S1:E2 - Overcoming Adversity: Sharlee's Story

Alright. So this is episode two of the Bold Moves podcast. And, uh, so we actually have a very special guest. So I'm Matt Torres, and I have my cohost here, Rachel Staggs. And we have our guest who is Charlie Husky. It's it's Husky. Right? Yes. Husky. Okay. That's correct. Awesome. So, Charlie, welcome. Thank you. How do you, what how do you feel about being on the podcast? Are you excited? I am excited. I'm also nervous because this is my first time ever doing anything like this. So, um, yeah, I don't really know what to expect, but I'm so excited that you guys, um, invited me to come on and chat with you guys. So thanks. So the Bold News Podcast is about bold moves. Sure. Do you wanna Rachel, do you wanna fill her in on, like, what we're looking for? So yeah. So our goal basically is to talk to other professionals who are kinda going through the same thing, who are creating their own bold moves in their own ways. So, like, yeah, Shirley, just tell us a little bit about yourself. And I know, you know, even in being in insurance, right, a little bit of, like, your insurance sales background and story so people can get to know you, know who you are. And then the follow-up question is, like, what do you feel is your bold move right now? Gosh. These are good questions. Um, well, so I guess a little bit about me and my background. Um, I, I guess, I kicked off my career in the banking industry. So, um, I always knew that I wanted to be a leader, and I wasn't very studious though either. So, um, anyways, I was really young, um, you know, working my way up the corporate ladder. And, um, because I didn't have my degree, that was a huge hurdle that I had to overcome. Obviously, like, the experience as well behind it. But, um, anyways, I just had a passion for, you know, being an advocate and really paving the way for people to live a better life, I guess. And anyways, so I worked really hard and worked my way up the corporate ladder. And I just realized that, you know, no matter how far I got, I've you know, unless I was, like, the CEO himself, well, even then, I just you really aren't making all the the rules, I guess. Um, because you have shareholders and stockholders that you still have to report to. So, anyways, I just didn't really like that dynamic, and that really kinda, um, shot me into my new career path of getting into insurance. And, you know, it's I'm glad I have the leadership qualities that, um, I possessed over the years because, obviously, as you guys know, like, it does play a huge factor in what we do as insurance advisors and agents. Um, so I don't regret my journey. I wish I had fallen into insurance sooner because I love it so much, but, you know, the path is all for a reason. You know? So but, um, anyways and then kinda circling back to, I guess, my most recent bold move. Oh my goodness. I honestly am like, I had to learn to dial it back a bit because I was, like, constantly doing so many bold moves. I was gonna say crazy things as my family would say. Um, that I was like, okay. We really need to, like, slow it down a bit. So I guess recently, it was coming back to CompareOn was a pretty bold move. So but I was excited to come back and be a part of the agency again. So So so I'm curious because, like, bold move, like, okay. So what did you do before Compareon? Did it did did you say it and I chose totally missed it? No. You're good. So well, I was in the banking industry, but prior to Compareon, um, I worked for a financial planning firm, um, and I was in the I ran the insurance division for them. So, um, we had a very comprehensive process, and honestly, that's it contributes a lot to my success now in bringing that into Compareon, um, because I guess, like, when I first started with, um, the financial planning firm and I I'm gonna be very careful about saying names just so you guys know. Just not very delicate with that. But, um, anyways, so we connected on the educational piece. Right? And I because I'm not, like, a sales lady. Like, it's just not me. I'm very I'm really not dynamic. That's cool. No. No. I'm, like, I'm a straight shooter. Like, I I just like to teach people, and I want them to live their best life. And, like, I'm just, like, so not I don't know. I guess I kind of associate sales with maybe, like, some sort of deception, and that's, like That's That's like, my worst. That's exactly what my wife said. My wife was like, I'm not a salesperson. I'm like, yes. You are. And so she got a a life insurance job, and now she just got promoted, and she's, like, hitting records and all that other stuff. I'm like, you are a salesperson. And she said the same thing. I thought it was all about, like, deception, and then I'm like, no. It's not. It is. That was like bad. Yeah. Yeah. Well I think it's because of I'll say it. My dad was in car sales for a long time. I think it's because of the car sales industry. Mhmm. That's their only experience dealing with a salesman, because you can say no to all the other ones. Think about it. Door to door. Right? But when you have that experience of buying a car, you have to deal with with a person. Yeah. And so the sales connotation and where people get that is think about how a used car salesman approaches you, pounds you, pounds you, makes you feel like you're not doing it fast enough, makes you feel like this needs to close tonight, and that might not be your intention. Right? And your my intention may have just been to look. You're just perusing right now. You're in that stage. Okay. So you bring up a really good point because, seriously, when I was car shopping, they did the same thing. And, oh, my gosh. Like, if I feel pressured at all, I'm out. Yeah. I'm out. 100%. And the way that I, yeah, conduct my business, I'm very, like, not pressured. There's there's, like, clear differences between, like, professional sales and, like, sales sales. Like so, like, I was, like, probably, like, eighteen, nineteen. One of my first sales jobs, I was at a call center. I was I I think I can say it now. Nice. No. No. No. That will