2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Paula Simmons

Representative | Madison-Bond-Jersey-Calhoun Agency (Ill.) | Market 5

My journey with COUNTRY started in 2002. From the very first interview, it was obvious I had found a new home. I quickly learned COUNTRY puts a high value on relationships.

My first Agency Manager, Randy Riekena, gave me more support than I deserved, always going the extra mile. He was an invaluable mentor to me, accompanying me on countless appointments so I could learn the right way to talk to prospects and clients and be a good listener.

Since I knew I never wanted to go back to being a high school math teacher, I made up my mind that I was going to succeed in this new career. I also went a step further and decided to make 20 All Americans in 20 years. That big goal motivated me to work longer and harder than I would have otherwise.

Helping clients find policies, coverages and investments that fit their goals is fulfilling to me. Some clients weren’t aware they had a critical gap that needed to be filled, because nobody had ever taken the time to help them.

During the last several years, we all faced many new challenges, especially with the pandemic. This forced us to be creative and learn new ways to work with clients. Fortunately, our career gives us the flexibility to create a balance between our work schedules and spending time with family.

To be successful, I relied on a determined mindset, invaluable mentoring, dedication to hard work, faith in God as my helper in all things, and strong personal and family support.