"These are the people taking risks, following their dreams, and creating something special," says independent agent Luke Hoerr. "When I help them get the right coverage, I'm not just selling insurance—I'm helping protect someone's passion project and supporting our local economy."
Luke Hoerr
Insurance Agent
Washington, Illinois
How did you get started at your agency?
I graduated from Illinois State University in 2020 with a dual major in risk management and finance. The job market was tough and finding my dream role wasn't easy. I met folks from Troxell Insurance at a networking event through my business fraternity, Gamma Iota Sigma, and initially applied for a personal lines position, which wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I was determined to get my foot in the door as an independent agent.
I knew Troxell had a stellar reputation, and the agency surprised me by offering me a commercial lines position, which turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
Why small business insurance?
I've seen firsthand how challenging insurance can be for business owners, and they often don't have the resources or time to figure it all out on their own. That's where I come in.
I chose to work with small businesses because they're truly the heartbeat of our communities. These are the people taking risks, following their dreams, and creating something special. When I help them get the right coverage, I'm not just selling insurance—I'm helping protect someone's passion project and supporting our local economy. There's something really rewarding about playing a part in their success story.
Challenges in the small business insurance market?
Insurance carriers are becoming incredibly strict about property coverage. In one example, a client updated their electrical panel before we started the insurance process. Unfortunately, the inspection company flagged the brand-new electrical panel as a problem and marked it as a critical issue. These roadblocks can seriously impact a business's ability to get the coverage they need.
Advice for a fellow agent?
Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to speak up. When something doesn't feel right or you spot an issue that others might have missed, it's important to say something. You can never communicate too much in this business. Whether you're explaining something to a client or raising concerns with carriers and team members, it's always better to share more information than less. Your expertise and honest feedback can make a real difference, so don't hold back when you know something needs to be addressed.
Olivia Overman is IA content editor.
