Randy Ems

My mom knew me well. Over 40 years ago she suggested I go into to the insurance business. I am still at it today!

It was 1979 and I was studying for my insurance license while a Senior at Augustana College in Rock Island. Unfortunately, the exam was the day of one of my favorite track meets at Luther College in Dubuque, Iowa. The year before I had placed second in the javelin and desperately wanted to win the upcoming meet in which I was the favorite. Long story short, I listened to my mom, and took the test...and passed.

Having passed I had a job before I even graduated from college. I started my career with Mass Mutual in Davenport, Iowa as a life insurance agent. I really enjoyed my career qualifying for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table in 1983. Feeling it was important to be a professional and continue learning I studied for the Chartered Life Underwriter Designation(CLU) and received the designation October 1984. I was one of the youngest in the nation at that time because you had to be in the insurance at least five years to be eligible.

The Quad Cities are a wonderful place but the 1980's proved to be a devastating time in this industrial, agricultural area. Unemployment was around 25 percent, and the prime interest was close to 17 percent. Several friends and family members convinced me I should move to Texas where the opportunity was unlimited for a hardworking, goal-oriented person like me. So, I did. My wife Amy and I were blessed with a son in Dallas, but our timing was horrible. The savings and loan crisis hit full force and virtually all businesses and most people struggled mightily. I am still at it today with State Farm and love my job and feel uniquely qualified helping people manage the risk of everyday life and then some!