Meet Reagan Rodenburg, an employee benefits advisor at UNICO Group.
Tell us a little about your business. – UNICO Group (www.unicogroup.com) is a client-focused, full-service, independent insurance agency. In my role, I work with employers to develop and manage employee benefit programs that fit the specific needs of their company and employees.
How did you get started in the business? – After working as an in-house claims attorney at Fidelity National Title Group for two years, I wanted to fi nd a way to combine my legal expertise in the insurance field with my desire to work with people in my community. UNICO Group proved to be the perfect intersect.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The increasing cost of healthcare and the current labor shortage. Employers are working harder than ever to attract and retain top talent. I work closely with my clients to make benefits as affordable as possible for their employees and explore customized solutions to round out their employee benefit packages.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Max and I met at the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2016. We got married in September of 2020 and enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Some of our favorite adventures include biking the Katy Trail in Missouri, exploring National Parks in Utah and Arizona, and traveling to Montenegro, Croatia, Mexico, Vietnam, and Hawaii. We plan to explore Turkey in May.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Passing the Nebraska Bar Exam. Ever since I was in elementary school, I wanted to go to law school and be able to call myself an attorney. After completing 19 years of education, spending countless hours studying, and pushing my mind to new limits, passing the bar was the final step in achieving an almost lifelong goal.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Working on home projects and organizing our house sparks immense joy for me, sometimes to the dismay of my husband!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have my black belt in Taekwondo.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – It’s a three-way tie between: “Comparison is the thief of joy”, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”, and “Always have something to look forward to.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loyal.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Construction. I always thought it would be fulfilling to be a contractor or a house flipper because you regularly get to see something transform right in front of your eyes and get to be a part of something from beginning to end.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have been a Big for over eight years and currently sit on the board of directors. Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs. My Little has given me great perspective and a lifelong friendship.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 975-8634; rrodenburg@unicogroup.com; www.unicogroup.com.