State Farm Agent’s Post

This month, we're celebrating the one-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Luke Lehman's office in Woodbury, Minnesota! After graduating from Wisconsin Eau Claire and working four years at a State Farm agent office, Luke decided it was time to branch out and open his own agent office. When he's not giving back to the community or out on the golf course, he's in his office with his team helping families realize their short-term and long-term goals. "I am proud to be backed by a team of professionals who are here to help navigate the insurance world. By personalizing our approach to each family's needs, we put an emphasis on connecting and building long lasting relationships." Luke recalls how his entrepreneurial journey started with just three team members, and now his office has only continued to grow. "It has been incredible to watch my team expand and flourish in their roles. We all share a deep-rooted passion for helping our community with their insurance and financial needs while managing the risks that everyday life throws our way. I can't wait to see what the coming years have in store for us!" Wishing you continued success, Luke! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

While juggling a summer college internship and running her own painting business, Rachel Karhoff discovered an opening for a team member position with a local State Farm independent contractor agent. She never imagined accepting the position would lead her to where she is today. "From day one, I was given opportunities to push myself and step out of my comfort zone, and I began to envision my life as a State Farm agent. What really drew me in and solidified my decision was the daily interactions with State Farm customers. As I encountered different customers with different needs each day, it was encouraging to know that we had products to help." Rachel shares how this career has been nothing short of a blessing for her and her family. "I married my high school sweetheart and before starting my agency, we knew we wanted to have a family. Now with three children under the age of five, being a business owner has allowed me the flexibility I wanted and needed as a mom, while providing financial stability. I get to work alongside an organization whose core values align with my own – that is something I do not take for granted. Having the opportunity to make a difference in the world is truly a unique experience." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we're celebrating the 10-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Ricky Maique’s office in Katy, TX! Ricky learned about protecting what matters most while spending a decade working in an agent's office. “I was first intrigued by the State Farm opportunity when I learned that I could not only serve individual and commercial insurance needs, but also grow personally as a small business owner.” Ricky’s passion for helping and educating others while being at the forefront of the industry keeps him motivated. “The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and I'm proud to represent State Farm. While I’ve faced my share of challenges, I would not change my decision to become a State Farm agent. We love our town and the people who have supported us through it all. That’s what being a ‘good neighbor’ is all about.” Wishing you continued success, Ricky! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Trevor Halloran grew up in a small town near State Farm headquarters. To him, it seemed like everyone he knew worked there. Although Trevor never envisioned working for the company himself, he hoped to someday run a business of his own like his father. "After graduating from college, I was introduced to a State Farm independent contractor agent. It opened my eyes to the possibility of owning my own business while representing a reputable company. I spent the next 18 months working for him and learning what it takes to run a successful agency. It was during this time I realized that being a State Farm agent was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life." When the right opportunity presented itself, Trevor opened his agent office in Edwardsville, IL. “Since opening my office doors, my dad was inspired to become a State Farm agent as well. Together, we get to experience the perfect blend of personal and professional fulfillment, allowing us to be there for our families and make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we're celebrating the 20-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Amy Wakem's office in New Brighton, Minnesota! After growing up with dreams of being a travel agent, Amy found a more rewarding path to becoming a different type of agent. Years ago, while speaking with her mentor about career aspirations, Amy realized that her path to traveling could be accomplished in ways she never imagined. "I'll never forget when my mentor shared with me the travel possibilities that could come with being a State Farm agent. Though traveling was what initially enticed me, I am not in this career solely for the perks. Helping people before they know they need it is my true passion." Amy takes pride in her team treating all customer situations the same, whether big or small. "I teach my team members to prepare for a family's unique needs by having personalized conversations. These conversations help us recognize any gaps in their plans so we can educate our customers to choose products that benefit both their wants and their needs. When an incident happens, we are there to help them recover from the unexpected!" Wishing you continued success, Amy! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Clint Simpson began his State Farm independent contractor agent career later in life. Prior to becoming an agent, Clint was a radio DJ and worked in various sales positions but began to reflect on his long-term career goals. "I was in the process of getting my insurance licensing when I was recruited to be a team member for a new State Farm agent. During that time, I helped build his business from the ground up and found my passion in doing so. I knew this was my true calling." After going through the agent process, Clint was originally passed on for an agent opportunity. "I took on a financial advisor role for four months until I realized this was not what I wanted. Staying the course, I was selected for an agent opportunity two years later. The timing could not have been more perfect, allowing me more time to grow." Clint shares how his passion for helping others inspired his son, Camaran, to pursue becoming an agent, although his feelings didn't begin that way. "We relocated when I opened my agent office, causing hardships on Camaran. Throughout the years, his attitude began to shift and his love for the office grew when he saw firsthand the relationships formed and the lives we helped protect. "He is now the sales manager in my office and wrapping up my Agent Aspirant Program. As I reflect on my journey starting out as an agent team member, to inspiring my son to potentially become a second-generation agent with his own office, it’s a feeling unlike any other." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we're celebrating the one-year anniversary of independent contractor agent Jim Purcell's office in Suffern, New York! Insurance has always come naturally for Jim, as he had a front-row seat watching and learning from his father. Jim recalls countless conversations his father had with customers, shaping the way he views insurance today. "My father was a successful insurance agent and major influence on my career choice. From a very young age, I would listen to him interact with customers on the phone, helping them determine their insurance needs. It was those moments that sparked the desire to continue in my father's footsteps by opening my own office.” Jim’s 30-year experience in the insurance industry and 20 years owning a New Jersey insurance agency led him to explore new entrepreneurial ventures. "After considering my options, pursuing a career as a State Farm agent was the obvious choice. I had seen firsthand that State Farm always put customers first, and those are values I aligned with personally and professionally. With my wife Mary by my side, in life and as my office manager, it is a great honor for me to represent State Farm and help customers prepare for the unexpected." Wishing you continued success, Jim! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Originally from Brazil, Natasha Faesy Burgess had big dreams as a child to move to the United States and make a difference in the world. Natasha's entrepreneurial spirit and mission to help people led her to become a State Farm independent contractor agent. "My journey began when I saw a social media post about a team member position for a local State Farm agent. While in that role, I realized how well my vision aligned with the company's – I saw the opportunity to become an agent and ran with it. Sharing my passion with others and providing my team with the development once given to me is so rewarding. I am successful when my team succeeds." Natasha expresses how being a State Farm agent has helped her accomplish her life's mission and be an inspiration to her daughter. "My career has forever changed our lives and generations to come. No matter how old or where you come from, you can succeed in this career if you have the desire to help others. Being able to do what you love every day is truly priceless." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

