Shane Ideus got started in the insurance industry right out of college at a workers’ compensation company owned by Berkshire Hathaway.  He worked for them for 5 ½ years and then with Philadelphia Insurance for a year and a half before joining UNICO Group, Inc. in 2009.  UNICO Group, Inc. is a full service independent insurance agency that has solutions for your business and personal insurance, risk management and financial needs.  Shane specifically focuses on working with businesses to design cost effective insurance programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each business. Their full service approach addresses risk management, loss control, and claims management.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Right now is a tough time to be in the insurance business.  The weak economy and soft insurance marketplace make it difficult for a new producer to grow their book of business.  It’s also an aging industry so it can be difficult to establish rapport with business owners who are used to working with older, more seasoned professionals.

Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family.  I’ve been married to Rachel for nearly five years.  She’s a physical therapist with Alegent.  We have a 16 month old son, Jaxon, who keeps us on our toes at all times.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Attend a sporting event, golf, or hanging out with the family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I’m very tolerant of cold weather except for my hands.  They got frost bit when I was in high school and they haven’t been the same in cold weather since.

What are you the most proud of?
My son, Jaxon.  He’s a great little dude and the highlight of my day is when I come home and he’s standing at the door waiting for me.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My dad taught me that hard work and determination is how to get ahead and to be the best you have to beat the best.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I would like to become a partner in the agency.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Mind reader.  You just never know what people are thinking.

What are your plans for retirement?
What’s retirement?  That’s a long ways off but hopefully someday I’ll be able to travel more and golf more.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
I’m a good pitch player.

Which talent would you most like to have?
A photographic memory.  I’m only 30 but I feel like I already have short term memory loss.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

What is your favorite movie?
Gladiator or Hoosiers

What is your favorite TV show?
Castle

What is your favorite local restaurant?
Charleston’s or Spezia

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Call or email Shane Ideus at (402) 434-7215 or sideus@unicogroup.com

For more information about UNICO Group, Inc. please call us at -800-755-0048 or visit us online at www.unicogroup.com.