There’s a long-standing idea that in order to be a good fit for the insurance industry, a person needs a degree in business or accounting; the arts need not apply. This myth is quickly busted when Kevin Wellfare walks through the door. A theatre major from the University of Oklahoma, Kevin has
At the start of each new year, about half of all Americans set at least one New Year’s resolution, a promise to themselves that they will thrive in the coming year. Unfortunately, research from YouGov Omnibus, an international market research firm, found that only 1 in 5 Americans stuck to their resolutions. The fallibility of New Year’s resolutions is why few successful CEOs or leaders bother making them. Around this time of year, plenty of articles pop up with hot takes like, “Don’t set New Year’s resolutions; make goals instead!” Unfortunately, if you haven’t been making goals already, you’ve likely been setting yourself up for failure. Setting goals, achieving them, and making new ones should be a habit all year long, not just something you do on Jan. 1. The start of a new year is still a great time to reflect and strategize, but rather than fall on an old cliche, take a page from two of the most successful people in business. Throw Away Your Resolutions And Set Alternative Goals for the New Year For decades, entrepreneur and best-selling author Tim Ferriss made New Year’s resolutions every year. Then, he developed a better strategy. “I have found ‘past year reviews’ (PYR) more informed, valuable, and actionable than half-blindly looking forward with broad resolutions,” Ferriss said in a 2018 blog post. At the start of each year, Ferriss spends an hour going through his calendar from the past 12 months and making a note of every person, activity, or commitment that sparked the strongest emotions, both positive and negative. The most positive events get rescheduled immediately for the new year. Meanwhile, the negative ones get put on a “Not-To-Do List” and hung up where Ferriss can see them. “I do believe in starting the new year with new resolve,” says Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, “but instead of adopting a resolution, I choose a word of the year — a word that encapsulates my aspirations for the 12 months ahead.” Gates says that words like “spacious” or “grace” have helped her center herself and serve as a reminder about what she really wants to focus on. In 2019, Gates chose the word “shine,” stating that, “It’s a reminder for all of us to turn on the lights inside of us, lift each other up, and shine together.” Reflect on 2019 with Tim Ferriss. Pick a word of the year with Melinda Gates.
been in the insurance business since 1982.
Today, Kevin is VP of agency development at INSURICA, but he has many more roles to his name. His first insurance job was in a smaller agency’s accounting department, taking type-written invoices and putting them in their newfangled computer system. As the agency adopted new technology, Kevin helped move from “computerized” to “automated.” This was the first of many roles in which Kevin would help start a new department of an agency before handing over the reins. In fact, you could say he’s become typecast in this role. “I take great pleasure in creating something new,” Kevin says. “I find it exciting to visualize what could be and then getting to work to make it a reality. The building process is fun, but I’ve always got my eye out for the person who I can trust to take over. I’ve been blessed to have worked with many who take departments and projects to heights I never dreamed possible. I find great satisfaction in that.” Kevin has worked for INSURICA twice over the years. He first joined the team in 1990, when the company was still called North American Group. He spent four years growing our automation and IT department before going into technology sales and then settling down to help grow a startup. Kevin would eventually be lured back into the fold by Mike Ross, president of INSURICA. “Mike called and told me about a new position focused on the agency’s relationships. He wanted me to fill the role,” Kevin recalls. “At first, I said ‘no,’ because I was happy where I was. Then he invited me to lunch and shared his vision for the position in person. I know a great opportunity when I hear it, so I came back to INSURICA and never looked back.” Kevin played a big part in the company’s growth over the last few decades, taking a role in leading the IT department and then guiding us through the big rebrand from North American Group to INSURICA in 2009. Until very recently, Kevin was our VP of marketing and communications. Last November, his role morphed yet again when he became our VP of agency development, a role that will allow Kevin to once again focus on building the agency’s relationships. With his affinity for taking on many different roles, it’s no surprise that Kevin is still a drama kid at heart. His son and daughter both found careers in the arts, Kevin is a member of Toastmasters International, and he and his wife can often be spotted at theaters and music venues around Oklahoma City.
2 • www.insurica.com • Specialized Insurance Programs for Specialized Industries.
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