In our Talent Top 10 series we give readers the chance to get to know the friendly faces behind the Axis Insurance Group agencies. This week we asked 10 questions to our talented staff member Anita Peterson – Account Executive.
1. What’s involved in your current role at Axis Insurance Managers? Did you start in this role or did you take a specific career path to get here?
I’ve evolved over the years by starting as a Home Insurance Representative with a Credit Union 16 years ago. I was then drawn to the ICBC side of insurance and was a Mobile Road Agent for 8 years before going back to the Personal Lines side 4 years ago. Today, I have this amazing position within Axis that allows me to chase new home insurance business through my referral networks as well as utilizing my strong relationships with specific Realtors, Mortgage Brokers and Financial Advisors who are my top referral partners.
2. What advice would you give someone considering this role at Axis?
The advice I would give is that you need to be highly motivated, a self-starter who is organized, and communication is key. Like any healthy relationship, you need to be comfortable talking to people you’ve never met, and in the same breath, build that relationship so they can trust you with their biggest asset – their home. Lastly, being honest and reliable is how I got where I am today!
3. What is your greatest fear?
I’m a mom so like any mother, my greatest fear is losing one of my babies. Sure, they may be teenagers and drive me crazy but the thought of losing one is unbearable. I lost my oldest in a grocery store when he was 2 and when we found him, I think I was crying more than he was!
4. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
My husband to-be has his NHRA license and drag races his 1970 Chevy Nova all over North America. I need to learn how to race this car – I’m a sucker for adrenaline rushes!
5. What do you think makes Axis stand out in the insurance industry?
Axis stands out for me in a big way. They genuinely want to see their employees be successful and by doing so, they give us the tools and resources to be successful. Axis has allowed me to put myself out there and build a book of business from scratch. There are very few companies out there who encourage their Personal Lines Account Executives to go out on their own and build relationships with potential referral partners. This has truly been and integral part of my success.
6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a high school psychology teacher while maintaining a horse ranch at my parents’ property in Peachland (I still want the ranch…).
7. Tell us something about you that might surprise us…
I’m a Couch Coach. I coach and yell at NFL teams every Sunday from the comfort of my own home. They don’t listen very often because if they did, they would win more games.
8. What three career lessons have you learned thus far?
- I’ve learned over the years that it’s not just about the policies you sell but how you tailor fit them for each client and their needs.
- Don’t be easily offended by rejection or the word “no” – it’s just business.
- People will love you if you go to bat for them with integrity and honesty.
9. What’s your spirit animal and why?
My spirit animal is my English Bulldog Chuck. He is seriously me stuck in a short chunky body. He loves unconditionally, senses when people are nervous and tries to sooth them, and snores when he drinks too much.
10. What music is on your phone?
I probably have one the most diverse collections of music ever! It goes from Pink Floyd to Post Malone, throw in a little John Mellencamp and then it’s Khalid. I love my classics like Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, AC/DC, Metallica, Queen, Fleetwood Mac but then I can throw on Goldfrapp and Lady Gaga in the same breath.
Interested in joining the Axis Group team? Take a look at our current job openings!