that was I did sell Cutco. I thought you were gonna say it. I thought that was a I thought you were gonna name drop. I was like That was fun. I was like, we're about the same age ish where, like, yeah. That was a thing for, like, a good ten years. Cutco was awesome. But I did work for this call center. It was called SMC promotions, and they basically you know, have you ever heard Tom Bosley? He was, like, on happy days. Yeah. He was, like, the dad. You know? So back in the day, you know, like, that was, like, you know, the good spokesperson. Well, anyway, he was, um, selling this package where you can make money and, like, all set of stuff. So I worked in the call center, and they literally wanted me to, like, strong hand, strong-arm these people into getting their credit card. And I was 18. I didn't know anything. And I'm like, well, who wears the pants in the family? Like, well well, don't you wanna make a decision? Like, go get your credit card. And I would I would actually tell people, go get your credit card. Yeah. Bring it to the phone. Alright. Now what's the first number? Starts with a 4. You know? And, like Hey. You know what? I totally used to be that way also. So when I was in the corporate world, I did collections. Yeah. Yeah. So talking about like hardcore stuff. I mean, I used to have some really tough conversations and straight up like, okay. What if I would see someone's birthday? I'd be like, I know you got birthday money coming. Right? Like, it applied to this car payment. Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, I've I've definitely taken it there too, but I hated it. I hated it so much. I was like, I can't stand this life. And then I didn't I didn't last long there. I I bounced. I was like, I got I I'm out. I gotta have a conscience. You know? I can't do that. And it was funny because insurance was my first real professional gig. Like, it was a group insurance at at, uh, you know, selling group insurance. And I got in there. I'm like, what is this world? Like, are you serious? Like, we go to dinners and, like, there would just be, like, so much wealth, you know, and it's just like, wow. It is a totally different level. And it was there where it was like, okay. You're not, like, trying to manipulate anybody. Like, you're trying to help people, and you're trying to solve the problem. And you're just trying to, like, have a conversation and build a relationship. And that's that's the part of sales that I like. I don't how do you like the conversations? Yeah. Yeah. If there happens to be commission down the road, like, this is awesome. But, you know, like, there's just more to it. And a lot and I think if a lot of people, like, saw that and they didn't have, like, this stigma, like, oh, you're a salesperson. Close the door. Like, you get a lot further. I think also too, the stigma is the sales process. Right? When we talk about post fine and we talk about having those conversations, we are showing care. It's not we're done, bye, see you never, you know what I mean, talk to you never. No. It's very much so. You're gonna be hearing from me, you're getting the paperwork in the next few hours, you're gonna be getting a couple of emails from me, I'm sending you this text notification. We are we don't have a relationship to another level. I'm not disappearing like a car salesman, right? So at the end of the day I think there is that huge differentiation. I do, I'll be honest, I do consider myself pretty much a salesperson at this point, but I just lead with, I think, the intention of right, of like, I know where my intentions are, but I know that my intentions are good, and I am trying to lead them, especially when it comes to something like life insurance, down the right path so that it's for their greatest good. We have to also understand they're not a subject matter expert on this. Yeah. We are, um, when when it comes to insurance. So they also sometimes don't know what it is that they need. I like the power of suggestion and letting people feel like it's their own idea. That has always yielded way more. I don't know. I can't strong-arm people either. It's not my way. But letting them think and asking a lot of questions. Right? Leading them kinda like a counselor. Leading them to figure it out themselves without ever telling them to do that. Yeah. Yeah. And that's 100% though, like, you a great point. Whenever you hone into those leadership skills, so I that's where I really was able to perfect that craft because I didn't have that skill set prior. So yeah. And I feel like it's a balance because it's not like we we we're just formed. Right? In a in a perfect world, we all be Beyonce and be amazing sales professionals, but, like, the reality is those those skills and the different things that we hone in come in for us at different times. Like I feel like leadership is now where I'm mastering, where I've always had the creative ideas, I've always been able to get somebody from point a to point b, but I've taken, uh, I'm now getting divorced after twelve years of marriage, so I am now taking more of a leadership role in my life in every facet, where you can agree when you've been with somebody for that long, you get very codependent, and you kinda maybe even change a little bit. Like I feel like I was so strong and a leader prior to being a mom and having kids and stuff and having a husband. When I was, um, just me, I felt like I was. And I feel like I put everybody else as priority, where now that my kids are a little bit bigger, I can do that. Like, I can fulfill that role of being a leader to other adults without feeling like I'm taking away from my children. Yep. Yeah. So I'm I'm curious. So okay. So we're talking about bold moves. So you're you're at this you know, you're at Compareon and, like, you know, hitting records, I'm assuming, like, going out of the gate. Like, what what what, like, drove you to, I mean, take this bold move and a risk of, like, just leaving and and going somewhere else? And and you know what I mean? Like, I'm just curious. Wow. Funny story. So basically