Alicia Pearson began her insurance career right out of college. Like many veteran industry professionals, she’ll tell you that her start in the industry ‘just kind of happened’. But, 12+ years later, she’s loving every bit of the happenstance decision.

As the Agency Manager for Kindle Insurance Agency in Cape May, she’s been a member of Big I New Jersey since the agency opened its doors in 2019. Alicia has been serving as a Member-at-Large for the state board since 2023 and sits on the Young Agents Council for the Big I of Southern New Jersey local association. 

Here’s what Alicia had to say about her experience as an active Big I NJ member and why she thinks the human, personalized aspect of independent agencies is an agent’s greatest opportunity.

After college, I was looking for a career that had benefits, so I applied for a receptionist job at a small agency. That prompted me to get my license and 12 years later, I’m still at it!

 

Being a member of Big I New Jersey has had a great influence on my career. I have formed so many relationships by being active in the association and now I have a wealth of information at my disposal. Making connections in this industry is vital for success and the Big I fosters those opportunities.

As society becomes more digitized, our greatest opportunity will be providing human interactions. There will always be people who prefer to pick up the phone and speak to a real, live person. Agents have been that person for decades and I think continuing to be the voice on the other side of the phone, especially in the digital age, will matter.

AI and ChatGPT. Both of these technologies have already had a huge impact on the way we conduct our day-to-day business. I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Get involved! Do ALL the things! Shake hands, go to CE seminars, sign up for a committee, play golf. The more people you know, the more you will learn and grow. 

Cape May County has far different needs than any other county in New Jersey. And, it’s the least represented. During my tenure on the board, I’m looking forward to bringing resources, awareness, and support to our agents down here at the shore.

Between new flood plain maps, FEMA regulation, and storms, agents in our county have a very specific set of needs. I want to show them that the Big I is here for them too!   

All of it! There’s a resource for almost anything you can possibly need. 

I have a lot, but I’ll mention two.

Steven Kindle, my boss. Steven took a chance and hired me to take our agency from being captive to independent. The amount of support, faith, confidence, and advice he has given me over the years has had a huge impact on me personally and professionally.

Michael Razze (yeah, you know him). Michael and I first met when I was a CSR. He took me under his wing and introduced me to all things Big I related. From my first Legislative Conference to answering my calls when I panicked over rate changes, carriers pulling out of the market, and everything in between, I would truly not be where I am today without him.

Being told “You can’t do that, it’s impossible”. Oh yeah? Watch me!

Do what you say you’re going to do.

I was a competitive dancer for over 15 years and a dance minor in college. I can dance any style, but pointe has always been my favorite.