One of our engagement pictures on the lake in St. Joe, MI
Four hours and eighteen minutes. A long time to sit in a car and be nervous about the exciting summer that lies ahead of my fiancé, Jacob, and I.
A day well spent on Indian Lake
My name is Taylor Poling, I’m a senior Risk Management & Insurance Major from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana… don’t let my “big city school” fool you, I’m a small town kind of girl who grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, loved spending time with her grandparents in Addison, Michigan on the dairy farm, vacationing up to the UP (Mackinac Island specifically and Traverse City in the LP), and spending time outdoors in the woods as much as possible.
Building relationships in the community is extremely important to me, I spent 8 years in the Elkhart County 4-H program showing llamas down in Indiana. This summer, I decided to get away from Indianapolis and return to parts of Michigan that hosted my most fond memories.
Ready for Day 1
In April of 2015, I attended a conference called NetVU in Indianapolis where I went to a panel discussion led by none other than Ashley Whitney from Harbor/Brenn. It was all about how to become a part of a family owned and operated agency when you weren’t actually a member of the family. Ashley will say it was also about how to work effectively with family in a business! :) When she said she was from Petoskey, Michigan, I instantly understood why she was able to host a discussion on family. This community is so welcoming and there are so many opportunities to meet the locals… especially when I hope to become a local!
So, as I wrap up week number 1 in Petoskey, I have some thoughts I’d really like to share:
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Amazed by the lake
Petoskey has stolen my heart… and understandably so! I wake up each morning to a shimmering Lake Michigan and get to stare off into the sunset each evening.
- I cannot leave. I haven’t quite put my finger on it yet, but there is just something about life here that I want to be a part of.
- The community involvement here at Harbor/Brenn is unmatched by anywhere I have ever worked!! From the Chamber of Commerce to Ashley’s involvement with the YMCA, it’s a beautiful thing for a business to want to see the community they are a part of thrive.
- And finally… I am so thankful for Harbor/Brenn’s willingness to give me an opportunity to spend my summer in such a wonderful place! I feel like Petoskey, Michigan is my own Disney World!
Relaxing by the lake
If you’re looking to meet an up-and-coming Commercial Lines producer, stop by Harbor/Brenn and ask for Taylor… I really want to meet “the locals”!
Taylor E. Poling
Agent Intern
Email: taylor@harborbrenn.com
