Frank Houston
How long have you been in the industry? I celebrated my 10th year in the industry this past June.
What is your current position and employer? I am a Sales Manager at GEICO with responsibility for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
How long did it take you to obtain your CPCU? 22 months from start to finish. I had a challenge from my supervisor at the time to earn the designation before he did! I am competitive by nature and I am proud to have stepped up to their challenge!
What do you like most about your job? Recently transitioning back over to sales has been a blessing! I love teaching the art of selling and seeing people being able to execute. In my role, I spend a lot of time coaching my leadership team. My passion is developing others and I get to do that almost every minute of my workday!
Why or how did you start in the insurance industry? I was a rising Senior and looking for an internship during the great recession. A friend told me GEICO was hiring, so I figured why not! Based on the stability of the industry and the growth opportunity within the company, I wound up not applying anywhere else after graduating.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of getting the designation? Make a plan and stick with it! You know how you learn the best, so build a plan that way and have the discipline to stick to it. Being hyper focused on the task and not taking too much time will ensure that you get to celebrate a lot of small wins relatively quickly!
What book did you read last? Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
What is your favorite restaurant? The Answer in Richmond- amazing food!
What college/university did you attend? Undergraduate: SUNY Stony Brook, Graduate: Olivet College
Tell us something about yourself outside of your insurance career. Cooking is one of my favorite activities- whether it’s my mother’s marina sauce or smoking a brisket on the grill, I love to get out and make a meal that everyone enjoys!