State Farm Agent

This month, we celebrate the 35-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Mike Wesley's office in Houston, Texas! Following graduation, Mike joined State Farm as a fire claim specialist. With the long-term goal to be a business owner, five years later he made his goal a reality. "While working in claims, I learned what people look for during their times of need and I knew I could offer honest, proactive and compassionate service as an agent. I saw the support State Farm agents receive and the impact I could make on the community. I knew this opportunity was right for me." When Mike is not volunteering at Habitat for Humanity or the Houston Food Bank, he is proudly serving as a member of the Houston Area Urban League and 100 Black Men of Houston. Mike expresses how his time at Grambling State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), influences how he serves as a State Farm agent. "My HBCU experience helped me understand the need for education, products and services in [the markets I serve]. My emphasis on building real relationships, educating customers and giving back to the community stems from my desire to uplift those who need it most. I believe in standing up for the community, inside and outside the office!" Wishing you continued success, Mike! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Allister Primo reflects on his experience of attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and how it shaped his path to becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent. As a computer engineer major at Hampton University (HU), Allister found himself immersed in a variety of activities. He was recruited on scholarship to join the marching band and participated in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). He became a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and served on the National Panhellenic Council board. "My time at Hampton University was truly the best four years of my life, making lifelong friendships that helped pave my way. Among these connections were two HU alumni who had become State Farm agents. Their enthusiastic perspective of the agent opportunity and the meaningful impact they have on people's lives inspired me to explore this path for myself. "Attending an HBCU instilled core values of leadership, communication, and integrity that I was able to transfer into my professional career. As a State Farm agent, I have the opportunity to lead a team, build meaningful relationships with customers, and ultimately make a difference in the communities I serve." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

State Farm independent contractor agent Tyna Carter highlights the significant impact of attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and how it equipped her with valuable knowledge and leadership development that has been crucial for her professional success. "While working as a banking Financial Specialist, a conversation with a local State Farm agent revealed how closely my role aligned with the State Farm agent model. I always dreamed of a career where I felt my services could truly make an impact in the lives of others. After speaking with an agency recruiter, I knew this opportunity was for me." Throughout her time at Alabama A&M University, Tyna was actively involved as the Vice President of the marketing club, a proud member of Delta Mu Delta honor club, the gospel choir, and a volunteer at AAMU’s Child Development Center. "The sense of belonging and community that I experienced at AAMU was unlike anything I had ever encountered before. The university's commitment to high standards motivated me to strive for excellence. "This guiding principle has been embedded in how we serve State Farm customers at my agent office. These experiences have shaped my career path, leading me to the most fulfilling career." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Jake Gerdes' office in Sterling, Illinois! "State Farm has been woven into my life from an early age. With my mom being part of this company since 1994, I grew up visiting State Farm agent offices, witnessing firsthand the positive impact an agent can have on a community. These experiences instilled in me a deep admiration and desire to contribute similarly." In 2017, Jake joined the State Farm corporate office as a Sales Representative where he was immediately drawn to the world of insurance. This passion grew as he transitioned to various roles, each becoming a steppingstone to honing leadership skills and learning what it takes to run a successful agent office. "Reflecting on my first year, I am overwhelmingly proud of my team’s accomplishments and the culture they embody, centered around dedication and service. This journey has reaffirmed my belief in the value of the State Farm agent opportunity. It's not just a career; it's a calling to serve and help protect. I never would have imagined those childhood visits would lead to this incredible opportunity.” Wishing you continued success, Jake! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

This month, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Daria Bartkiewicz Kent's office in Chicago, Illinois! "As a female entrepreneur, the State Farm agent opportunity has provided my family and I with a sense of purpose." After Daria's family immigrated from Poland, she often translated for her parents due to their language barrier. She remembers how challenging it was as a child and the difficulty her parents faced navigating financial and insurance matters. This early realization inspired her to strive for ways to assist those with similar backgrounds in her community. "My goal is to provide insurance education and assistance in customers’ native languages. My team is equipped and ready to serve in English, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish. We strive to educate customers, so they feel comfortable with their choices and understand the value of the products available." In addition to educating and being present in her community, Daria is determined to lead by example for her children. "I consider myself lucky to be present in my community by helping other families just like mine. I am very grateful to be able to show my young daughters that they can truly accomplish anything they put their mind to by working hard, doing the right thing, and helping others." Wishing you continued success, Daria! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Luke Ramsay vividly remembers childhood visits to his mother's office, who was a State Farm independent contractor agent. Observing her interactions with customers left a lasting impression on him.    "I attended Texas A&M where I played football and obtained my master’s degree in human resource development. Following graduation, I worked in various corporate roles that fueled my ambition to be a business owner."   Luke contemplated the benefits of pursuing a career as a State Farm agent that he had witnessed firsthand. He envisioned a future that would provide him with the freedom and flexibility he desired, while also offering opportunities to support and provide for his family.   "My mother transitioned into an agency leadership role for State Farm corporate, where she provided support to State Farm agents in her territory. When I made the decision to become an agent myself, those very agents she had assisted extended their support to me. To this day, they are always there to answer any questions or offer their guidance.   "As a State Farm agent, you have the privilege of being a steward of the company brand, both collectively and individually. Our primary focus is to serve State Farm customers in our respective communities, but to also be a source of inspiration for the next generation of State Farm agents."   Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

