Last week, we met with Jessica Chappelear, agent with Country Financial in Hillsboro, to speak with our team. Jessica shared her path from growing up on a grain and livestock farm in Raymond to where she is today. After studying agricultural business at the University of Illinois, she worked her way up at Aldi, then spent ten years as executive director of Fusion Fitness and Aquatics before becoming a Country Financial agent five years ago. Along the way she learned that no job is beneath anyone, and that you do your best work by letting others do what they do well.

Jessica explained what insurance is, why it matters, and how cost is tied to risk, then walked the team through the overhead and logistics of running an agency. She also spoke on marketing, noting that you are not marketing your business, you are marketing yourself. Showing up for the community, whether that means taking lunch to farmers in the field or handing out treats at school events, is how you leave the best possible impression. She also emphasized the importance of standing out, and that our team members do this well in CEO by arriving early, prepared, and well dressed.

Thank you to Jessica for taking the time to speak with our team and share your experience!