This month, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of State Farm independent contractor agent Tracey Vinson's office in Portsmouth, Virginia! "As a Veteran of the United States Navy, I strive to bring a strong foundation to my agent office. My business acumen has continuously developed through previous ventures, which included owning a recording studio, a hair salon with my wife, and a 16-year tenure in Real Estate. These experiences have cultivated my commitment to exceptional customer service and supporting others." Tracey selected State Farm as his final career move just ten years ago and explains how this decision has allowed him to stay committed to serving his community. "Over the past decade, my team has provided invaluable support and protection to numerous individuals and families by navigating complex insurance issues, ultimately helping to bring peace of mind. "The State Farm agent opportunity has allowed me to offer guidance, educate on coverage options, and empower informed decision-making regarding the financial futures of State Farm customers. I am proud to continue serving my community each and every day.” Wishing you continued success, Tracey! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Courtney Morrow attributes her discipline, selfless service, and integrity to her experience in the US Army. She has found that these values seamlessly translate into her career as a State Farm independent contractor agent. "I enlisted in the Army at the age of 19, following in the footsteps of my grandmother and mother. While stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan, I served as a radio broadcast journalist and produced news stories. During my time in Arlington, VA, I anchored the Army’s flagship newscast where I had the privilege of reporting on the lives of soldiers around the world." After completing her Army enlistment, Courtney received encouragement to accept a team member role for a local State Farm agent. She dedicated five years to this role before venturing out to open her own agent office in 2014. "Being a State Farm agent has given me a sense of purpose and the opportunity to be a valuable member within my community. Since establishing my agent office, I have expanded my reach by launching a second location. I look forward to the next 10 years in this position, continuing to redefine how I can make a difference.” Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

This month, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of State Farm independent contractor agent Marilee Thomson's office in Gallatin, Tennessee!   "About a month after I opened my agent office, a tornado hit my town. That night and over the next few days, we assisted State Farm customers who had damage and helped them through the claim process. During this devastating time, I saw first-hand how State Farm delivers on our promise." Growing up, State Farm was in the forefront of Marilee's childhood. Her father dedicated 50 years to State Farm and exemplified how his career could positively impact the lives of his family.    "My 'why' in becoming an agent are my two kids. I’m able to work hard, run a small business, and be present at their school functions or sporting events. I love that I am able to grow my business while having the flexibility to be there for my kids while they’re young.   "I truly value the connections and friendships that I’ve made since opening my doors – State Farm feels like family! As a State Farm agent, I have the privilege of being the best part of someone’s worst day, and I will always treasure this incredible opportunity.” Wishing you continued success, Marilee! Thank you for being a #GoodNeighbor in your community.

Cindi Scafide was first introduced to the independent contractor agent opportunity while working as an agency field specialist for State Farm.   "I never thought about becoming an agent until I had the chance to collaborate with current State Farm agents and their teams. They showed me the crucial role they play in their communities and the positive impact they make on the lives of others."   Cindi offers her insight to those hesitant in pursuing the agent opportunity. "If you're unsure if this career is right for you, go and visit as many State Farm agents in your area that you can to observe the different ways each office operates – it’s the best way to gain a real sense of this career. If you’re a self-starter and feel comfortable setting your own goals, it's the perfect opportunity for you.   "At a stage in life when many are ready to slow down, I am continually seeking ways to improve both personally and in my office. Change is inevitable, and you must be willing to embrace it.”   Learn more about becoming a State Farm independent contractor agent: https://lnkd.in/giWjAvk9

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