09/30/2026
Agents have several ways that they can be contracted, especially when a broker.
Most of the time, insurance companies require agents to sign through an agency. It's their FMO (Field Marketing Organization). More than just signing contracts, the agency can offer support to the agent, resources, etc. Owen Insurance Group is my FMO. I'm so grateful for the support and growth they've provided since May 2023.
Within an agency, there's usually an upline. For OIG, it's a field manager. They have a group of agents that they basically take under their wing. They are the direct person for questions and guidance. I like to refer to them as mentors. Tom Bouvier is the reason I signed my contracts with OIG. I've truly learned so much for him, and grateful is an understatement.
Even with an agency and upline for support, I'm still an independent broker. In that sense, I am responsible for my book of business - maintaining and helping it grow. I run my own business, so I wanted my own business name. That created Surefire Medical Protection.
If I partner in events, advertising, etc with OIG or Bouvier Health, then of course you'll see their logo/name. I'm in an office with an office number because of them, and it reflects on several of my own materials.
When I do my own advertising, networking, etc. I use Surefire Medical Protection, because I am building my own brand.
