Madison Travis
Crop Insurance Servicing Agent
Hometown: Jonesboro AR
Briefly describe your role:
A: I am responsible for servicing the insurance products that our clients elect through a variety of insurance companies. With the help of our Insurance Managers, our team together will help them understand the difference in products available through federal crop insurance and choose the product that will best enhance our clients’ risk management strategies.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Yes and no. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the Agriculture industry, but I was unsure what area that would lead me to. Crop insurance was not on that spectrum, but I am glad I made my way to it.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: Women in Agriculture often see the two extremes, in my opinion. Either you have employers, customers, coworkers that see the value women bring to the agriculture world or you will see the harsh, complete opposite. The greatest challenge is breaking the stigma that agriculture is only for a particular gender, age group, lifestyle, etc. when in reality it’s for everyone. Which allows us, as women, to have a wonderful opportunity within the Agriculture industry. Now is the time to work harder than ever, be the voice, show everyone what making a difference in agriculture is all about.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: I could list off an entire list of individuals, but I will start from the very beginning. My parents have worked diligently their entire life, for everything they have. Having a strong work ethic was something they taught me over the course of my life. They helped develop the grit and determination that I have now. Had it not been for that, I can look back and see multiple instances that I could have given up. Being a first generation college student, with most in my family not graduating from high school, there were challenges. It never failed though, God always placed someone in my path to mentor and challenge me to take that next step.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Don’t be afraid of hard work. Sounds simple, but is so complex. The highest paid or most respected person didn’t start at the top, where they are now. Every step you take is a stepping stone to get you on the right path. Embrace the stepping stone you are on now, see what you can learn, make the most of it.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: In my own terms, I don’t know that success has been reached. I am striving constantly to make the world a better place. That means striving each day to be a better wife, daughter, friend, and employee. I do not want to be stagnant in my professional career or in my personal life, I feel that is the key. Keep learning from those around you, ask the questions. Be diligently working toward something!
