I remember those feelings of my first day at VAST like it was yesterday. I was extremely nervous and excited, because it was such a big change for me. A new job, new industry, and even a new building to navigate. I had never worked in the insurance industry before, but I knew I was up for the challenge. When I walked through the door that morning, I was more than pleasantly surprised. All that worrying was completely unnecessary, because I immediately felt welcomed.  The very first thing I did that Monday morning at 8 am was meet the entire … Continue reading

Baby Boomers. Gen X. Millennials. Gen Z. They are all names given to the generation that you’re born in, but what does is have to do with the insurance industry? As with all companies, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve or move over. With the ever-changing world of technology revolving around us, “keeping up” is just as important for the world of insurance. One way to do this is by tapping into the traits of your clients, and those characteristics can differ depending on which generational category they fall into. Your Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and … Continue reading

On January, 21st, 2019 the team here at VAST had our 2019 Annual Meeting at Barrel and Beam brewery in Marquette. It was a full day of reflecting on 2018, as well as planning for a successful 2019. The day was productive and fun, complete with a guest speaker, taco bar, and a late afternoon happy hour for employees to mingle and chat about everything that had been covered throughout the day. As I think about the benefits of this meeting, one thing that comes to mind was the fact that we were out of the office at a neutral … Continue reading

Another year is in the bag for VAST and with it brought some great memories, successes, and celebrations. Let’s take a peek at some of the highlighted moments from 2018. 212°: This year’s focus was based off the concept of “212 degrees” – one degree more than the boiling point. This concept is about going the extra mile and adding that additional degree in all that we do to bring ourselves as a whole to “boiling”. Being “Lean”: Another concept of the year is becoming a “leaner” agency and improve our daily procedures so we work as a well-oiled machine. … Continue reading

Attending industry conferences can greatly benefit employees in many occupations, especially insurance.  VAST regularly sends team members to multiple different conferences throughout the year.  Doing so gives us educational opportunities, networking possibilities both with others in our industry and with vendors and suppliers, and prospects to grow within our fields of expertise in the insurance industry. VAST regularly encourages and sponsors its team members to take part in many different conferences and learning opportunities.  Some include specific educational opportunities and exams for different insurance agent designations.  Others focus on particular insurance carriers or sectors of the industry.  All conferences provide … Continue reading

  Leading industry publication Insurance Business America has launched its inaugural Top Insurance Workplaces report for 2018, a fascinating snapshot of the US insurance sector – and VAST is featured prominently on the list. Employees from organizations large and small across the whole of the industry were asked to share what they love and hate about their workplaces – whether it’s great benefits, great resources, great management or anything else. From the hundreds of companies that participated, only 51 hit the high standard needed to secure a spot on the list. VAST was among them. “We’re very excited to be … Continue reading

If you’d like to increase your creativity and productivity in your job, and be more successful in your career, consider joining your coworkers in an after-hours work event.  Engaging with coworkers outside of regular office hours builds and strengthens positive relationships, enhances communication and trust, and makes the workplace happier. VAST creates plenty of opportunities for employees to engage and have fun after work through our committees that focus on the culture of our workplace.  Our Culture Committee regularly plans after-hour events for employees and spouses to get together.  Recently, we’ve held those events at Vango’s, Iron Bay, and the … Continue reading

St. Patrick’s Day, the holiday where everyone is Irish for the day and the green beer flows. Being Irish myself, I look forward to this day every year to celebrate my heritage that I am so very proud of! Many people participate in the joyous festivities every year. If you are planning on partaking be sure that you are prepared to have a safe celebration. First things first, arrange to have a designated driver. Simply put, do not drink and drive. No amount of fun is worth the trouble this can get you in and the harm it can place … Continue reading

February was an important month at VAST, as it was our first of many team-building seminars with Simply Superior Consulting. They are a leadership and organizational development firm located here in Marquette, MI. Simply Superior has helped guide our team in the past toward goal setting, and this year they were invited back to once again collaborate with all of the VAST employees. Prior to our meeting, each VAST employee individually completed a Meyer-Briggs assessment to determine our grouping of 16 varying personality types. This was eye-opening for most, and at the forefront of many conversations leading up to the … Continue reading

Every year the Zen Committee at VAST designs a special 12-week fitness challenge to encourage our team members to get the year started on the right path of health.  We develop a new theme each year as a fun way to get people interested and to laugh along with the scenarios we present.  For example, we’ve used “The Olympics” and “Mt. Everest” as themes in the past. The theme we chose this year is “The Oregon Trail” based on the computer game made popular in elementary schools in the 80’s and 90’s.  Team members have 12 weeks to move their … Continue reading