A Career in Insurance (aka) “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”

Come along for the ride as we hear from Ryan Hanley about how he got into “the business”.

– Ryan Hanley, Account Executive, The Murray Group and author of the Albany Insurance Professional blog located at www.RyanHanley.com.

“My introduction to the Insurance business was similar to a scene out of The Godfather Movie. My father-in-law pulls me aside from a family get together and asks that I join him in the study for a private chat. As we sit down in classic leather chairs my father-in-law, in a tone of voice only a father and successful small business owner could wield, made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

Over the course of the next hour I was spared no detail in description of the riggers that come with being an independent insurance agent. From the earlier mornings and late nights, to the endless parade of “No” I’d hear while cold calling, to managing clients’ emotions in times of loss, to the painstaking persistence needed to be a success, he laid it all out for me.

He finished by saying and I will never forget this, “The insurance business, this family’s business, is tough. No one knows how hard we work and no one wants to hear what you have to say. To be successful you have to figure out how to help people understand how important what we do is… Do you have any questions?”

“Just one,” I replied, “Is it worth it? Is all the work, and time, and effort worth it at the end?”

He answered with one word, “Yes.”

“Then I’m in.”

I knew from time I had spent previous to this moment that my father-in-law did not bullshit when it came to matters of this nature. He was not trying to fatten his wallet by adding a new producer. He was showing a person he cared about the path to a better life. A life filled with relationships, adventures, challenge and financial freedom.

True the path of a property/casualty insurance agent is rife with danger and peril. At times you may have to backtrack, refocus and redirect your effort. There will never be enough time in the day or money in your marketing budget. But those willing to walk the path and continually press forward ultimately find a life of fulfillment and freedom.

Henry Hill always knew he wanted to become a gangster. I can’t say the same for myself and insurance. But “The Business” has been good to me so far. I get to work side-by-side with my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and wife, growing a business. I build new relationships in my community and throughout the country every single day. There are many years left to determine whether I am a success as an insurance agent, but let me tell you, I’m glad I took that offer.”

Thank you Ryan!

We all have a story. We all have ways to tell the story. Does your story connect with policyholders? Do you tell them your story? Let us take a ride with you as you think back and share with us how you got into “the business” and knew it was not just a job but a career.

Topics Talent