In honor of World Kindness Day, we highlight Celeste Middleton’s incredible 30-year journey as a State Farm independent contractor agent! Celeste has learned over the years that caring for people and keeping their best interests at heart builds trust. Additionally, she’s created a powerful support network by fostering a team that genuinely cares about customers and each other. “My ‘why’ is simple yet powerful – I genuinely care about people, and my team does too.” Celeste believes in simplifying insurance and financial services and works hard to help State Farm customers prepare for the future. “One of the many blessings I’ve received from the agent opportunity is meeting so many great people. When they need us the most, my team and I are there – we show up! It makes my heart happy to be so connected with the community.” Wishing you continued success, Celeste! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Shalyn Clark's career accomplishments as a State Farm independent contractor agent have been part of the journey, not the destination. With over 40 years of experience, learnings, growth and leadership, what Shalyn values most are the relationships she's built with her team, State Farm customers and the community. "I have a deep sense of pride knowing I can make a true difference by helping people through difficult and stressful times. I am intentional in creating and building relationships that last through generations — it comes from simply doing the right thing with each customer and taking an interest in their lives and their families." Shalyn's initial career goal was financial independence. As time went on, many more unexpected benefits came from her decision to become a State Farm agent. "It’s been a journey of challenges and growth, twists and turns, mentoring and being mentored, as well as embracing constant change. I seek to be an example of the 'good neighbor' philosophy of how one person's dedication to customers and community can result in personal and professional success. When I reflect on my 40+ year career, I've realized the journey has been a conduit of crossing paths, making connections, weaving lives together and just naturally helping others." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9