We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.
Mike, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?
After successfully selling my clothing manufacturing brand, TITAFIT Company LLC, in 2022…I decided to join RogersGray, a Baldwin Risk Partner based in Boston, MA. I truly believe in taking calculated risks and betting on yourself! I moved across the country for a position as a Risk Advisor in the commercial insurance space. I was presented an opportunity from a close family friend and partner of the firm. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, second to selling my company. I chose the insurance industry for a few reasons:
1. Recession proof – people and businesses always need to purchase insurance
2. One of the only entrepreneurial career options, where your income is a direct correlation to your work ethic
3. Major work-shift change – the avg age of an insurance agent is 50+, which means there is massive opportunity for younger professionals in the space. Especially, in the next 10-20 years.
4. Reoccurring income – one of the only businesses where you can build a book of business and get paid each year
5. Massive infrastructure growth in the US – power of social media to help clients obtain the coverage they need
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started a clothing brand called TITANIUM Fitness Company when I was 18 years old. I was getting ready to attend the University of Michigan and had an idea to build a community of people who loved athletic apparel and being apart of a supporting team. We build an ambassador team of 700+ people in 2 years. After rapid growth and a few obstacles, we made an executive to convert the company into a full wholesale distribution brand. From 2020 – 2022, we serviced 500+ clothing brands around the globe with custom cut & sew apparel. I think our branding and constant ability to adapt to the environment was one of our greatest strengths as an organization. I am extremely proud of the company that I built from ground zero and even more proud of the lessons that I learned and how I implement them into my new life and career.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
At Baldwin Risk Partners, we have specialized centers of excellence. I quickly established myself on LinkedIn as a member of our Real Estate, Digital Infrastructure, and Nasdaq Management Liability practices. In this market, being a generalist is extremely tough to win new opportunities and business. I tend to be more of a business partner with my clients vs. just placing general insurance. We look at contracts, people within the organization, future growth plans, etc. and strive to consult as a true business advisor.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
LinkedIn is where I spend 90% of my day. An individual bio-page is a very clear digital business card of yourself. I have the opportunity to put my face in front of thousands of CEOs / CFOs / and decision makers each week. I have a unique outreach strategy and enjoy connecting and learning about new companies in the world. As a young agent, my goal is to listen for problems and find solutions for my prospects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram:@mikesmithceo_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsmithceo/