Star City Six – Kayla Northup
Compensation Programs, Inc. (ComPro) is a health insurance brokerage firm that specializes in offering products to employer groups and individuals to best cover their health insurance needs. Kayla Northup is a senior account manager at ComPro.
Tell us a little about your business.
ComPro serves small employers, Medicare beneficiaries, and the individual market. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and travel insurance. We take a personal approach with our clients. This means finding health insurance solutions that satisfy their unique priorities.
How did you get started in the business?
My parents own the company so I grew up working there during middle school, high school, and college. After graduating, I looked for a “real” job but found that I loved the company culture at ComPro and saw a need for more help. I approached my parents about working there full time. They were initially hesitant, having worked in other family businesses and seeing the stress it can cause to relationships. I had to create a presentation on why they should hire me. It must have worked because I’ve been there over 16 years now.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
We had to totally re-think our business after the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare was implemented. All the rules changed and many brokers left the business or chose to focus solely on large employers. This created an opportunity for us to really focus on the small employer market. It requires a lot of continual training, but I love helping employers design and implement benefit plans. Lincoln has a great community of business owners that place a high priority on taking good care of their employees.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to Brian for 16 years. We have two kids, Breck (12) and Jaida (8). Brian also works at ComPro and we enjoy working together. We are also blessed to have a lot of extended family in town.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Sit on my deck and read a good book in the sun, which happens about once or twice a year! Most weekends are spent taking our kids to their different games, practices, and activities. I love watching them do what they love.
Who inspires you?
I am blessed to have many women in my life who are very successful both professionally and personally. They inspire me to keep striving to bring my best to each day at work, with my family, and for myself.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’d love to be able to sing well. Music speaks to my soul, and I enjoy singing along to songs, but I don’t think others appreciate it so much!
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I enjoy preparing and serving meals at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach and helping raise money during their Huskers Helping the Homeless campaign. They have a great mission, and I appreciate the opportunity to involve my kids.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Finish by Jon Acuff.
What is your favorite movie?
I love Christmas movies! Elf, The Santa Clause, Polar Express, The Christmas Story—there’s too many to name, but I love all of them!
What is your favorite TV show?
The Office. My son has become a fanatic, and he tells me about funny scenes or quotes daily.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 488-5100; knorthup@comproins.com; comproins.com.