River City Six – Renee Hennings

Meet Renee Hennings, personal insurance agent at UNICO Group (unicogroup.com)

Tell us a little about your business.

UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance agency with services ranging from personal lines, commercial lines, work comp, employee benefits, financial planning, human resource solutions, and wellness. UNICO was nationally awarded the “Top Performing Agency” in its class for 2016!

How did you get started in the business?

I began my insurance career at a large company, and my boss told me that once I’ve been here for five years, I will probably stick to this business. At the time, I didn’t believe her as it was my first job. Well, surprise…25 years later, I’m still in insurance and love what I do!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Nebraska weather! As a personal lines agent transacting business related to property and casualty insurance, it’s always a difficult conversation to explain to my clients why the rates keep going up due to all the hailstorms. I keep praying that we can go three years without a hailstorm, but that hasn’t happened in quite a while.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

I served as the president of the Independent Agents of Omaha and Nebraska Young Agents. I’ve also been awarded Young Agent of the Year and Chairman of the Year from the Independent Agents of Nebraska.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to Jim Hennings for 17 years and together we have a son named Josh who will be a senior at Papillion-La Vista High School, and a stepson named Brandon. We also have two Dachshund rescues, Domino (10) and Daisy (6 months).

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Having a child.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I enjoy scrapbooking with friends when we all find time, which is more of a winter hobby as I like being outside when it’s nice. I spend a lot of time at my son’s baseball games.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

If I won the lottery, I would totally buy a huge acreage and open an animal sanctuary.

Who inspires you?

My son. He is so funny and smart, and he just enjoys life! He inspires me to be a better person and parent.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Be the kind of person your dog THINKS you are!”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Passionate.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

I always wanted to be Samantha from Bewitched. She could do it all!

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Nebraska Dachshund Rescue, NE Humane Society, and ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®). I’m a huge animal/dog lover.

What is your favorite TV show?

Grey’s Anatomy.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Elvis. My husband would be so jealous!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 361-5910; Email: rhennings@unicogroup.com; Website: unicogroup.com.