Chris Smith’s late father, Marcellin Smith, hired him as an insurance agent in his firm, Cleaveland Insurance, Ltd., in Rock Island, Illinois in 1986. Subsequently, his father sold the firm and he moved on to Nebraska, where he took a position with a large brokerage firm in Omaha in 1995. Looking for the family atmosphere he once enjoyed with his father’s firm, he joined Union Agency in Lincoln, NE. in 2007. Chris provides risk management and insurance products and services to businesses of all sizes and is a licensed property casualty insurance consultant and broker.
The agency’s mission is to utilize the talents, abilities and technical expertise of their team to identify unique needs of clients and prospects; tailoring a plan to meet those needs, protecting assets and earning power through a total cost of risk approach and providing excellent customer and risk management services. This unique approach ensures that Union Agency is always exceeding their clients’ expectations.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Linda and I have been married for 28 years in March. We have a son Chris Jr., 27, and two daughters, Ashley 22 and Lindsey 20. We have three grandchildren; Hunter, Marcus and Lilia with another granddaughter expected in June of this year.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Overcoming my father’s death in 1992. He was my
Mentor, as well as, a very successful insurance broker in his own right and I missed him very much.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Marrying my lovely wife Linda.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending time with my spouse and occasionally hunting and fishing.
What are you the most proud of?
My family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“The legacy you will leave on this earth is not measured by the talent and time put into work, but the gifts you leave with your family and loved ones. Those gifts are measured in intangible fashions, cherished and remembered for years after by friends, family and on occasion mere strangers.”
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I guess the one goal I would like to accomplish is to take my wife backstage to meet Tom Petty. She is his #1 silent fan.
How would your friends describe you?
Focused, driven, great sense of humor, committed and fun-loving.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
My wife tells me that I am a great dancer!
Which talent would you most like to have?
It would be nice to carry a note, but I must leave the singing to those who can!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Speed of Trust
What is your favorite movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life and Antwone Fisher
What is your favorite TV show?
So you Think You Can Dance?
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Venue
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Abraham Lincoln
What is the best way to contact you?
Visit us online at http://www.unionagency.com/