River City Six – Justin Lewandowski
Meet Justin Lewandowski, the commercial account executive at UNICO Group (unicogroup.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
We are an independent agency with access to many insurance carriers. My role is to help bring our customers the best products and value to meet their needs. I am passionate about partnering with local businesses and helping them grow and work through new challenges as a team.
How did you get started in the business?
While I was taking classes at Southeast Community College, I was required to do an internship and was connected with an independent insurance agency owned by a small town bank. I started by scanning paper files into the agency’s management system. I was then able to shadow an agent and learn the basics of insurance and sales. After the internship, I was offered a full-time job and shortly passed the tests to acquire my various insurance licenses. I have been in the business ever since.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Learning to adapt to changing needs. For example, we have seen a large increase in the need for Cyber Liability coverage in the last few years. I have had to make sure I am consistently educating myself on coverage changes so that I can provide the best value to my clients.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to my beautiful wife Kylie, and we have two daughters: Kyla (8) and Addysen (7). The girls are very involved in sports and dance which takes up a lot of our spare time. We also have two dogs: Wrigley, a Beagle/ Terrier mix (10) and Jet, an American Bull Dog/Lab Mix (1).
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending time with my girls and going for hikes, walks, or bike rides. We love spending time outside as it is a great opportunity to get some exercise.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are usually right.” – Confucious. This is a great reminder of the impact of positive thinking.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
The ability to fly. It would make getting around a lot easier!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I would choose to be an architect. I have always loved looking for unique buildings and can only imagine how the design concepts are crafted.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The last good book I read was The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It has really helped me organize my day and become more efficient in the morning. I highly recommend it.
What is your favorite TV show?
One of my all-time favorite TV shows is How I Met Your Mother. I have watched the entire series twice!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
I would love to have dinner with Will Ferrell. He has always been one of my favorite actors and I’m sure it would be a hilarious conversation.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 361-5921; Jlewandowski@unicogroup.com; unicogroup.com.