oh, gosh. Okay. Let me backtrack a little bit here. So I I went blind in my left eye. I went, um, I there was, like, a white water rafting trip that I had done in, like, 2023. So, anyways, um, that changed my life. And basically, honestly, I'm just I'm so blessed. I got so lucky. I don't know. I don't even know. I'm, like, the luckiest person in the world. I really feel this way because crazy things like this will happen to me, but I feel like the highest highs are the lowest lows. Like, one percent things happen to me. Like, I'll get picked for, uh, like, by a celebrity or my dad will die from COVID. Like, I won't know statistically. I feel when I would have said that, I was like, oh my god. It really is so hard. Exactly. But okay. And so it's like, even though something dramatic like that will happen in my life and yours anybody's right whatever. It's crazy I can't believe that happened to you though. I know and so like it's everyone like when it first is happening it's like it's so negative. My mom was, like, I mean, like, I was gonna lose my eye. Like, I was literally looking at prosthetic eyes. Eyes and, like, what does that look like? And so I'm, like, sitting crisscross applesauce in my apartment. Like, it's cool. Like, if there's anybody that can rock a glass eye, it's me. Like, I'm talking to myself like that, and I'm like, I got it. And I'm, like, trying to calm myself down. I'm trying to calm my mom down, you know, because she's like, oh, like, you're gonna have a hole in your face. I'm like, okay. It's really not that dramatic. Okay. But anyway your mom thinks I know. It really is. Like, she was so like that. But, Kylie, beside I would be for my daughter too. Yeah. Not probably for myself. I get that though of, like, your kid. Yeah. I'm so worried. So so anyways, like, everyone's freaking out during this time. I'm, like, trying to be all calm. And this is just, like, an example of really how my life goes. Like, something crazy will happen where it should be perceived as negative, but I know that this is not where it stops. You know? I I don't know. Like, this is just, like, how I'm built. So, anyways, I get passed through all this, and I get, um, I was sought out by Vanity, the financial planning firm that I worked for, and they're phenomenal. I mean, oh my gosh. Highly intelligent individuals. Their process was phenomenal. Anyways, I developed so much from them. So I I got injured. Right? And I lost my job because I was not able to perform with the injury. And I still it actually, like, slows me down a lot. So anyways. But then I was recruited from Vinity, and I was like, kind of like, are you sure you guys want me? You know? Because I'm, like, a little slower here. Um, but the skill set that they needed, you know, basically, I was I went into, like, an account management role at that point, and I kinda step back from being a producer. So that's now I was able to develop my knowledge in the insurance space on a more detailed level, and that has been able to help my career and educate clients and help, you know, put together better programs. So it's, like, weird. I went from being a producer to account manager because of this injury. Then, um, they ended up going a different direction, and I was actually going to leave the insurance industry because I wasn't going to, like, go through the process to find, um, another agency because I I bet. You know? Like and it would have been, what, my third or fourth time rolling my clients over. It's like, this isn't about me. Right? Like, I I really care about these people, and I want them to be taken care of. So that that was there was just, like, a lot to consider. Anyways, Justin called me out of the blue and was like, what are you doing? And I was like, I am staring at my wall trying to figure out what I'm gonna do with my life. And he was like, you wanna come into the office? And I I just knew. I was like, okay. I'll come work for you again. I was like, you're the only person, honestly, that I would seriously, like, ever go back to unless you're Steve Lyles, and, uh, I'll send this to him later. He was my supervisor at PayPal. He's the bomb. So yeah. No joke, though. Um, because I, you know, I can be a bit too managed but I get that too. I feel the same way about myself so I understand like you find people that can get you and understand that that's just how you are and it's not personal. I don't know what they mean. He and Paul laughed because I said q tip quit taking it personal. That's like one of my mom's favorite things to tell people, because majority of the time somebody's in a bad mood, and it has absolutely nothing to do with us. Yeah. That's very true. That's an excuse, that's a facade, right? That's something to blame, that's someone to blame, when in reality they just had a knock down drag out fight with their spouse, you know what I mean? So we just never know to I think about that with some of the people we interact with on a daily basis of we just never know what's going on in their lives that has them riled up like that. But no that's wonderful, and I'm so sorry first of all that that happened to you, and you know I know everything but your bigger why, and you have such a good attitude of like, yeah this this is part of my destiny, everything happened for a reason, but I'm so proud of you. When you were like keeping your mom together, and you're like no I'm gonna be fine, like I can rock a glass. I like that's cool as fuck, Charlie, like that's that's that's very metal of you, because that girl, I would not be handling I'm too big, I would have been like like I would would not be handling that well. Like you were a boss club. We balance each other out because like I'm really bad about um like advocating for myself. Yes. Because I'm a lot like you where it's like and I wonder like I don't know I'm Italian so I don't know if it's like part of like my culture too where it's just like natural for you to like put others before you. Like I feel like in Mexican culture too like especially when it comes to family. Like you put your family before everybody else. And