Arkansas young pro begins second term
as Big “I” National Emerging Leaders Chair
By Christopher W. Cook
In the insurance industry, certain dedicated
young professionals stand out among their peers and
are members of an elite squad of individuals.
These are their stories. “Dun dun.”
Who remembers when the clothing brand The Gap had their campaign slogan “Fall into The Gap”? One time when I was in my low 20s, I was “hanging out” at one of the local malls where I was living at the time (as we did back in the day; remember the movie Mallrats?), and I intentionally “fell” into The Gap by pretending to trip over the store’s threshold, crashing to the floor. There were several sets of eyes on me—employees and shoppers alike. I simply got up, stated their slogan as what I had done, brushed myself off and quickly left. This writer did a lot of stupid things during his low 20s.
The phrase “fall into” is uttered by a number of insurance industry young professionals, as many found their way to this industry in that fashion, most having completely different career path goals envisioned. Take Cash McMillen, executive vice president of operations with The Cashion Company Insurance and Bonding in Little Rock, Arkansas, for example.
“I was going to the University of Central Arkansas for health and behavioral science to pursue a career in physical therapy,” McMillen says. “I was offered an opportunity in contracting related to natural gas production, which I did for several years before the market crashed in Arkansas.
“I was able to get a job with a national insurance carrier on the ground floor, where I learned how to read ACORD applications, rate policies, process endorsements, and other tasks. I could tell quickly there was opportunity in the insurance industry, so I wanted to learn everything I could about it.
“[Designations are] a great way to learn coverages,
how the products work in the real world, and how to
counsel customers on managing risk in a practical way.”
—Cash McMillen
Executive Vice President, Operations
The Cashion Company Insurance and Bonding
“When I was hired, I asked for every opportunity for professional development that was available,” he continues. “This began with on-the-job training. I then began Kaplan’s professional development insurance online classes on coverages and rating for each commercial line of business, and basic underwriting courses.
“As my career progressed, I moved into an underwriting assistant position, then moved companies as an underwriter for a regional carrier. I was then given the opportunity to become an underwriting manager for a national carrier, overseeing the Arkansas branch. In 2019, I decided to join The Cashion Company as a producer for property and casualty insurance and surety bonding.”
Today, in his current role, McMillen also handles agency operations, carrier relationships, and training for the agency.
While seeking professional development opportunities, McMillen discovered the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, earning their Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designations.
“I think both of the programs are so valuable for any insurance professional,” McMillen says. “It is a great way to learn coverages, how the products work in the real world, and how to counsel customers on managing risk in a practical way. I would encourage anyone to pursue designations and learn as much as possible about the coverages you underwrite or sell.”
Involvement
Another discovery McMillen made early in his career was The Big “I,” where he has become very involved with Big “I” Arkansas (IIAAR), as well as the national chapter. “I have served on the Arkansas Big ‘I’ Emerging Leaders committee and as the Chair of the committee,” he says.
“I’m now serving as the Technical Affairs committee chair for Big ‘I’ Arkansas. As the Chair of the Emerging Leaders, I was given the opportunity to attend Big ‘I’ national’s events for Legislative Conference in the spring of each year, as well as the Fall Leadership Conference and the Young Agents Leadership Institute.
“I met some awesome agents from across the country and was eventually asked to join the national Young Agents Committee. Most recently,” he adds, “I’ve been fortunate enough to be asked to Chair the Big ‘I’ national Young Agents Committee and am about to start my second term. I am so thankful for the Big ‘I’ for the opportunities to meet incredible people across the nation, develop more leadership skills, become involved with the legislative process, and build strong relationships with industry partners.
“I would encourage everyone to get involved as much as they can,” McMillen says.
On top of his duties with The Big “I,” McMillen is also involved with several trade organizations related to the agency’s customer base. “We are actively involved in Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, National Association of Women in Construction, as well as several other associations devoted to advocacy, training, development, and volunteering,” he says.
“These associations help with building strong relationships in the industries we serve as an agency, as well as many opportunities to give back, which are so valuable to us.”
“It sounds typical, but
relationships with the companies
you represent and the industries
you serve are the most important thing
you can focus on.”
—Cash McMillen
Accolades, advice, and more
Whether it’s friends, co-workers, supervisors, or individuals through the Big “I,” McMillen is thankful for everyone—too many to list—who has mentored him along his career path. “Since I didn’t go through a formal college insurance degree program, most of what I’ve learned has been taught to me by mentors,” he says.
“At each point in my career, there was at least one mentor who gave me advice and helped me navigate how to grow. The most important advice a mentor gave me was to always tell the truth and be yourself, and the rest will take care of itself. It has been so valuable to me as I continue to grow.”
McMillen credits “the people I’ve met and get to work with every day, from those at our agency, to underwriters and company representatives, to the customers who trust me to serve them,” as the main highlight of his career so far.
Other highlights include: being a host and guest on the Agency Nation Radio podcast, a guest on the Insurance Town podcast, being named PIA Arkansas’ Underwriter of the Year, winning the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Arkansas’ Young Professional of the Year, and receiving the Big “I” Arkansas Cecil Cleavenger Emerging Leader award.
“Another highlight is attending the Big ‘I’ Legislative conference in Washington, D.C., every year,” McMillen adds. “I love being able to visit our Senators and House members who represent us, as well as being with so many young agents from around the country with the same goals and ambitions.”
For a young or new insurance professional starting out their career, McMillen advises to “surround yourself with good people and grow your network the right way. It sounds typical, but relationships with the companies you represent and the industries you serve are the most important thing you can focus on,” he says.
When he isn’t doing “insurance stuff,” McMillen stays active with wis wife, Kinsey, their four children ages 14, 10, four and two, and their silver Labrador named Rylie. “We stay busy with school activities, sports, fishing, hunting, occasional golf, and enjoy our travel time as well. We live on a family farm and always have several projects we are working on. We also enjoy cooking barbecue and doing some local catering for events on occasion,” he concludes.
