Meet Devin Snell: Client Advisor

Devin joined Acrisure in November 2021. In this spotlight, we invited him to share insight on his career journey between different industries.

Want to learn more about Client Advisor career opportunities? Read on to explore this important function at Acrisure.

Tell us about your previous role. What initially drew you to the agriculture industry, and what did you enjoy most about working there?

Story time! One of my grandfathers was a farmer from the 1940s through the 1990s. He had a big family and a lot of mouths to feed. So, for extra income, he sold farm equipment when he wasn’t farming. I guess that’s where I get both sides of the business from, experience on the farm and with equipment. I’ve always been drawn to agriculture. The cliché term would be “it’s in my blood.”

When I was in my late teens and early 20s, I had worked at several places. A powersports dealer, a tool store, a pipe fitter—none of which I had a desire to be at, but I needed a job because college just wasn’t my thing. I was looking for a career. I had a friend doing an internship for the local agricultural equipment dealer, and he told me they had a spot open. I interviewed and took the job immediately. I was 23. Over the next 7 years, I played 4 different roles within the company.

My favorite part of the job was interacting with the customers. The salt of the earth, heartbeat of the delta, most genuine people you could ever meet - the farmers. I learned many lessons and gained knowledge from them, several of whom I still interact with today. 

At what point did you start considering a career change, and what motivated that decision?

I wasn’t actively looking for something different, but it appeared that fate had a different plan for me.

I happened to meet an Acrisure employee, struck up a conversation, and formed a friendship. 6 or so months later (November 2021), he recommended a job as a producer for farm accounts. I thought it could be less stressful and potentially more rewarding financially.

I took a leap of faith and applied for and ended up accepting the position—now I have a career in agricultural insurance thanks to him. He saw something in me, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity. 

What skills or experiences from the agricultural equipment industry have proven surprisingly valuable in your current role?

Industry knowledge and connections are the most useful tools. It has put me in conversations and situations that I could never have dreamed of being a part of.

Were there any challenges you faced in making the transition, and how did you overcome them? How did you prepare yourself to enter a completely different industry like insurance?

I had some initial requirements to complete after accepting an offer with Acrisure, including needing to be licensed in P&C.

So, I got to work on getting licensed. I chose to do an online DIY course, studied, and passed my test in a week.

The next preparation was research. I read what felt like hundreds of articles, case files, and reviews about farm insurance and tried to understand the pitfalls of the industry. I didn’t want to make rookie mistakes.

Can you describe your role as a Client Advisor at Acrisure? What does a typical day look like for you now compared to your previous career?

My role consists of a lot of things. Every client advisor wears many hats. My “job” is to empower growers with sustainable, secure, and valuable risk solutions.

What aspects of your job at Acrisure energize you the most?

Connecting with intelligent, really cool people, and protecting the things they’ve given their heart and soul to build. 

What’s one project or client success story that you’re especially proud of?

Almost all of them are a success story, ha! And here’s why—I’m from NE Arkansas and did not come into this role with any formal education in risk management, but my clients and colleagues trust me to do the right thing for them. That is what I’m most proud of. 

It doesn’t have much to do with my education—It has everything to do with my character. This industry relies on your word being worth something.

What skills have you developed since joining Acrisure that you didn’t expect to learn?

I didn’t expect to be anything other than a “producer” or insurance salesman. The advisor growth system has transformed me and the way I conduct business with my clients on a daily basis. 

I learned how to listen intelligently and move strategically—a skill I didn’t have prior to going through that program.

What advice would you give to someone who is curious about a career move?

Neither of these really have much to do with changing careers, but they are little nuggets of wisdom passed on to me, and they haven’t let me down yet.

1. Trust that there is a bigger plan for you. It may not be the one you have in your mind, and it may be totally unexpected, but have faith that you’ll be where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there.
2. Always strive to be smarter, faster, and better—this makes you a tool that every employer wants in their toolbox. Complacency compromises achievement.

About Acrisure

Acrisure is a global fintech company on the rise that puts the world’s top products and services into the hands of ambitious businesses and individuals. Join our team to make your next chapter the best one yet. Learn more and explore our open roles.