but yeah. It's like, I'm like, it's gotta be balanced again. You know, it's all about balance. It's, like, yes and no. Families too when you get married and how that changes. Right? Everything changes, but that is I had to have a conversation with my mom of, like, boundaries of, like, this is now my family. Like, we're always gonna be a family, but I now have a family. I have two kids that I have to think for. I can't go to every extended great grandma visit. You know what I mean? Like, we're a little busy. I know. So That kinda makes me happy that you just said that because I'm, like, going through that phase with my mom right now too. Have you ever read that book Boundaries? No. So Yes. I forgot. Yeah. I know what you're talking about. I have the audiobook. I'm like, did I finish it? Don't know. It's it's a good it's a good book. I forgot the author. It's it's like coloring. Right? Isn't there like a crown on the on the boundaries cover? Uh, there's a few of them. Okay. I don't know which one is gonna say. There's a couple different versions. I think it's McCloud or or whatever. I forgot his name. But the main the main book I've seen is red. Mhmm. But it it's a really good book that really kind of helps you understand the real meaning of boundaries. And, like I think I actually may have read it. I think I do have the audio. I think I I know what you're talking about. It's an older book. Right? One. Uh, yeah. They they have them for, like, boundaries for work, boundaries for marriage. That's what it was. I did the work one. Yeah. So the boundaries ones for marriage is the one that I I I read because my my wife read it first, and then I'm like, what is going on here? Because she's Oh my god. You're so excited. You're like, what's that? Letting down. She's Okay. I'll level up. Alright. Now you're gonna check out that book. Yeah. I'm like and then and and then I had to read the book, and then I'm like, oh, okay. And it makes sense. And if I hadn't read that book, we probably would have gotten divorced because Okay. Well through. So any any couples this close, Carrie. So you're my last bet, girl. I'm gonna listen. In any like, if this is a couple that is reading, they both gotta read the book because if one of them doesn't, then there's gonna be issues. But really good book. And and it not only, like, helps you with setting boundaries, like, in your marriage, which is healthy, by the way. Like, having boundaries in your marriage is healthy. Any relationship. We're fine we're fine with our little league. Like, you have to. But also in, like, work and, like, your professional relationships and, like, your job. Like, everything. Like, it a lot of people don't see the boundaries, and then they end up crossing them, not knowing they're crossing them, and it just causes a lot of, like, angst and, like, anxiety. And just when you have that in your mind and you know, you can, like, put that out there. Like, nope. This is a boundary. And then people will start to, like, realize You've taught me that about time management too Yeah. Of, like, I I'm giving Tric. I feel like you relate. Of, like, I'm always, like, trying to be there, trying to do this. He kind of sets me in check of, like, I mean, you can't do more for your your company. You can't do more for your work than they're gonna do for you. You have to have that delicate balance. I'm like, yeah. You're right. Like, duh. But you know what I mean? Like, sometimes you're just too much of a try hard, or you're new, or there's reasons you're trying to build right now I'm trying to build a new book and meet all these new people. So to have pause and be like, yeah. Well, and then Time management. That's true. I need to balance both, like, sourcing and being in office, not feel like I'm stuck doing one or the other. You know? And and I think that's the problem with, like, um, you know, the whole ADHD thing, you know, because, like, the ADHD thing. And I was, like, scrolling through your TikTok. And one of the things I saw was one of these things where, like, somebody was, like, neurodivergent and then, like, normal typical, you know, brain. Uh, the neurodivergent person, like, they're like, they wanna do a %, like, every single time. Like Yeah. And their % is probably, like, a 50% for the normal person. Oh my gosh. That's my problem. Me too. I had to He but he spelled it out. I was like, oh, yeah. I literally had to figure that out the hard way because I was coming at people, like, all hard. I'm like, where I'm like, why am I up here? Yeah. And you're telling me you're giving me 100% and you're here like yeah I'm not having it well one of one of my old managers is very neurotypical and had to kind of tell me like look it's insurance it's not brain surgery. Like, that we're not like, what we're doing here is not gonna, like, you know, affect somebody's life. The same thing too, by the way. It's not brain surgery. Yeah. Exactly. Because we wanna dissect and know it from every angle. That's how ADHD or whatever works. Right? We're trying to seek to understand, and we're frustrated. Like, why don't you wanna seek to understand? Why don't you wanna know this as much as I wanna know it? Oh my gosh. We're all like, oh. It's so true. It's so true. And and even in like, with the people I've dated or whatever while being separated, I've caught myself of, like, why can't you rise to this standard? And I I know I'm asking something of somebody that's a crazy standard. Yeah. What I've learned is, like, I I had to be okay with knowing that somebody else's % is not the same as mine, and that's cool. I've had to learn that not everybody's a vibrational match for me. Sometimes I'm like a puzzle, like, trying to put that last puzzle piece in, and I'm mad that it doesn't fit. I'm trying to force it in. I'm trying to make it fit and manipulate it when sometimes you just need to go buy another puzzle. Yeah. That's my biggest lesson of, like, the last decade. So I I've just, like, very recently come across, like, this whole ADHD thing and realizing, like, my entire life has been such a struggle. Mhmm. And, like