I was born in ’87 and raised in Dallas, GA. I was the oldest out of seven cousins and we all grew up within walking distance from one another. I graduated with honors from Hiram High School in ’05 and originally went to college to become a math teacher. I love kids, organization and had a passion for teaching (especially during the summers with my cousins playing “school”) so this was my ultimate dream. I attended several colleges and changed my major a couple of times and eventually decided to go the “safe route” with a degree in business. After jumping from college to college, tuition growing high, and working many jobs during school, I decided I wanted to take a break. With only a handful of credits left from graduating, I went into the working world full-time.
About Ashley Bryant
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I are high-school sweethearts. We started dating sophomore year of high school and got married in 2008. We had our daughter, Ella, in 2011 and our son, Braxton, in 2012. Our third “child” is our five-year Labradoodle, Willow.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My first “real” job was a receptionist at my stepdad’s law firm my freshman year of college. Before this job, I had only ever worked with kids. So, I had to learn how to work in a professional environment. After college, I transitioned to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office as a legal assistant. I really enjoyed the job and spent ten years there working there! Working for the DA exposed me to quite a lot of real life. After a decade, I got to a point where I wanted to shield my brain from the bad in the world and do something more uplifting. In 2016, I transitioned into Member Services Coordinator with IIAG. I’m passionate about helping people. Whether working with kids, victims of crime, or agents building their empire in the industry, I absolutely love interacting with people and seeing them succeed.
How long have you worked in the insurance industry
Seven years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met working in insurance?
I am fortunate enough to meet several interesting people in the insurance world. I’ve met a lot of interesting people at our IIAG events. It’s hard to pick who would get this title.
Q: How has your engagement with the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG) impacted your career?
I get to help people which makes a great impact on my daily life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to Germany and see my best-friends who have been stationed there the last five years. I want to eat all the German food and drink all the beer! 🙂
Q: What advice would you give to people to succeed in our industry?
Be patient. Be loyal. Think of others first and you will make it far!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to say sky-diving but, honestly, I would have to be pushed out of the plane…so probably not this. Realistically, I’d say travel in an RV-24/7 when I retire. It’s sounds cliché but I love camping!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love all music! It’s good for the soul and depends on my mood. If I am hanging at the pool, I like classic rock. If I want to sing, it’s country. If I’m canning vegetables from our garden, it’s blue-grass. I don’t really have a “go-to”.
Q: Name one or two people that made the most impact on your success in insurance? What qualities made them stand out to you?
It’s hard to name a couple. I have met SO many incredible people in this industry that amaze me. My success in insurance is a reflection of their success. It’s a win-win!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Georgia would you ask them to meet?
Miranda Lambert. I would ask her on a friend-level why she doesn’t like selfies at her concert. We would have to meet at my house. The paparazzi would get lost and never be able to find us.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about the insurance industry?
My favorite thing is our IIAG events because the events are both professional and fun!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself still living in my small-town, in my 40s, trying not to pull my hair out with two teenagers.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
From the age of 3-6, I had a lazy eye and wore a pirate patch like a ROCKSTAR. My family couldn’t afford surgery growing up. My mom would take me constantly to the eye-doctor but surgery was always the only option the doctor gave us. One day I woke up and my eye was just normal again! From that point, I wore glasses and wore them until freshman year of high-school. Then my eyes were completely fine! Now I don’t wear anything at all and have great vision.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jamaica. I’m not sure it’s the most beautiful place, but the people are so friendly and their personality makes it beautiful to me.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December – Christmas. My ultimate favorite day and month of the year!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The beach. It never disappoints!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom. She had me at 16, my brother at 17, and raised us to be so hard working. She truly set an example for us. She dropped out of high school but pursued higher education later and ended up graduating from Emory top of her class! She is now a Director of Nursing, kicks ass, and amazes me every day.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the IIAG community?
Family. Fun. Rockstars.