YAC Spotlight: Brian Eidelbus

Who has made the biggest impact on your career up to this point?  

• The person who's had the biggest impact on my career is, without a doubt, Albert Geraci, the area president of Risk Placement Services (RPS) Florida. Al has been impactful to my career because he always gives me the time of day. He has so many other responsibilities and obligations, yet anytime I go to him, I’m always the most important topic at hand, and he gives you full focus and attention, which makes you feel important. Al has always acted as a true mentor. One aspect that I have personally benefitted from is that he always wants everyone to better themselves and succeed. He makes insurance light and fun, which is a reprieve from some of the hectic moments. 

Why did you choose to join the Young Agents Council? 

•  I don’t remember the exact event or point in time, but I do remember YAC Director Taylor Hendrickson. She was very open and inviting. She was one of the people who encouraged me at that time in my career. Once I joined, I pretty much hit the ground running after realizing the resources and career benefits the YAC had, thanks to FAIA’s commitment to the organization. 

What advice would you offer college students unsure of majoring in Risk Management? 

• Personally, I would say just do it and don’t look back. This industry is incredible because there are so many areas and aspects to it that you can really find your niche based on your skill set. Whether it’s claims, customer service, sales, or actuarial science, the industry is so multi-dimensional that there’s a place for you anywhere.  

Tell us about the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the insurance community as a young agent.  

• Growing up, I played sports as a kid, then played competitive golf in high school and college, and had all those connections. You always have that support group with you growing up, but it disappears after college. That’s why it’s helpful to be a part of a group that shares common ground with you, like the Young Agents Council. Our situations may not be exactly the same, but we’re all going through similar things while trying to grow and find our way in the insurance industry. 

What is your favorite aspect of the job?  

• With RPS, I have a book of business and act as a team leader. I have goals to grow and maintain the book of business, which I started from the ground up. This position is very entrepreneurial in nature, which creates an exciting and progressive environment. In an effort to be a resource to my clients, I am familiar with and actively work all aspects of my book, such as accounting, audits, and processing. I’ve always felt the responsibility of a mini business owner and enjoy coming through for my clients. 

How would you help the next generation become interested in a career in insurance? 

• The first thing I would mention is job security. Once you’re in the industry, have proved yourself, and have acquired certain skill sets and foundational knowledge, you’ll be employable at all times because there will always be a need for you. I would also say that this industry affords a nice quality of living. Lastly, I would tell them that if they’re someone who wants to help make a difference, this industry is a great place to be. Over the past few years, how agencies operate has been changing thanks to new ways of thinking from the up-and-coming generation.  

In your opinion, what is the most valuable skill that a young agent can have?  

• Being self-aware. It’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses and work to improve both of them. To me, it’s the key to long-term success, and when you have a reflective nature like that, it will help you be able to face any challenges or adversity that comes your way. 

What do you do for fun?  

• I’ve been golfing since I was three, and because of that, I like to be outside in nature to focus on golf. I’ve also gotten into collecting bourbon over the past couple of years, so if there are any YAC members in the Delray Beach area, I’d be more than happy to open up my stash for you. 

Who do you admire and why?  

• So, I have something a bit ambiguous here. Most people would either say an athlete or an entrepreneur or something, but for me, the people I admire are people who make a positive difference in this world, whether socially, professionally, or politically. People who want to make the world a better place are the people I admire.  

How would your best friend describe you?

• One of my friends actually gave me a pleasant surprise when I brought it up. He said that he would describe me as “confident, competent, and cultured.”