Jimi Honochick, CIC

Young Agent Award Winner: Jimi Honochick, CIC

Agency: YMI Agency, Inc., Stroudsburg, PA

Position: President

Age: 38

Years in Industry: 4

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

A. It is a family business. My grandfather was in insurance, my uncles are in insurance, my dad’s in insurance, … and I tried to get as far away from it as I could. The day after I graduated from college I was on a plane to L.A. to work in TV production. I was on Let’s Make a Deal and America’s Got Talent, but then one day I said, “I’m going to get my MBA.”

I got into Columbia and fell in love with investing and looking at businesses. I looked at the business of insurance and realized it’s a great business model with great career opportunities. I approached my dad and said, “Let’s do this – a father-son dream team.” He rejected me and told me to get some real job experience, and so I did and spent five years doing equity research at Wilmington Trust.

During that time, I was really involved in my community and loved it. I was home for Thanksgiving one year, and my grandfather, my uncles, and my dad were talking about what they do in the community, and it really resonated with me. So I talked to my dad again, and this time he was willing to bring me into the agency. I joined in 2021, and it has been great ever since.

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

A. Building a team is my favorite part. I’ve worked on good teams, I’ve worked on bad teams, and I’ve worked on really bad teams. I know what a difference that can make. You don't mind doing the work when you're on a great team. So for me, it’s finding the right team, building the right team, and giving them the tools to be successful.

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

A. Stay open, be willing to volunteer, and put yourself forward. I think I've made a career of always putting myself out there for whatever the next opportunity is. Be excited, be passionate, and don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Don’t assume that opportunities are going to come to you if you don’t ask for them.

In L.A., I worked in the back room for Fremantle, a production company. I wanted to get on Let’s Make a Deal, so I came up with creative, fun ways to bug the production coordinator every day. If you know what you want and are persistent, eventually the stars will align.

Q. How does it feel to receive this award?

A. I couldn’t be more excited. It’s incredible. When Jason [IA&B’s President & CEO] called to tell me I was selected, I truly couldn’t believe it. It’s a real honor. IA&B is such a valuable resource, and they do so much for our industry. So for IA&B to recognize something in me just really makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing and makes me want to work even harder at it.