Meet Lavelle McFarland, insurance agent at Farmers Union Midwest Agency (www.fumainsurance.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – At Farmers Union Midwest Agency, we provide protection for people, their personal belongings, their farms, and their loved ones in Nebraska and Kansas. Our priority is helping you protect your greatest asset. That is, of course, YOU! It is our goal to provide good products with an emphasis on excellent customer service.

How did you get started in the business? – It was never my intention to get into the insurance industry. I have a huge heart for helping people, so my initial thoughts were to help people get back on their feet through the parole and probation service. Even with a criminal justice degree, no one was hiring without years of experience. During my job search, a recruiter contacted me and told me a little about what insurance agents really do. I was hooked.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Addressing misconceptions about what insurance agents do and why we do it. We are changing lives every day!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Helping individuals who have needed me in their worst times. I am also a competing bodybuilder and will have my pro card soon.

Tell us a little about your family. – My family is originally from Monroe, LA. They moved to Nebraska in 1989 to find employment. My parents’ names are Lavelle Sr. and Felecia McFarland. I have two older sisters named Shetocquie and Donneceia and a younger brother named Joshua.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Graduating from Wayne State with my degree in criminal justice with a minor in business. I faced a lot of a obstacles in my six-year plan!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am a huge health and fitness advocate, so you can catch me at the gym, even on workdays.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am a martial arts and gymnastics fan.

Who inspires you? – People who are “killing it” in their profession. They have the drive and determination to succeed without allowing anything to get in their way.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Treat others how you want to be treated, and you get out what you put out.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Relentless.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Chariots4Hope. I love being a part of providing the blessing of a new vehicle to someone in need and witnessing the recipients receiving their car. It never gets old.

What is your favorite movie? – I have seen 98% of Marvel movies in theatres going all the way back to the first Iron Man. The first Black Panther movie is my favorite.

What is your favorite TV show? – Game of Thrones or Vikings. Secretly, I also enjoy reality shows.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Cactus by Venue!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Michael Jordan.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 483-1045, Ext 2 / (402) 640-3913; lmcfarland@fumainsurance.com; www.fumainsurance.com.