This week we’re learning more about Mark Quinn at AGA Benefit Solutions
What inspired you to enter the industry?
One of my first full-time positions was with Mutual Life of Canada and I was hired in their Agency Group Marketing department. We had great leadership and I really enjoyed working with and providing sales support to the Group Reps from coast to coast.
Who is your mentor?
I feel very fortunate to call Dave Chilton a good friend for over thirty years now. I have learned so many things from him both professionally and personally. He has definitely earned my mentor tag. When we first met, had I listened more closely to the “pay yourself first” advice a little more closely, I would be sitting on about $2.2 million right now – oh well.
What are some things that people don’t know about you?
Most know that I love to golf but I have had the good fortune to have had three hole-in-one (s) over the years. Two of which were decent shots and one, actually earned $10,000 in a Rotary tournament. My fellow playing partners were good friends and they reminded me that any winnings were to be divided. So the Charity received a donation and one of my friends used his share to “top up” his engagement ring value – that move secured the “Yes” and I was out with them the other day – celebrating their 16th year of marriage this year.
What are the biggest lessons that you have learned in the business?
Thanks to many great minds in our industry, there will always be great products and top-notch customer service is a must but a great relationship still wins the day. I had the opportunity to work for a B.A. partner (RWAM) for ten years before coming to AGA, and saw firsthand how great relationships foster business success.
Do you have insights about the industry that you would like to share?
Communication skills have never been more important. Our industry could have been the poster child for David Foot’s “Boom Bust & Echo”. Now more than ever, in any given meeting, we have key decision-makers covering off all three working class demographics. The pandemic has accelerated that pending demographic shift with more long time industry boomers deciding on an earlier retirement. Definitely a great opportunity to be nurturing and building new relationships for all of us in the industry.
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