State Farm Agent

This month, we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of State Farm independent contractor agent Al Prieto's office in New Orleans, Louisiana! As an eager college student looking for a way to pay rent, Al’s exploration led him to an internship with a State Farm agent. After developing a passion for building new relationships, he quickly realized that this career was for him. "Early in my career, I recognized a glaring disconnect between those within the insurance industry and the community I wanted to help protect. Serving such a vibrant and lively city as New Orleans, I am so proud to represent such a powerful brand in the city I grew up in. "This career has opened so many doors for my family. We’re humble and gracious for every opportunity this company has provided us. I am also thankful for my team, who I view as an extension of my family. Lifting State Farm customers up during their worst times or contributing and protecting financial success during good times, fills us with immense pride. We will be here before, during, and after your life events – this is why we are State Farm." Wishing you continued success, Al! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

During his 18 years as a State Farm employee, Tom Schott had a dream of becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent. Katie P., his leader at the time, caught wind of his aspiration and made it a personal goal to bring it to fruition. "I quickly picked up on his passion for helping people, which is at the heart of the State Farm mission. I said to him, 'Let’s go!' and over the next several months, he put in tireless effort to learn, grow and develop for the moment he would help others realize their dreams as well as his own," Katie shared. Tom appreciated the leadership and support he received as he prepared for a major career change. "I had the privilege of working under exceptional leaders who inspired me. The focus on continuous growth and personal development propelled me towards the agent opportunity, fueled by my desire to make a difference in others' lives. Big changes can be scary, but we can do hard things!" Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of State Farm independent contractor agent Kristy Beal's office in Wadsworth, Ohio! "Since opening my doors in October of 2014, I have been intentional in doing my part to support and improve the community I live in. I love having the opportunity to get to know people and am a firm believer that small impacts we make in our communities can create waves, that in turn, impact far beyond our reach." Kristy explains how early exposure to the insurance field allowed her a glimpse into what her future career could look like. "Growing up, I had a friend whose dad was an insurance agent and was one of the happiest adults I knew. He was heavily involved in the community with many community sponsorships. This fueled my desire to follow a similar career path. “I entered college with the goal of pursuing the State Farm agent opportunity. After completing my degree and gaining experience at State Farm corporate and in an agent office, it was my time. Looking back on ten years, I have been blessed with a career that I love and look forward to doing what I can to spread that joy to others!” Wishing you continued success, Kristy! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Born and raised in Tennessee, Katie Hicks owned and operated a vocal studio for ten years before embarking on a new chapter in Montana as a State Farm independent contractor agent. “I grew up in a small town where everyone knows you by name, and that’s the kind of environment I thrive on – it’s what drew me to Bigfork. Interestingly, my husband pursued the State Farm agent opportunity five years prior. His office is located just 20 miles from mine.” Katie credits her amazing team, whose collective insurance experience spans over 50 years. "My team works hard to meet the needs of State Farm customers while also striving to have a positive impact on our community. We love getting to know new faces and actively seek opportunities to serve them by sponsoring, participating in, or even organizing events. “I feel blessed to serve as a State Farm agent, and believe it is my purpose to help as many people as I can. That’s why my office is committed to our guiding mission: to be a force of good in our community.” Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Martin Lopez's office, a State Farm independent contractor agent in Friona, Texas! "My journey began in Mexico, where I lost my father at a young age. This pivotal event drastically altered my family's trajectory. After the passing of my father, my mother worked tirelessly to support our family. This led us to migrate to the United States – the land of opportunity." Martin describes the impact his mentor, a State Farm agent of 37 years, had on shaping his professional journey and expresses a deep sense of gratitude for being selected for the agent opportunity which opened upon his mentor’s retirement. "The day the baton was passed to me was the day my life changed for the better. I am thankful my mentor introduced me to a fulfilling career where I can make a difference in the lives of others, serve as a community leader, grow personally, and provide for my family. I wouldn't be here without his guidance and support. “I am proud of the opportunities I have with State Farm and look forward to many more years of helping others turn their dreams into a reality!" Wishing you continued success, Martin! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

