Welcome to the next post in our blog series: My Path to HJI. These are stories from associates on how they got started in insurance, what led them to their role at Hausmann-Johnson Insurance, and advice for others thinking about making a start in the industry.
This week's featured associate is Kelley Ruplinger. Read on to learn more about Kelley and connect with her on LinkedIn if you'd like!
What’s your role at Hausmann-Johnson Insurance (HJI)?
I am a Personal Lines Account Manager. I manage Personal Lines policies (home, auto, umbrella, boats, recreational vehicles, etc.). I analyze coverage and premium options and provide recommendations, handle billing and ‘what if’ claim questions, and submit coverage changes to the insurance carriers.
What was your career path that led you to HJI and your current role?
Shortly after marriage, with the help of my mom’s encouragement, I applied for a Customer Service position at Unitrin Insurance in Stevens Point, WI. My mom’s career was in the insurance industry so she told me it was worth a shot to see if I liked it too. I didn’t know anything about insurance, but I got the job and had a crash course on personal insurance. This job entailed answering the phone and helping insurance agents in multiple states with quotes, coverage questions, and billing issues. I really enjoyed what I was doing and being able to talk to agents all over the country was a treat.
While at this job, my mom attended an insurance class where my boss at the time was also attending. Mom wanted to meet my boss and say hi, but she didn’t know what my boss looked like. She asked the guy sitting next to her for help in finding my boss. Turns out, this guy was one of the owners of Hausmann-Johnson Insurance. They set out on a mission and did find my boss on the last day of class.
Three years into the job and 2 kids later, my husband was promoted. The catch was he needed to move from Stevens Point, WI to the Madison area. I immediately started looking for an insurance job online and came across an insurance staffing agency. I had to first interview with the staffing agency, and if they liked me I could then get an interview with a local agency. The interview went very well so they made the recommendation for the Personal Lines Account Manager job at Hausmann-Johnson Insurance. When I arrived at the agency for a final interview my first impression of the agency was how grand it was! (Remember, I was coming from central Wisconsin farming country.) The lobby with its gold color trim and blue with white cloud ceiling reminded me of Caesar’s Palace in Vegas. When I told my mom that I interviewed with Hausmann-Johnson we both had the, “what a small world” moment. Mom advised me that Hausmann-Johnson Insurance was one of the best agencies to work for.
I ended up getting the Personal Lines Account Manager position and a few years later my mom moved down to Madison to be closer to me and she also joined the agency in the Commercial Lines Department. We were one of three mother/daughter teams in the agency.
What do you wish you’d known when you were just starting out?
When I first started at Hausmann-Johnson I was having daycare issues. I had to leave work multiple times to take care of my kids. It stressed me out as I thought I would lose my job and my manager would think I was not dependable. I didn’t lose my job and eventually realized that Hausmann-Johnson’s management team is very understanding when it comes to personal issues of associates.
What inspires you to come to work everyday?
#1 – the people, both co-workers and clients. There is not one co-worker that doesn’t offer support when needed, whether it’s personal or work related. I also love talking to the clients I service. They keep me smiling even when a tough situation occurs. It’s very rare that a client will be rude or raise their voice. I really enjoy servicing them and advising them on their insurance needs.
#2 – Each day is different. I never know what to expect which makes the day fun and enjoyable.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? How does that influence what you are doing now?
When I was a teenager I thought I would be an accountant or work in payroll. One of my jobs was handling payroll for a small construction company. I really enjoyed the accounting, typing, and office classes I took in High School. Accounting involves organizing, recording, and analyzing. I’m doing these things today, just in a different way with an added bonus as I get to talk to clients and help them with their insurance risk management.
What advice would you give someone thinking about going into insurance/starting their career?
Insurance is not boring! Everyone’s insurance needs are different. You will quickly learn how to customize coverage for each individual. This brings added fun and challenge to your career.
Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work.
When our three kids were little we found fun in karate, as it was a great activity we could all do together as a family. I’m now a 2nd degree Black Belt! I am currently not active in karate, but the confidence and self-esteem I learned from martial arts has been priceless. Now, when I’m not taking one of my kids to an activity, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs (a Yellow Labrador and a Bichon/Shih Tzu mix) or I will watch TV and Loom knit. I’ve donated several knit hats and blankets to the Children’s Hospital. Also, I volunteer for the High School Band Boosters club and at my church where I’m currently I’m on the Board of Education team and occasionally I’ll play my clarinet during service.
If you're thinking about pursuing a career in insurance, watch the Why an Insurance Career? video from the International Risk Management Institute:
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