There are many State Farm Insurance agencies throughout the CSRA (see photo above story), but three of these local agencies, all owned by women in their 20s, opened within the last year. ABD interviewed these agents to learn about the joys and challenges of being a small business owner in the insurance industry. State Farm agents offer a variety of products, such as car, home, health, and small business insurance policies, as well as investments.
Morgan Brinson, 28, became an agent in January 2021, and her office is located at 1201 George C. Wilson Drive in Augusta. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in international studies. Her mother, Melissa Gordon has worked in various roles at State Farm for many years. Gordon was previously an agent in Augusta.- Jessica Robinson, 25, became an agent on Dec. 1, 2021. Her office is located at 205 Addison Square, Suite 1 in Evans. After graduating from Greenbrier High School, she earned a marketing degree from Georgia Southern University. Prior to becoming an agent, she worked for her father Don Robinson, a State Farm agent in North Augusta.
- Savannah Park, 26, became an agent in March 2021. Her office is located at 3961 Columbia Road in Martinez. She graduated from Lander University with a degree in political science. Prior to becoming an agent, she worked for another agent, Frank Coyle, in Greenwood. Park replaced agent Ron Carter when he retired.
ABD: What do you enjoy most about being an agent?
Brinson: I think just educating people and helping them during their worst times.
Robinson: I enjoy getting to sit down with customers face-to-face and helping people.
Park: I love the opportunity we have to serve our community members and create a triangle of protection for everybody.
ABD: What’s the most challenging part of being an agent?
Brinson: In today’s world, it’s finding, retaining, and motivating the people for my team. It’s challenging in today’s market.
Robinson: The most challenging part is just keeping all the plates spinning and not dropping the ball on anything important.
Park: People are often weary of insurance folks. We get to be there for our community members when they need us the most and when times are uncertain.
ABD: Did you always want to be a business owner?
Brinson: Not necessarily – I always wanted to be in a customer service role.
Robinson: It was always what I wanted to do. I always had the entrepreneurial mindset. I wouldn’t do anything else.
Park: No, I didn’t until I got to college.
ABD: Could you talk about how you prepared to become a State Farm agent?
Brinson: I was an external candidate, so when I started in January, I felt like I was coming from behind. State Farm has an 18-week internship opportunity that prepares you to become an agent.
Robinson: I worked for a State Farm agent for almost four years. I feel lucky to have the experience I did.
Park: State Farm has a thorough program you go through. You then become part of the community and make people aware you’re becoming an agent.
ABD: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Brinson: I have a 2-year-old Labrador puppy. I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.
Robinson: I like to travel, hang out with friends, and shop too much. I have a golden retriever named Hudson. He comes to work with me every day.
Park: I like to spend time with my daughter and my husband. We like to travel the country. We really enjoy going to Gatlinburg.