like you said, like, we're always, like, trying harder than everyone else, but all of that trying was to get me on par with, like, the rest of the world. You know? You kinda feel like you're just, like, this failure, and you're just like, why? And then, you know, I started getting some help and, you know, actually, some some support. You know what I mean? And when I'm talking about, you know, some some medication that actually makes life a heck of a lot easier. Yeah. Yeah. That that same amount of energy and, like, what you're doing, all of a sudden now, like, puts you in another bracket, and you're just, like, accomplishing, like, so much more. It's and it's almost like this realization, like, wow. I I don't really need to do that much because you know what I mean? Superpower. Like, what we needed help with was, like, the organizational part of our brain, which is what turns back noise off that that those medicines help with, you know, of, like, turning the no like, so I try to describe ADHD as, like, you know when you have a song stuck in your head, but then you have 72 other browsers open? Mhmm. That's how it feels. Yeah. It's so true. Oh my gosh. It's literally so true. You have, like, so many windows. I have so many windows working. Figure out. And I don't know. I don't know which window I need to clean first because I got 72 windows. And doesn't that frustrate you? Because you're like, I need to clean up this mess. I hate this. And now you're like, I don't even know where to start. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. There's so there's that overwhelmed Yeah. Like, like, uh, like, I remember going to bed so many times and just constantly think going on my brain. Okay. Tomorrow, I got this. I gotta do that. Well, how am I gonna do this? But then I gotta do that. Like, you know, they're just so and, like, now it's just kind of, like, calm. I can go to sleep, and I don't have those those things because it's like, why am I worrying about it right now? I know that I can do it right now. I'm in bed. Like, there's nothing I can do. I started taking up meditation too to kinda help with that also. So I'm new at it. It's hard. I listen to manifestations at night, and it's helped my sleep. No words. Um, just, like, vibrational frequencies. Oh, right. It has helped me tremendously. I used to have terrible nightmares after everything with my dad, but that's helped me tremendously to block out the noise that's in my brain. I am currently unmedicated, truth be told. Um, should not be. We'll see how that we'll see how that plays out, but I'm getting tested for all these things right now, a whole myriad of things, so I can have an official diagnosis. I grew up with an elementary school counselor mom. So moms like that are scared of their child who's high functioning to have a label. So from the insurance perspective and all of that my mom did not want me to have that label. It is so necessary though for me to be successful. Yes. So In that way, I'm like, this is the first time that I'm really conquering that side of things. And I'm so glad you are, though. It's Yeah. I mean, you need to. Yeah. I I used to have this stigma with labels too. And then, again, here's something else I found, like, scrolling around, dopamine seeking. You know? Um, somebody said, why are labels important? And this guy was saying he spent his whole life being a zebra trying to fit in with, like, the horses and trying to figure out, like, you know, why He wasn't a horse. Why he wasn't a horse. But then now he found his other zebras. He's like, okay. I'm a normal zebra. You know what I mean? Like, it makes a lot of sense. That's what I told my therapist of, like, that's she's like, well, what do you think at all? Because she has that perspective too similar to my mom of, like, well, yeah, label. Like, you just have to meet make sure that that benefit outweighs, you know, the risk, right, of that liability and stuff. But no, I that's exactly what I told her. I said I need to know, I need to feel like I'm not crazy, if that makes any sense at all to her. And she's like oh no that makes sense. I need to know that I have had these issues for a reason and a why so that I can learn about that better, so I can understand myself, seek to understand. I'm trying to seek to understand what's going on upstairs. How did I want to date somebody for two months? And then I'm like, no. Immediate. And that's it, and that's how I can be. And so, you know, going through and I think admitting to anyone's self that there's a deficit or that there's something that they need to fix is huge, no matter what it is. But I feel like ADHD is both like a blessing and a curse because we can do things so much more than other people and get so much more out of our day, but we also get chastised and called squirrel, you know? So it's it's tough. It's tough to be in in that role. It's funny that you say that I mean yeah because totally I do get called me too but I lean into that stuff so like I'm the type of person I don't know yeah I do I lean into it Like, if it's supposed to be, like, perceived as a negative, like, if someone calls me a squirrel, I'm like, uh, yeah. Although you always you always handle it well. You always handle it tactfully and with grace. And I just feel like those labels, right, are meant to hurt us or to affect us, and it's our opportunity to have ownership over it and how we move when that happens. Because you're like, yeah. I might be a squirrel, but I've bound six policies today. Yep. Yep. That's what a squirrel can do. Exactly. Oh, yeah. There you go. It was like my my, uh, my first interview out of college. I went to this one financial firm place, and they were, uh, part of their interview was doing this Excel spreadsheet and, like, just manipulating some debt excuse me, some debt data. I'm a nerd. I love Excel. You know what I mean? So I got it in there, and I'm like I'm like, oh, okay. I'm like, I'm doing all this stuff. And then I see the interviewer come in, and she's like, are you are you done? I'm like, no. I'm still doing it. Like, you