What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is that I’m forced to continue my education. It’s impossible to know everything in this industry, so education is critical. I recently completed my fourth insurance designation. It may sound strange, but I love the classes and taking exams. I really enjoy applying what I learn in these classes to difficult situations I encounter in my day-to-day job. I’ve also met many other agents from across the country who have been extremely useful resources when working with clients on both coasts.
The most challenging aspect of my job is that insurance is ever-changing. How do you insure drones? How do you insure self-driving vehicles? What about coverage for Uber drivers, Airbnb hosts, Turo renters, and startup companies that do something nobody has ever seen? Sometimes you have to think outside the box and get creative to make sure clients are protected.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
The people I admire most in business both have courage and a strong work ethic; they’re also family.
My dad, Pete Waite, of Stark Company Realtors, changed careers late in the game. He was the UW women’s volleyball coach and seven years ago he jumped headfirst into a commission-only career. He worked hard and was open to learning as much as possible as quickly as possible to compete with others who had decades of experience. He also went the extra mile and passed his broker’s license exam.
My uncle, Scott Kelly, of Avante Properties and Kelly Financial (sold to AJ Gallagher), is someone who is always looking five steps ahead. Running your own business shows incredible drive and courage, which Scott has accomplished in two completely separate industries. He believes you can always better yourself and you should never stop trying to do so, both professionally and personally.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
The high point of my career so far was finding my career. I considered my first two employments out of college to be “jobs” because I couldn’t see myself in those roles until retirement. I was very purposeful when I was ready for my career search. Through family and friends, I interviewed professionals in different industries about what their day-to-day looked like, if the career entailed continuous learning, autonomy vs. micromanagement, growth opportunities, pros and cons of locally-owned businesses vs. large corporations, etc. It took a few months but when I talked to Doug Dittmann of Neckerman Insurance, it was exciting to realize that I had found a career I would love. All I had to do was beg them to hire me.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
That’s a tough one because I think all of my experiences including the good, bad, and insignificant have led me to where I am today. As a 21-year-old, I probably wouldn’t have listened to the advice anyway! Plenty of life lessons can be learned from The Office, so here’s a helpful reminder from Dwight Schrute: “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.”
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I love where we live! We’ve all seen the awards and rankings for Madison, which have been consistent over the past 20-plus years: Best city to raise a family, best college town, top 10 best cities for young entrepreneurs, best city for an active lifestyle, the most caring city — the list goes on and on. That said, what’s most exciting for me right now is the growth and revitalization of different areas. The East Washington Avenue corridor has exploded and has gone “Full Mingo,” the new Madison Public Market, Night Market, and Middleton Market will be great, and the Garver Feed Mill is beautiful.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
It’s sad to say but I don’t have any secret talents or abilities. I can’t even whistle! Most of my hobbies include being active because that’s what I grew up doing. I’ve played on the same Sunday night hockey team in the same league since 2006 and I’m going to sign up for my second full marathon later this year.
What are your guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure is surfing because I love it but I’m absolutely terrible at it. The summer before my senior year at UW–Madison, I saw an advertisement to win a free week of surf camp in San Clemente, California. I received an email back kindly explaining that the camp was for kids only, but they’d love to have me as a surf camp counselor. To their surprise, I took them up on their offer and for three weeks I was not only their first counselor from Wisconsin but also their first surf camp counselor who couldn’t surf!
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