Kayla Darling, Transportation Underwriter
What brought you to MJ Kelly?
I was referred by a friend that was working for MJK at the time. I was looking for a career change and took a chance on insurance and fell in love with the industry. It was a great decision for me and my family as I am now in my 3rd year at MJ Kelly.
What do you like most about your work?
I really enjoy the people I work with, honestly feels like family. We feed off of each other, share ideas and know we’ve got each others back, that is what makes us a great team. I also like helping our agents find solutions for their insureds and the fact that every submission is different and presents challenges that keeps me on my toes for my agents.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
As an underwriter we have the authority to bind an account based on our review of the information provided, so when a complete submission is shared I can turn a quote around within hours, if not minutes. The challenge is getting all the underwriting information up front so I don’t have to go back and ask for more to determine IF I can help the client and how to rate it.
How do you keep up with news and trends regarding your industry? What are your go to resources?
I receive weekly (sometimes daily) updates from the Insurance Journal, I also look on Linked, our markets also provide updated coverage and trend information that I keep handy for reference as well.
How do you predict your industry will be different in two years, and how do you see yourself (or the company) shaping that change?
I see positive growth and recovery from a long hard year of the pandemic. I am excited about my own growth opportunities with MJK and have a personal goal of being the top new business transportation underwriter in Texas. Hoping to continue finding and working with new markets that offer my agents new options at competitive rates.
Who has been your biggest influence, and how have they affected you?
My mom! She has shown me no matter what comes our way we must be strong and caring to others. I hope my own daughters see that in me and are encouraged to do the same.
What books and blogs are you currently reading?
I currently read children’s books with my girls. As a busy working mom of 2, my current reading time is spent with my girls and they each have a favorite book, Frozen Adventures and Blippi Transportation.
What project are you the most proud of? Where do you feel you made the greatest impact and why?
Being a mom of two precious daughters, I feel pride every day, with every new phase of life and the joy they have brought to me and my husband. My hope is I am helping to mold confident, caring and impactful girls that know they can do or be anything they want.
Tell us something that we don’t already know about you? What are some of your outside interests/hobbies?
Even though we live in TEXAS in Cowboy Land, in my family we cheer for the STEELERS on Sundays in the fall!