Each year, Applied Client Network (ACN) acknowledges and thanks the many contributions our members make through honors like the Committee Volunteer of the Year award and the Chapter Volunteer of the Year award. Connections sat down with 2021 Committee Volunteer of the Year award winner Collin Passman, of The Signature B&B Companies, to learn more about his history in insurance and his reaction to winning this honor after such a crazy year. 

Connections: Tell us a bit about your career. How did you get started in the insurance industry?

Collin Passman (CP): I have been in the insurance industry for the past 31 years. My wife’s family owned an insurance agency, and when we got married they asked if I wanted to join the business. When my wife was pregnant with our first child, I decided that it was time to leave the retail industry and get settled in a more “9 to 5” job so that I could see my child grow up. I took them up on the offer and the rest is “Insurance History”.

Connections: How long have you been a member of ACN? What was your motivation to join?

CP: I have been a member of the ACN for 10 years. When my agency adopted Applied Epic as our new agency management system, I looked into whether or not there was a local users’ group so that I could attend meetings to learn about Epic. There wasn’t one. I pitched the idea of forming a users’ group for just Epic users and it was welcomed by ACN. My then co-founder, Gail Dunne, and I formed the Tri-State Epic Users Group and that was the start of my long history with ACN.

Connections: In your opinion, what is the most beneficial part of being involved with the organization as a volunteer?

CP: It all revolves around users helping users, and having the ability to offer and get support from people in the industry who are using the same agency management system. I have always been one to volunteer because I truly have a passion for helping others when they need it the most. It’s very rewarding to hear that your assistance made someone else’s life easier.  

Connections: With the world, and industry, changing rapidly, do you have any advice for folks considering becoming more involved with the organization?

CP: The risk versus reward is nominal. Don’t be afraid to volunteer and never undersell your experience and how it can help others.

Learn more about ACN Awards and other past winners here. If you’d like to get involved and volunteer, discover more about the process here.