"I love what I do because I have the opportunity to make a difference. Whether it's supporting State Farm customers through a claim, assisting after a car accident or educating on life insurance, I have the privilege to help take care of what’s most important to them. Life often presents challenges in the most inconvenient ways, but I get to be the person who’s there to help." Jason Grisham, a second-generation independent contractor agent for State Farm, acknowledges the great example set before him by his father. Despite growing up witnessing the advantages of his dad’s career, Jason initially did not intend to follow in his footsteps. After being recruited for a State Farm corporate position, Jason was contacted about a State Farm agent opportunity following the announcement of an agent retiring. Jason embraced this new path and hasn’t looked back since. "With any business startup, it’s going to have its challenges – nothing comes easy. Being a State Farm agent takes hard work, but you have the ability to put your personal stamp on your office. And with the support of State Farm behind you, it’s truly the greatest gig out there.” Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of Diana Escalante's office, a State Farm independent contractor agent in Victoria, Texas! "The State Farm agent opportunity couldn't have come at a better time. Though the opportunity was initially presented to my husband, I immediately told him I wanted to hear more." Leaving her nursing career was out of her comfort zone, yet Diana saw an undeniable future as a State Farm agent. Relying on the encouragement and support of her husband, she pursued this new path. "Being a State Farm agent has allowed me to hire a team and help them discover their potential. Witnessing my team's growth has been an honor and the continuous support I have received from fellow State Farm agents exemplifies the values that State Farm upholds. "I hope my personal journey serves as an inspiration for others to step outside of what’s comfortable and take a leap of faith. I am very proud of my heritage – my mission is to empower other Hispanic women by demonstrating they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I aspire to help others recognize their potential and rise above perceived barriers. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives." Wishing you continued success, Diana! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

After spending 12 years as a team member for a local State Farm independent contractor agent, Angelica Barraza-Penuelas embarked on her own journey as a State Farm agent. "When searching for the perfect place to settle down and establish my agent office, I sought an area where I could also contribute to the Latino community. That's when I discovered Moreno Valley, CA.” As Angelica looks back on her 24-year journey as a State Farm agent, she highlights her team's diverse background and expertise selected to best serve State Farm customers from all walks of life. "In a community where more than half of the population identifies as Latino, my bilingual team has created an environment where customers feel comfortable communicating in their preferred language. My guiding force is to educate others on the importance of insurance so they understand how to best protect their families." Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9 #HispanicHeritageMonth

Watch Peggy Langin's story here: https://lnkd.in/eUe93cwV State Farm independent contractor agent Peggy Langin shares how her career brought balance and flexibility to her life. For her, prioritizing family, educating her community, and meeting people while emphasizing the importance of life insurance is priceless. "What I love about being a State Farm agent is that I have a lot of flexibility. I get to work and still spend time with my kids. I don't want to miss my kids growing up. I treasure those moments – there is no replay in life." #IAmAStateFarmAgent

This month, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Cesar Nava's office, a State Farm independent contractor agent in Alamogordo, New Mexico!   "Becoming a State Farm agent wasn’t something I envisioned for myself, but rather a path that found me. I knew this career was my calling when I saw the meaningful impact I could deliver for not just my family but also the community."   When Cesar opened the doors of his agent office, he was determined to build a team with a strong emphasis on community and customer service. Cesar reflects on his first year and how his heritage, cultural experience, and passion align with how he runs his business.    "As a first-generation Mexican American, I’m reminded of the cultural history and values that have shaped my identity. Family is at the core of who I am, and I recognize the hard work and sacrifices my parents have made to provide me with the opportunities I have today.   "I’m thankful for my team’s dedication to serving State Farm customers and take great pride in being in a career where I can help protect others. It’s an honor to carry forward the spirit of resilience and support that defines our community."   Wishing you continued success, Cesar! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.