked during the interview process. Thank you!!

 

[b61mack]

nationwide, does have a good program, how competitive are they in your state?.. i listened to their pitch, if they deliver what they promise, it sounds good, up to 90,000 after 18 to 24 months... you use that to open your agency.... talk with a few agents that have gone thru the program.. i would pick them over allstate, state farm or farmers... good luck.

 

[Bob Klee]

Summertyme,

I know nothing about Nationwide's opportunity, but I've been an IA & Farmers agent in CA, Allstate in KY & TN. Went through 6 month process looking at the State Farm opportunity too. + have friends in the above agencies.

My take is Allstate & SF are better than Farmers as far as help in getting one's agency started from scratch. Staring an IA from scratch, without the marketing/sales skills would be tough IMO.
Before I'd commit to any of them, I'd do some face-face time with newbie agents of the different brands in your area. Good ones won't mind talking to you.

All captive companies have +/-. If you could also ask agents who the Good district manager is in the area [typically there is more than one], the one they would like to work with, then I'd try & get in their district. Those guys have a reputation of producing successful new agents & make your task of starting an agency from scratch easier. It is not easy, but there are ways to stack the deck more in your favor & getting the right DM to work with is a good start.

I have no stake in any of them anymore, but if you have more questions & believe I can help, feel free to email or call me.