The new year is an opportunity for many to refocus and reenergize around goals and resolutions. For some, that means finding a new career. While it may not be top of mind, there are many benefits to a career in insurance, including growth potential, a flexible schedule, high earning potential and the opportunity to provide a benefit to others.

Andrea Hering is a California-based Broker who has had a truly incredible career journey in insurance, from answering phones to leading sales.

Acrisure's Communication Manager Brittany Bellamy sat down with Andrea to discuss Andrea's journey as a single mother learning the ropes in insurance, finding passion in her work and more.

Brittany: Andrea, thanks for agreeing to share your story. Did you always want a career in insurance?

Andrea: I was a single mom out of high school who didn't get the chance to go to college. My first job was at a real estate office, which happened to be a customer of Bozzuto Insurance Services (Acrisure Partner). When I later applied to work at Bozzuto and they called to check my references, my boss at the real estate office actually gave me a bad reference. The Bozzuto team had a different feeling about me, and I did of them as well. I remember Jen (Jennifer Anderson, Acrisure Partner) and I having the conversation and committing to deliver. 22 years later I think I did.

I was hungry, and I wanted to do something bigger and better than what I was doing. I didn't know anything about insurance when I applied to Bozzuto, but I knew I needed a career. I needed a way to build a life, make money. In the 22 years since, I have done every job in the Bozzuto organization – remember, I started answering phones! I learned a lot about what I liked and didn't like, and really feel like I have found my passion here.

Brittany: That's quite the career path! What are some of the things that helped you along the way?

Andrea: Mentors have played a super important role in my growth and success both personally & professionally. They helped me learn the world of insurance and encouraged me to network and grow.

Jen has always been great about pushing me to the next level. Nick Del Biaggio has taught me a lot as well about stepping outside your comfort zone to grow your book. Surround yourself with people you want to be like and feed off of their energy. I now work in the position that Nick was in (Sales Manager at Bozzuto) helping others to grow. I do it my own way with a "mom" spin, and it's very rewarding to be that person for others.

Brittany: It sounds like you had some great guidance. What was it like for you to learn the insurance industry?

Andrea: It wasn't always easy! Mistakes happen. Early in my career, I ended up losing a big client because I missed their need for bonding. It was a very emotional moment for me, knowing that I failed and trying to grapple with that.

When failures happen, you must take a step back and think about the lesson. What can you do to make sure it never happens again? Things aren't always going to go your way but learning from your mistakes is so important.

I actually wrote to the client years later, thanking them for the lesson and helping me grow professionally.

Brittany: Do you have any words of wisdom to share with someone who might be considering a career in insurance?

Andrea: Be super passionate about what you do. I never wake up in the morning and think, "Oh, I have to go to work today." If you have that drive and passion, it will take you places.

I love that insurance is an intangible product because it means clients are coming because of you. Be passionate, have a purpose and nourish relationships along the way. Use your personal passions and experiences to grow your business. Bringing who I am into my work has definitely helped me to grow and improve.

Brittany: This industry, and Acrisure in particular, is always changing and evolving. How do you stay at the top of your game?

Andrea: Growth isn't always comfortable. But pushing yourself to do new things is the only way to keep improving. In fact, this interview is a great example of getting uncomfortable for me! But great things have happened when I have gotten outside of my comfort zone.

Keep trying new things. Know who you are, believe in your brand and the products that you sell, and the rest will come.

Ready for your next opportunity in 2023? Find openings with Acrisure.

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