know? And she comes in, like, four or five different times. I'm like, dude, give me some time here. I'm trying I'm working here. And then all of a sudden, I'm like, I'm done. And, like, four hours had gone by. And I'm like, what? Like, and you so when people talk about time blindness, they think, oh, that's stupid. They're just trying to get out of stuff. No. There is literal No. You did too much that about when you when you were, like, questioning, I was like, well, we're going to the dealerships at 02:30. Like, if we're hitting three or four, like, it's gonna be 04:15. You're like, oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And and I get like that too, but mine's always in the morning because that's where, like, I'm super efficient. I think I have like an hour more to leave the house, and I really have fifteen minutes. Oh my gosh. Same. Yeah. Yeah. I love the problem. Like like I saw I saw this thing where it was like saying someone has, oh, like in ten minutes or five minutes, you know, you gotta do this. Oh, I can like get this done, that done, that done. And but when you break it down, ten minutes is, like, six hundred seconds. You're like, six hundred seconds. Like, uh, okay. Yeah. I don't have time. You know? Like, it's just so weird. Like, the concept of time just totally yeah. So yeah. Yeah. Help having help. Just just just saying. So, you know, if yeah. This is it's it's changed, uh, changed, uh, my my, uh, world a little bit. But okay. So, anyway, I wanna go back to, like, the the risk. So you you left, and then you came back. So, like, what was that like? I mean Like, culture wise, social wise, all the ways. Okay. So, uh, it was like a dramatic leave. I was, like, so heartbroken to leave Justin because he really is a great leader, and I have so much respect for him. And I when I told him that I was leaving, I, again, I'm a very authentic person. Like, I really don't know how else to be. So I'm, like, basically pouring my heart out to him, right, professionally. And I'm like, I hope he knows, like, I mean what I'm saying. And I was with him, like, just under a year, so that was, like, another battle internally. Right? Um, because you don't like to leave, you know, a new place, um, prematurely. But, anyway, so I was being recruited though by, um, an independent agency. And, um, Compareon, you know, we were still trying to figure it out then. So and I'm just very like I don't like the chains on me you know I hate that feeling and so it felt that way a little bit and just this other agency I mean gosh they were recruiting they were trying to recruit me for like four months. And they work hard they try to help. That's super common in our industry they'll find somebody who's doing well and they're like. He would not leave me alone like so bad. I mean we had so one of my friends worked for him so he had my friend hitting me up, he had me on Facebook, took me out to a really nice dinner in Scottsdale. I mean like he was pulling out all the stops. All the stops, emails. I mean like leave not Amy alone. And No one takes me out to 10. Just kidding. Well so finally, um, you know he and I didn't know much about the insurance industry, right, or, like, being independent either. So I was figuring out that dynamic as well. So, anyways, I was had that previous corporate experience. I think we shared the same word provider. Yeah. Exactly. Yeah. So I started with USAA. Uh-huh. Right? And that was, like, my first leg into insurance. And, again, they're still corporate. So after that, then segueing out of there is when I went into Caprion and then, again, was recruited by this outside outside agency. And so I'm still trying to figure out, you know, what this life is like. And I know that, like, this is what I want, and I wanna master it. And so, anyways, um, it ended up not being, like, the best experience. Well, I don't wanna say it wasn't the best experience, but because it was all I needed it. Right? I learned so much again. Yeah. I I learned so much. That's all I have to say. But, um, anyways, yeah, coming back, I guess, now to compare you on the the culture has, like, totally changed, actually. I'm trying to think, um, I don't wanna say that it was, like, more stiffy last time, but, like, kind of I think the pressure was there. Right? Because we're we were bridging from being a captive agency. You're going from Liberty Mutual to now you're creating a big compare on independent agency, and they did it overnight. And that's a lot to do right, um especially when you're going into from a captive to that independent space. That's a lot to learn. That is a lot to learn so initially Just to put it in perspective we have like twenty five thirty carriers, whereas when she and I were both riding for that company, that's your one carrier. And you have 50 states, like, you got a little bit state specific information that's a little different. But generally speaking, you're telling everybody the same thing. In our situation, we have 20 carriers that they could possibly have so it's a unique situation at the carrier level for each thing. Exactly. Yeah. So now so now you got to worry about state specific but now you got to worry about carrier specific. Yes. Um and then you're also an advocate for your clients as well. Um yeah insurance law I mean there's so much that plays into it like we we really do have a lot on our plate and we juggle a lot so it's I just balance I really feel is like the key word for me lately but, um, anyways so coming back around though, um, now that we're kind of getting our legs underneath us and we're figuring out what it's like to truly be in that independent space and how to I level up as professionals and in the insurance industry. I mean, now I really feel like we can let our hair down and just, you know, go out and meet people. And that's literally all I do every day is just review their insurance program, educate them, and keep it moving. You know? Just build those really great relationships, and that's that's the culture. That's the dynamic now, and and that's what I love. That was always