Warner Phelps is an independent insurance sales agent based in Conroe, Texas, who serves the Greater Houston area. He is a licensed agent specializing in homeowner and auto insurance for individual consumers and commercial insurance for businesses. Phelps' expertise also extends to life and health insurance for individuals and businesses. When he is not helping his customers find the right coverage, Phelps maintains a blog, Your Independent Insurance Agent, where he shares his professional knowledge and thoughts about industry-related issues.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I knew someone who had a career as an insurance agent and I liked many things about their professional lifestyle. It has enabled me to be an active community volunteer while still working, as well as support philanthropy throughout my career.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
I have a bachelor's degree in finance and an MBA. I would recommend to anyone who thinks they want to become an insurance agent to get a strong finance or marketing background. The majority of people who own agencies start out selling insurance. A strong marketing education provides a good foundation.

What types of classes and projects did you have to do?
There are currently no education requirements, besides graduating from high school, to be an insurance agent. Many companies will require a degree, so it’s a good idea to have one. In a business education program, you can tailor your learning to what you like. I have written cases for companies that are my current client and focused on a lot of marketing information to advance my knowledge.

How did your education help you in your career?
I would not be where I am today without my education. I do not always use everything I have ever learned, however, I have implemented some skills that are irreplaceable from my education. The opportunities in this industry are wide open for a college student who makes good grades.

What was your career path like in this field?
Career paths vary widely, mostly because it takes a certain personality to be an insurance agent. You need to be outgoing and able to deal with daily rejection. You have to be able to multitask and manage many things at once. The success rate for insurance agents in the first five years of their career is about 25 percent, which means that three out of four people who start out as agents end up in a different field. My suggestion for anyone who thinks they want to be an agent is to make good grades and get involved in internship programs with companies. Let the company train you in the industry before you spend any time trying to sell insurance. I didn’t establish my career path in this way, but I wish I had.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
You need the ability to work alone and manage time wisely, as well as the willingness and desire to achieve and do things right when no one is looking. There is a lot of liberty involved and if you don’t keep focused on what you need to do, it will be difficult to ever make any money. Agents are 100 percent commission based so you only make as much as you can sell.

What do you do on a typical workday?
My day starts with reviewing emails and returning phone calls. I typically work for one to three hours in the office and then try to be out making sales calls for about six hours every day. I then wrap up with one to three hours of making phone calls, returning emails and setting appointments. When I meet with clients, I always spend time reviewing policies and discussing coverage options.

Do you plan to advance to another position within your career field?
My No. 1 goal is to own an agency in my career. Unless you are the owner, the agents typically split commissions with the owner. If you are the owner, you don’t have to split your commissions with anyone!

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
The person who has the most success as an insurance agent is able to focus on the clients and prospective clients before anything else and stay focused on being productive.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Make good grades, find a company to educate you for five to seven years after you graduate from college and then go be an agent. Learn how to manage your personal finances early because there will be months that you don’t make enough money to pay the bills. It’s just the way it goes.