PIA National’s 2023 Young Insurance Professional (YIP)

of the Year winner, Shannon S. Springer, vice president

and chief financial officer of Springer Insurance, located

in Midlothian, Virginia.

A TRUE PROFESSIONAL

Virginia young pro leaves mortgage industry to join

family agency, and wins PIA national award

By Christopher W. Cook

Photography by Nick Judy

“Shannon has a lot of energy and always projects a positive energy. She is always willing to help and contribute. She’s a true professional and represents her agency and the PIA in the most positive light.”

These were some of the closing words in the nomination letter written by Kevin P. Kowar, association executive of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Virginia and D.C., recommending Shannon S. Springer for the 2023 PIA National Young Insurance Professional of the Year award. A year after winning the PIA Virginia/D.C. Agent of the Year award, Springer, vice president and chief financial officer of Springer Insurance in Midlothian, Virginia, took home the national prize.

Ironically, like many in this industry, insurance wasn’t even Springer’s first choice for a career path.

“When I graduated high school, I took my first job in the mortgage industry as a receptionist with a company called Greentree, which was purchased by Conseco [now CNO Financial Group],” Springer says. “Ironically, the person who hired me is now in the insurance industry and we still keep in touch. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for the long haul, but little did I know, the mortgage industry would be my career path.”

“The connections and

relationships through PIA will last

a lifetime. Also, as a ‘newer agent,’

the knowledge and wisdom I have gained from

my peers has been invaluable.”

Following that job, Springer would spend about 10 years with SunTrust Mortgage [now Truist] in various roles—with compliance being her final one—before leaving for a position at TowneBank Mortgage.

“I was essential in running their compliance department through many of the economic changes after 2008,” she says. “In the middle of growing my career, I decided to put myself through college and earned my bachelor’s degree in business from Averett University in Danville, Virginia. I also hold the Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) title.”

In 2018, Springer left the mortgage industry when an opportunity came up … in insurance.

“My mother-in-law, Reta Springer, started an agency 30-plus years ago in Houston, Texas,” Springer says. “Nick Springer, my husband, had been working with her since 2000 and took over the agency as president in 2018, when Reta decided to retire after a successful career.”

“After working in and becoming an executive in mortgage banking, I decided to change careers. It just made sense to join my husband in the family business and grow it to the next level. I left the mortgage industry in 2018 and never looked back.”

The family’s Nationwide agency became independent after the firm made a transition from the captive arena in 2020. Still learning all that she could about the insurance industry, Springer wanted to become involved in all things insurance.

“When I came on board at Springer Insurance, getting us involved was extremely important,” she says. “About a year later we were deciding between the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia (IIAV) and the PIA; for a bit, we did both.

“I often get asked why the PIA over the IIAV and I simply answer—family. The PIA is dedicated to the success of their agency force through education, training, assistance with carriers, legislation, etc. They absolutely make your success a priority and make you feel like family.”

Springer currently sits as a member of the PIA Virginia/D.C. board as well as a committee member for Legislative and Philanthropy.

“The connections and relationships through PIA will last a lifetime,” Springer says. “Also, as a ‘newer agent,’ the knowledge and wisdom I have gained from my peers has been invaluable.”

Since joining the industry, Springer has earned her Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) and Certified Authority on Workers Compensation (CAWC) designations. “Having as much expertise and education as possible in my field has always been important,” she says.

In her nominee form, Springer writes: “Education is at the front of everything we do. We require each associate to always be working toward a designation. In addition, we require our staff to have double the continuing education each year as required by law. We believe in keeping sharp with industry trends and knowledge. It’s part of our culture.”

Springer’s participation with industry organizations extends beyond the PIA; she attends events and educational courses through The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research and The International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) and participates in Chamber of Commerce events in each market the agency serves. The Springer Agency currently operates three offices in central Virginia and a location in College Station, Texas.

Not only does Springer actively participate in business organizations, but she’s also active in the community. “Volunteering and philanthropy efforts are a guiding principle for our agency and my family; we always do our best to give back to the communities we serve,” she says. “I volunteer with Special Olympics every year (my children do as well); various cancer foundations; and 2 End the Stigma, a substance abuse and education foundation that is headed by a dear friend of mine, Jill Cichowicz, whose twin brother died of an accidental overdose. Our agency supports many other organizations through charitable giving.”

Throughout her career, Springer has been grateful for all the support given to her. “My parents taught me to work hard for the things you want in life as it is not given,” she says. “I have had many bosses and co-workers along the way who have taught me what to do and many who have taught me what not to do. As well, my mother-in-law, who started our agency, really gave us the fundamentals on how to be successful.”

As busy as Springer is at the office—aside from her executive roles, she also runs the agency’s agribusiness division focusing on farms and commercial agribusiness like wineries and breweries—she is just as busy at home. “I have a 3-year-old Sheepadoodle named Sadie Grace, and two children, Cruize (12) and Caris (9), who are involved in everything under the sun,” she says. “The older they get, I pretty much promise that I won’t miss their events. My son plays football (quarterback) for school as well as basketball (point guard), golf and summer swim. My daughter plays field hockey, cheers, takes piano, and swims. Needless to say, they keep us busy.

“In addition, I coach middle school girls’ basketball for our school, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Academy, and have coached my daughter’s cheer squad. If you do find us on a break from activities, we are lounging by the pool or in Smithfield, Virginia, on our boat.”

With so much accomplished in the short period since joining the insurance field five years ago, Springer can now add “national award winner” to the list—a well-deserved achievement for a “true professional” in the industry.

“I am absolutely honored to receive the PIA YIP award. I feel blessed to be able to represent the PIA of Virginia and D.C. as well as our industry. I hope that I can continue to be a leader in our industry and spread the insurance teachings I’ve learned,” she concludes.