The Trailblazing Women of MMA Dakotas

“A career in the insurance industry is probably not top-of-mind for most women, especially those coming straight out of college and considering options for their first job. Some may be biased by the stereotype that the insurance industry is reserved for old men. Those in the industry today would disagree,” said, Tom Dawson, Chairman of MMA Dakotas.

Tom believes that “the insurance industry, at every level, needs more women with every skillset and personality trait. If your abilities or experience focuses on technology, insurance companies and agencies are constantly improving technology platforms and looking for ways to innovate. If you are a people person, there is a huge need in the industry for face-to-face interaction with clients and stakeholders. If you like

Penny Crowder

Private Client Advisor, Sioux Falls & Fargo penny.crowder@marshmma.com

With more than 30 years in the business, Penny Crowder says she entered the insurance industry by chance, but would never leave now.

Penny specializes in Private Client Insurance (personal lines) and family life insurance. “I found that every time I worked with families on their insurance, I was completely energized. I love the personal side of insurance. I love learning more about their families and taking care of them,” she said. “It’s really fun! While there are elements of my role that are serious, many of my client interactions are fun and lighthearted. When a client calls solving problems and working on process improvement, there is not an industry that needs your help more than the insurance business. There are positions at every level within insurance companies, national brokers, local agencies, reinsurance companies and the many other segments of the insurance world. Women (and men-alike) should explore the insurance industry as a career. You may find that your skills and talent are a perfect fit.”

The four women highlighted below represent different generations, backgrounds, and lines of business. But what they have in common is a passion for serving the community and partnering with their clients. They truly exemplify MMA’s mission statement: “Making a difference in the moments that matter for our colleagues, clients and communities.”

Teagan Molden

Employee Benefits Consultant, Sioux Falls teagan.molden@marshmma.com to add a ring because they got engaged, bought their first house or vehicle and for many of their other life changing events, I love being part of that big moment. It’s rewarding knowing you’re making a difference.”

Teagan started working at MMA as an intern during college and now has been with MMA for 7 years, over which time she has evolved quickly. She has worked in various service roles to develop her technical skills and knowledge of the industry with the ultimate goal of moving into sales, which she did in January 2022.

Teagan specializes in Employee Health & Benefits. “What I really love about my career is the strategy involved in offering benefits to companies. Critical issues impacting my clients’ benefit programs that I enjoy helping with are financial implications, recruitment and retention challenges, and rolling out communication to their colleagues. I’m a people person so I also thought insuring people would be more fun than insuring buildings and cars,” Teagan said.

Teagan says that she feels most fulfilled by being a true business partner to clients. “I really enjoy learning about these amazing companies we have in our backyard but helping them achieve their goals is the best part of my job,” she said.

“I feel most people think that insurance is a boring career when actually it’s quite the opposite. Part of why I love what I do is because it’s so fast paced, constantly changing and always a challenge. In my 7 years, I can’t think of 2 days that have been the same. It keeps me on my toes!”

Jennifer Ferris Risk Management Consultant/Attorney, Sioux Falls jennifer.ferris@marshmma.com

While practicing law allowed Jennifer to problem-solve after the fact, she feels that her move to the insurance broker side gives her the opportunity to be more proactive and hands-on with her clients.

“Knowing that you can alleviate someone’s problem or burden is so fulfilling and it allows them to focus on their business,” Jennifer said.

“My biggest challenge in insurance was to overcome and help change the perception of how the public views insurance brokers. Unfortunately, insurance and insurance brokers tend to have a negative connotation to the public as simply “sales” persons,” Jennifer said.

you insurance. Eight years later…I am still here, and I haven’t looked back!

“At Marsh McLennan Agency, it is our job to be a consultant and provide our clients with education regarding insurance market conditions, risk pertaining specifically to their industry, and changes in capacity from carriers so they can make educated decisions about transferring risk. We need to know our client’s goals and business operations so that we can meet them where they are and support them with any changes or growth. It is challenging trying to change mindsets which allow us the time to build the relationship needed for us to be a partner,” she said.

A self-proclaimed “farm kid” who grew up riding horses and playing sports, Brandi says she never would have dreamed she’d be working in insurance.

Prior to joining Dawson, her background was 7 years in B2B sales for a wholesale liquor distributor.

“Insurance wasn’t anything that I sought out, but rather it was Dawson, their culture, the people, and the opportunities that attracted me into this agency and the industry,” Brandi said. “I’ve always loved meeting new people and have developed a passion and appreciation for understanding peoples’ businesses, their stories and how they got there. I remember telling Tom (Dawson) that sales were for me, and I’ll talk to anyone! He said, we can teach

“As a business insurance advisor, clients are seeking guidance and expertise to help protect their business. Insurance is complexespecially in the ever-evolving cyber liability space. I’m so grateful for the resources that our agency invests in to help better serve our clients! My greatest rewards are the relationships that I have developed but also knowing my clients trust that I always have their best interest in mind.

“Challenges today look different for me than they did when I first started in this business. Early on, it was learning coverages, the sales process, and gaining an understanding of all things insurance. I very quickly learned that no one was going to do this for me, so I spent a lot of time “knockin and talkin”, building my pipeline and my network. I am often asked if being a woman in this industry is difficult. I think women easily shy away from sales positions in insurance, more than they do any other roles in the insurance agency. There are far more men in sales - there’s probably a bit of an intimidation factor that goes along with it. I’ve always been super competitive and have embraced the challenge. I’m also very fortunate that my agency embraces diversity. You’ll find several women in leadership positions, not because they are a woman, but because they have earned it!” Brandi said.