I am very pleased with the path I have chosen

Carl Thompson, area vice president at Risk Placement Services (RPS), has managed to carve out a successful insurance career even while balancing a busy home life.

“I stay busy with two kids playing soccer and we travel most months for games or tournaments out of town,” Thompson told Insurance Business America. “I love what I do because it allows me to have a wonderful work-life balance. I’m married to an amazing, supportive wife who is always a great sounding board for marketing and business strategies. I currently lead a team of four and continue to look for ways to break down barriers and reach for the stars.”

Thompson’s success in the industry landed him a spot on IBA’s 2023 Rising Stars list, which honors top insurance professionals aged 35 and under.

Thompson studied actuarial science at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He began his insurance career in 2011 as a customer service representative at Quirk & Company, and rapidly rose to lead the company’s manufacturing and construction team.

After stops at US Risk and Scottish American, Thompson joined RPS, where he now serves as area vice president.

“My career has definitely followed a path of opportunities,” Thompson said. “I believe everything happens for a reason, and certain situations fell through to allow others to come to fruition. It’s all about timing and who you know. I was never looking for a job when I switched companies – but when you meet someone who understands who you are and what you need to do well, you listen. I am very pleased with the path I have chosen and eager to see where it takes me.”

Thompson said that in his professional life, he prioritizes building relationships. And after more than a decade in the industry, he’s still passionate about his job.

“I love what I do and my performance reflects that,” he told IBA. “I am not here to punch in and punch out – I am truly invested in these relationships and building upon them. If I lose an account, I am not upset because I use it as a learning opportunity to ask questions. Where did it go? What was the reason? Was there something I missed and couldn’t solve? Finding a way to grow from failures is how you proceed.”

IBA compiled the rising stars list through nominations from insurance professionals across the country. Nominees had to be 35 or under as of Oct. 1 and be committed to a career in insurance. Only nominees who had not previously been recognized as a RIsing Star were considered. The final list was determined by an independent panel of industry leaders.

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