We spotlight the heroic act of State Farm independent contractor agent Bob Gist and Brad Carlisle. During their most recent get-together, they found themselves in a situation that they’ll never forget. "Brad and I were out fishing when our guide suggested we move to a different area. In the distance, we could hear hunting dogs barking and trailing a deer that had led them into the water. We continued fishing until our guide decided we needed to check on the dogs. He knew something was off," Bob stated. As they approached the area, they were suddenly taken aback by dozens of dogs swimming in circles after losing sight of the deer, unable to find their way back to shore. "Without hesitation, we began pulling as many dogs as we could into our small fishing boat,” Brad shared. “Some tried to jump out or snip at us, not wanting to leave the others behind. We took roughly 20 dogs to shore before heading back to get the others. "Thinking we had retrieved all of them, one of the hunters informed us in a panic that his tracker still showed his dog in the lake. As we reached the location, we discovered five more dogs at the brink of exhaustion. One of the dogs was submerged under water as I pulled him onto the boat just in time," Bob shared. On the intuition of their fishing guide, they successfully rescued all dogs in the lake that day, embodying the qualities of a good neighbor. "As State Farm agents, we are wired to help. Whether it's someone in your community or dogs in danger – if the desire is placed on your heart to help, take action. In this career, we could be the difference between protection and catastrophe. That is what makes this career so rewarding," Brad expressed. Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This National Women's Equality Day, we honor those who are paving the way for future generations. State Farm independent contractor agents Lori Coucke, Maria Lopez, Rita Johnson, and Gina Jeffries share their personal experiences as women entrepreneurs and business owners. "My goal is to empower others. Whether it’s nurturing my team or educating and supporting State Farm customers through difficult situations, I have the ability to bring purpose to various life events. I like to add personalized touches that go beyond systems and processes, using my compassion and expertise to help those in need.” - Lori “This career is incredibly empowering and fulfilling. It represents independence and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the business world. I take great pride in breaking barriers and inspiring other women to pursue their dreams with confidence." - Maria "As a businesswoman, I offer a unique perspective that helps build strong relationships. My commitment to social responsibility drives my determination to go the extra mile, giving us the opportunity to offer competitive products and services that benefit State Farm customers.” - Rita "Continuing to emulate my late mother's pioneering spirit of her generation is an incredible privilege. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to inspire future women business owners and entrepreneurs to reach for the stars and dream big!" - Gina Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Katie Gonzales! After teaching for three years post-graduation, Katie began to experience burn out. Seeking a change, Katie took her transferable skill set into a sales job but felt lost in her career as she faced the ups and downs of the pandemic. “I stumbled across a State Farm agent in Colorado Springs who became a phenomenal example for me as a woman entrepreneur and inspired me to explore the role of a State Farm team member. As a military spouse, I had to relocate but served as a team member in two different agent offices. In 2022, my husband and I decided to make our way back to my hometown of Waseca, Minnesota, where I launched my agent office.” Katie's perseverance in times of uncertainty allowed her to discover new ways to fulfill her passion. "With the State Farm agent opportunity, I found a career that reignited my passion for teaching. This last year has been the most rewarding experience. It is not lost on me the role my team played in my first year running smoothly, using their 100 combined years of experience to serve collaboratively. Getting the chance to come back to my hometown and contribute to the next generation was a full circle moment for me – I am extremely grateful for the opportunity." Wishing you continued success, Katie! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

This month, we're celebrating the 10-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Bryan Solis' office in Chicago, Illinois! For Bryan, the path to exploring the State Farm agent opportunity looked different. Starting as an agent team member in 2001, then pursuing several State Farm corporate roles, he was no stranger to the many different career paths State Farm had to offer. Through it all, three driving forces attracted him to entrepreneurship: customer, team, and family. "Educating customers on products and services to help secure financial futures while building long-lasting relationships has always been a passion of mine. As a State Farm agent, I want to be remembered not just from success but also the impact I have on the community and the opportunities created for my team.” Bryan shares his gratitude for the State Farm agent career. "At the end of the day, my goal is to be a trusted leader within the community while providing my family with a lifestyle full of endless possibilities and countless memories. Being a State Farm agent has given me purpose, and I am humbled and grateful for the blessings afforded to me. I truly am living the dream!" Wishing you continued success, Bryan! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.