Insurance Agent Troy Heise Sheds Light On How He Measures Success  

Troy Heise grew up on a farm in Northeast Nebraska. Despite being a very family-oriented individual, he made the decision to pursue his professional interests.

In 1991, Troy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Nebraska-Lincoln after completing a four-year political science program. Following graduation, he accepted an opportunity in the insurance business working as a property and casualty agent. Troy is passionate about finding solutions for his clients and works diligently to ensure they receive the necessary coverage. Today, Troy sells home, business, auto, commercial, and worker’s compensation insurance.

When he isn’t working he enjoys physical activity including strength training. As an avid football fan he can usually be found watching a game or attending a sporting event.

What was the inspiration behind your business?

My brother-in-law brought me into the business. He started as an Allstate agent many years ago and convinced me to come into his office to be an agent because he was making a good living.  At first I was skeptical, but I soon realized that I had a knack for sales and enjoyed interacting with clients on a daily basis. 

What defines your way of doing business?

I like to be upfront and honest with the customer, so they have a clear expectation of what to expect from me and how insurance works. We do that right up front because you can’t insure everything under the sun, but you can tell them what’s covered and not covered and how the process works.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

I want to continue to help people obtain the coverage they require. I work alongside clients to develop comprehensive plans. I do my best to ensure they have the tools they need to protect their family and their assets.

How do you measure success?

I measure success by how much I can help people understand insurance coverages, save them money, and increase the coverage.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

Treat the customer right and everything else should fall into place. Open-communication is vital to long-term success. A clear picture helps keep everyone on the same page and clients are left feeling confident in their decision to work with us.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

To succeed in insurance, you have to be persistent, set goals, and be realistic about your own goals and the time frame it’s going to take to achieve them. Additionally, take the time to network whenever possible. What I mean by that is join business referral groups, let people know what you do for a living, and be involved in your community.

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?

I like to lift weights and exercise, travel, do yard work, read books, go to sporting events, and watch college football. I find that stepping away from my professional responsibilities on the weekend really helps me be productive throughout the week. 

How do you maintain a solid work life balance?

My hobbies help a lot with that. I like to do things where I can be outside and meet new people, go to new places, get my adrenaline going.

What is one piece of technology that helps you the most in your daily routine?

As an independent agent, we have what they call a comparative rater. I represent a dozen companies on home and auto insurance and the comparative rater lets us put all of the information required for the houses and the cars and drivers, then it’ll go out there and find the coverage that the insured wants with the lowest rates.

What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome?

A hard obstacle to overcome as an agent has been starting with no policies and then climbing the hill of writing policy after policy. Usually, you start with zero unless you buy an existing book of business. When you start at zero, it’s a tough hill.

Who has been a role model to you and why?

That would be my brother. He helps out on an ongoing basis. He always says that positive attitudes flow from the top down in any organization and that helps your employees, coworkers, and the customers who want to do business with you. If you have a positive attitude, which is important when you’re 100% commission, you can have that flow throughout your organization.

What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?

Somebody once told me that God won’t give you something that you can’t handle. He won’t give you something that you can’t overcome.