Jacob Slaton

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Will Biernat
Vice President, Cadence Insurance
Age: 23 | Hometown: Little Rock | Alma Mater: University of Central Arkansas

Will Biernat's first job was as a lifeguard when he was 16. Surprisingly, his first job taught him the impact of taxes on a paycheck and how to know what is being taken out. This helped him learn how to budget effectively. 

“I started to get interested in [insurance] once I was able to discuss it with the director of the insurance program at the University of Central Arkansas,” Will said. “She was able to tell me more about the degree and what the industry was like. She noted how it is a people business where you help people protect things they have worked hard to have. I was sold on the career after attending an insurance conference.”

Will has a knack for taking on challenges. He enjoys problem-solving, investigating and analyzing. These skills he’s interested in and developing were an obvious push to insurance, as every skill listed is needed in a variety of ways to make clients happy. According to Will, other skills needed to succeed in insurance: adaptability, multitasking, inquisitiveness and curiosity.  

“Being in insurance does not automatically translate to being an agent and only working in sales,” Will said. “Sales is a small sliver of the insurance pie. There are so many different opportunities available within the industry. I have also heard insurance is a scam. Insurance is not a scam. It is needed because a person’s worst day can ruin everything they worked hard for, and insurance coverage helps restore it to the best of its ability.”

Let's Talk Money

Who is your go-to social media account/influencer for good financial advice?
“I enjoy seeing Caleb Hammer’s posts usually because he shows bad practices people use, and I try to avoid those practices.”

What is the worst money mistake you ever made?
“When I was younger, I wasn’t making any big purchases with the money I had so it was just sitting in my checking account not earning any return.”

What is your top tip for students starting to bank/make money?
“Do not leave all your money in your checking account where it does not earn you passive income. Look to invest it into low risk, with high returns that are easily accessible if you need it to pay for college or a rainy day.”