the vision initially. But, you know, again, obviously, like, with that pressure, it I think it took some time to get there. So Yeah. I'm happy with where we're at now, and I'm so excited. We're we're gonna continue to go. I mean, I just yeah. I mean, I see great things since it's been night and day. So Yeah. I I see Comparing on being like a real power power horse power force powerful force power force powerful force in the in the industry just because of what they what they can do and just the people. I mean, just everyone they bring on are just really great people. I love that we're local and in the community. Like, it's so huge. And I I just love that we bring that aspect and it's nationwide. Right? So, like, we all have our own little impact. It's so interesting because, like, there's there's been this real big push, like, to have everything digital and, like, not talk to anybody. And, like, you know, like, that's Yes and no. Yeah. Yes and no. Like, it doesn't really work because, like, you know, if you're talking about car insurance and everyone's like, you've seen those apps like, oh, you're paying too much for car insurance. Get this. Well, yeah, if you want, like, very minimal limits and, like, put yourself in there. Say, like, honestly, is it even worth it? Because it is so like, I I it's like a pet peeve of mine when I hear someone be like, oh my gosh. That premium is so expensive. I'm like, well, it's a lot less expensive than having your claim denied. And guess what? That's happening a lot lately because the carrier is not profitable. I mean we've had record claims and I mean time frames to even complete these claims payouts it's nuts it's nuts so I'm just like do it right do it right because it's not worth it I mean yeah actually sorry I don't mean to interrupt you but my mom one of her best friends um I had to help her through a situation because she was gonna have or they were trying to they were trying to deny her claim but this is why it's so important to read these contracts though too So that's another thing that I'll point out is we have all these carriers. Right? Well, I read every single one of those contracts because that's what they're gonna hold you to come claim time. So I figured that out the hard way. So I'm like, okay. Well, if that's how we're gonna play the game, well, I'm gonna master it. So I'm very well versed in these contracts. And, essentially, what had happened is she recently licensed her daughter at 18. Okay? She didn't do it at 16. Right? And this is a new thing that is coming about with all the carriers where they're, having you list, uh, if you're 15 years or older whether you are licensed or not like if you have a permit whatever if you are 15 years they want to know that you that you're there. That you're in the house. Yeah. You have to acknowledge it. Because the child the child there who's a child well can take the car. Exactly and there's been multiple claims where that has happened and they can deny coverage because child was never listed on the policy. Exactly so that's what was that was what was gonna happen so she she contacted her agent she said hey uh just licensed my daughter waited a while right she's 18 got her a car um the agent added the vehicle on there but did she they didn't add the daughter I don't know why right So anyways, whatever. A mistake. Daughter gets in an accident. It's a three car pile up, okay, on the freeway. So of course, that happens. Um, so anyways, they're like, yeah. She's not on the policy. We're gonna deny this. And not only that. So she was the last car. So they were trying to say, well, we don't know if she actually started at all and pushed the middle car into the front car. So now so now not you don't have coverage and you have your totaled car, the totaled car in front of you, and then the totaled car in front of that person, and they're trying to say that's gonna be all on you. That's over I mean, hundreds of thousands of dollars. She was so stressed out. I felt so bad. Can you imagine I mean I just it made me so angry. I'm sorry I get so passionate but because so you're dealing with a call center person right? They don't care. Just were they on the policy? Yes or no. And so The advice I would tell everybody, and this is both as an insurance professional and just as a friend. Right? Ask for the recorded call. Mhmm. Or yep. So I advised her to do that as well. As as the consumer. Yeah. I'm not talking about I'm not talking about I'm saying you're in that situation and you know you said it and it's a corporate call center. Well, so I was wondering well, it depends. Right? But that's that's the two way she can ask. With an adjuster is what I was saying. Her agent, she was cell phone, like how we operate. So I had already advised her that so she didn't have her call recording but she did have the timestamps of the calls and she did have the email so I went over to her house I was like look what all do you have? Yeah. Because I'm not gonna lie like that's hard my initial thought was you know were you being honest because I do come across some people that try to not fully disclose right? Yeah right I know. No but they're also scared, right, because they know they may have done wrong so they're trying to say things without saying them. Right. Yeah. And So sometimes And I tell my clients I'm like look you be open and honest with me because like the most important thing is like we just got to write it correctly. So anyways I I go to her and I'm like okay look like were you did you do everything that you were supposed to do because if you didn't I'm gonna be very upset okay and you're I'm not gonna advocate for it like you need to do it you need to do your part. So anyways she did do her part so I was like okay it's time to go to town. I was like let me see that contract. Yeah. And it said it again there there's always this stuff in here okay there's always a time frame. Yeah. For everything. You got thirty days, thirty days, forty days, fourteen, there's always a time frame. Yeah so because she was newly licensed within six months it