I’ve been in this fantastic industry since 2010 and my favorite part has always been supporting agents in the field. I grew up in Athens, Ga so I’m a huge fan of my hometown’s food and music scene and I’m a life long UGA fan. Go Dawgs!
My family and I reside in Roswell now where we’re mostly busy running around our two little kids and juggling life at full speed right now. It’s all a blast though!
About Dustin Collier
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I spent almost 10 years on the corporate carrier side supporting captive agents. I recently switched teams and now focus solely on the independent channel. Regardless of your contract, my favorite thing is working directly with agents, they’re what makes this industry fun!
How long have you worked in the insurance industry
I first got licensed in 2010
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met working in insurance?
The guy who created Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust ended up being an agent in the Southeast and I worked with him when he launched. He causally mentioned it and I halted the whole class to hear the story.
Q: How has your engagement with the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG) impacted your career?
It’s helped me to better connect to the other institutions/organizations that support agents in ways different than I do. Regardless of the differences we have a common goal and learning more about each other makes us better at helping the agents.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia or New Zealand. I love animals and wildlife, it doesn’t get much crazier than what you’d find over there.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Anything from the Motown era.
Q: Name one or two people that made the most impact on your success in insurance? What qualities made them stand out to you?
Cat Gervasio was a manager of mine that really changed how I thought about building teams and leading them. She helped me to understand the power of building relationships with those around you and unifying for a common goal.
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?
I’d say Stephen King. We could meet in Savannah over lunch, talk about our favorite scary books and then go on a ghost tour.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about the insurance industry?
The commercial lines world. Working with small business owners is so gratifying. I also love teaching about these products because it servers as another way an agent can help their community one small business owner to another.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Compared to other legacy carriers in the market, Openly is still in it’s infancy. I plan to continue being a part of this organization but over that time we’ll have likely grow our product offering and state footprint. As long as I’m in close proximity to the agents, I’ll be happy!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love chess, playing is so relaxing and I find not very common with people my age. I often enter online tournaments or work out puzzles and read books about it. It’s fascinating to me.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
St. Lucia on my honeymoon
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April for sure. It’s my birthday month, The Masters, NFL draft, G-Day game and Opening Day for Baseball. It’s the best!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A huge plate of Mexican food on a Friday night. Lots of spicy salsa and chips.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My two boys
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the IIAG community?
Innovation, Support, Competition
