Steven Messamer
- Agency Owner
- Farmers Insurance
School Information
School: Colorado State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2016-2020
Career Information
Working For: Farmers Insurance
Title: Agency Owner
Industry: Insurance
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
I am the owner operator of the Steven Messamer Agency of Farmers Insurance. Our office provides Insurance and Financial services for businesses and Individuals across Colorado. Our office has 7 staff, with plans to grow to 13 by Q4 of 2025. I supply opportunities to our sales team through several marketing and advertising campaigns, and perform sales trainings not only for my team, but for the southern Colorado region and other states.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Creating opportunities for my staff to make life changing money.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting gave me an opportunity to discover what I am capable of, and I will always appreciate the almost 4 years I spent with the company.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
Immediately after graduation I had absolutely no problem getting a job. I never had an interview that didn’t conclude with an offer. At first I pursued sales roles in various industries, but ultimately I wanted to find something I could take ownership of and get back to the business owner mindset I had with College Works Painting. When I interviewed to join Farmers’ agency owner program I was the youngest this region had considered. Although I had experience in many things, the primary focus of our interview was my experience with College Works Painting, and how it directly translates to what I wanted to accomplish again. I am constantly practicing the skills I learned during my Internship. I fully believe I am in the situation I am today because of College Works Painting.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
“Jason W, When I painted your house the summer of 2016 you taught me a lesson that I hold to this day. We spilled paint on your roof and as the supervisor of the project, it was my responsibility to inform you. I remember walking up to your front door terrified, because I never expected to give you an update such as this. After I finished explaining the spill, and had presented you with the solution you told me, “”People make mistakes, and there will always be problems, it’s how you show ownership over the mistake, and resolve the problem that show your true Character. Thank you!”” I never in my wildest dreams imagined you would have thanked me for that news. I want you to know that I have always stayed true to your words. Just like everyone, I make mistakes from time to time, but I never hide from them, and will always find the solution. Thank you, sir.”
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
You will hear the word “no” far more than you hear the word “yes” in this world. Don’t dwell on the rejections/failures, focus on the wins!
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
During the Pandemic, I was working for a company as an In-person sales consultant. As you can imagine sales slowed way down, and I knew I had to make a decision to find an industry more resilient to that situation. I ended up reaching out a friend of mine I had met on the Cancun trip with College Works Painting to ask about how he got into his remote job. He was able to set up an interview and within days I had my solution. College Works Painting alumni are amazing allies!
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
Take control, and paint your own picture of the Future.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
This internship is tough. It will test your resilience every weekend, and all summer. When you come out the other side, you will know what you are made of, and so will employers at graduation time. This Works! Go get yours!
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
I get it, I really do. When I was an intern I was a German Language major! No matter the industry you work in, you will need practice communicating professionally, leading a team toward a common goal, financial planning (even if just for personal budget purposes), time management, etc. It also never hurts to have a strong line on your Resume like “Proven success in business ownership.” You can’t go wrong with #1 internship for career development.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Insurance may not be the most exciting industry (trust me – I know), but we are constantly put in a situations where we can change our clients’ lives for the better. We are the one’s people turn to when it comes time to file a claim. There is no greater feeling than handing a client’s loved one a several hundred thousand dollar life Insurance pay-out, and knowing we may be the only good news they have had for a long time. This industry can be challenging, but the reward is well worth it.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
It was easily our trip to Cancun! We stayed in a luxurious hotel, ate amazing food, and lived the work hard, play harder lifestyle!
Last words of wisdom?
Success is built on consistency, adaptability, and a passion for learning. College is a time to not only gain knowledge but to develop the resilience and skills that will serve you in the face of challenges. Stay curious, embrace every opportunity to grow, and remember that your journey is unique. Every setback is a lesson, and every step forward brings you closer to your goals. Trust yourself, trust the process, and know that your hard work will shape the future you’re striving for.