stated it specifically in their contract this the daughter automatically had coverage because she was a household resident. I highlighted it said send that into the adjuster, claims approved. Dude, that's amazing. But you have to do your due diligence because every carrier would have been different. So it was awesome that you were able to provide that information for her, but the average agent couldn't let's be honest right? So that's above and beyond. But that's what made me mad is she goes back to her agent and and I'll be honest like if I messed up I'm gonna tell you I messed up. Me too I would tell my boss I'm sorry that couldn't tell me. Yeah sorry that's not me. That's not me. This man had the audacity. That's another thing that I just irks me in our industry it's not everybody but it's out there. They'll say people never said that or what did he say? He said I talk to so many people a day I can't recall. I hate that. What the most political answer you could get Where are your notes? Because we have notes in our system Alright. With every single person I talk about. Like, the type of profession that we're in, how is that how is that Let me be honest with you, and I'm sorry. Know who she is, first of all. How do you how do you not know? Our job is to protect your assets. And what are you doing? What? I yeah I just said that drove me nuts so anyways she was she was really upset but I was like look I run into this all the time and I am I'm just I'm that person. Like, you don't wanna go you don't wanna go toe to toe because, like, I'm correct. Well, I think it can be a little bit of ego too, like, on that gentleman's perspective of not wanting to admit he did wrong. But the most powerful thing you can do is admit you did wrong and apologize for it. Apologize profusely, and then try to rectify it. Help me go with them. You don't pretend you don't pretend at all. I don't know. I don't know how how this, you know, kind of happens. No. Like, they're trying to fix it. Yeah. You can hands up. I don't know. Figure it out. I hate that. That's crazy. That just goes to show, you know, like, having that local agent in your corner really can make a huge difference, which a lot of people don't realize. And, again, though, kind of circling back to your point, though, of, like, you said, everyone likes it to be or I don't know. We're all going towards this, like, technology, like, mainly technology based. But that's the importance of like having that authentic relationship like seriously I go to my clients house all the time like I literally walk into their house and again my mom you're gonna die someone's gonna kill you I'm like no okay most people are good alright but I am I do have like that really personal aspect and I am front and center but it's like I really feel like our job kind of have to be that way. Especially for like industries like life insurance that are so delicate and you're talking about something that might make somebody a little uneasy, a little bit nervous, right? A little bit uncomfortable to you know just uncomfortable to, you know, just clear minds, make them feel at ease, make them feel like it's gonna be you're you are gonna be protected. We are gonna get this situated today, so when that does and the inevitable does happen, you're prepared, your family's prepared. And that's our ultimate goal. Our ultimate goal is to have people feel like we are in their corner and we aren't just their insurance agent, which I think, you know, you had mentioned it, but the role and being able to have the accessibility to us on our phones, right? And if they do decide to add another vehicle at 7PM that they can text you that they have that opportunity, and as both of you mentioned that's the beautiful part of how Comparion is structured for I honestly feel like we all win in that situation of having that connectivity, that constant contact. So we are coming up on time. Um, Shirley, do you have any, like, events coming up or anything that you want to plug? That you want to shout out, your networking team, or anything that you have coming up? Yeah. We have a wicked awesome happy hour tonight at Singing Pandas in Chandler. Yeah oh my gosh I hope I remembered to send you guys the invite I'm sorry because I'm a ten second Tom. No it's okay. I mean I was like trying to like you know push it out. Anything in the future so that they might be able to come too if there's anything pushed out in the next couple of weeks. So yeah so typically I do host a happy hour at the distillery every third Thursday of the month. Um, I decided to forego it this month because I am attending the wicked awesome happy hour, which is tonight. So my event was gonna be tomorrow. So I was like, hey. I really wanted to see Dave who's hosting it, um, and, you know, a chance to kinda just, like, mix things up, right, and network with other professionals. So, um, but, typically, it is at distillery every third Thursday of the month. So I do announce it though every month if, you know, we're hosting it, um, on social media. And where is this Wicked? Wicked awesome happy hour is at, uh, singing pandas in Chandler tonight. Nice. For at what time? Six to 9PM. Six to nine. Alright. Well, I got some I gotta get this uploaded in, uh, on there before then. Um, cool. Rachel, anything you wanna add or I think this is great. Yeah. Um, we're talking about bold risks. We're we're all in the insurance industry. We mitigate risk. I mean, so I definitely think it's if anybody has a converse wants to have a conversation about that, they definitely know how to reach us. What you're on the Compareion website. We're both on there too. Yeah. So it's an easy place to go. But this has been, uh, this has been fun. Just no. Just any Compareion website. Chandler. Chandler. Compare on. Yeah. That's what I think. Yeah. We got Shameless plug. Yeah. We do we do gotta we gotta fill it in there because, you know, we're we're in competition. We in competition. Awesome. Yeah. Well, it's been fun, guys. Um, signing out. Bold Moose Podcast. Stay tuned. We'll, uh, we'll be back next week. Alright?