Danielle Webber, CISR Elite

Young Agent Award Winner: Danielle Webber, CISR Elite

Agency: Maury, Donnelly & Parr, Inc., Cockeysville, MD

Position: Client Manager

Age: 35

Years in Industry: 9

Q. How did you get your start in the insurance industry?

A. Like everyone else – unintentionally. I always knew that I wanted to be in an industry that helped people. Growing up, I thought that I would be a counselor; but while I pursued my education in counseling, insurance kept finding me, from an internship in high school to a part time job in college.

It wasn’t until after graduation, when I became a customer service representative and helped someone on a claim, that I realized I could truly make a difference and help people in this industry, too. I was on a call with a client who had just been in an accident and was very upset. I was able to walk her through what she needed to do and make sure she was safe until the police arrived. I kept her calm. She told me through tears how thankful she was that I was there to help her.

After I disconnected the call, it was a light bulb moment for me. I knew that insurance was an industry where I could make a difference and help people. That’s everything I ever wanted.

Q. What’s your favorite part of your job?

A. My favorite part is being able to advocate for people, to help clients in significant ways, especially when they need it most, in claim situations.

I also love how it’s such a vast and dynamic industry. There are so many opportunities to keep learning, keep growing, and keep making a difference.

Q. What advice would you share with someone just starting out in the industry?

A. The advice I would give is to say yes to everything: say yes to every opportunity and every networking event. You never know who you’re going to meet, and how that connection will empower your career. Say yes to every educational opportunity; learn as much as you can early on. Find the area you’re most passionate about and become an expert in that area. Become a “specialist” –that will be extremely valuable to our industry, and to you.

Q. How does it feel to receive this award?

A. It feels amazing, I’m incredibly honored. I was nominated by a colleague, so to be working with someone who believes in me and sees the best in me, that’s a gift and affirmation I’m where I need to be.

When I was preparing my responses for this interview, my seven-year-old son said, “Mom, I can help, ask me a question.” So I asked, “Henry, how should this award make me feel?” And he said, “Mom, you should feel proud because I’m proud of you.”

An opportunity to make my son proud means the world to me. I’m grateful for that.