June 19, 2018

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Rachel Gackle, an employee health and benefits consultant at Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company. She joined the firm in January.

Name: Rachel Gackle

Age: 31

Hometown: Canton

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was born in Sioux Falls and, at 3 years old, my family moved to Canton. My father, Eric, owned a newspaper called The Sioux Valley News and now works in banking. My mother, Mona, is an RN by trade and has worked for Sanford Health for 30-plus years.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

After college, I took a sales position with a medical device company requiring relocation to New Haven, Conn. During that time, my job took me to South Carolina, Louisiana and Arizona. While that was great, I quickly realized that South Dakota, and the Midwest in general, is such a wonderful place. Moving away for a few years solidified that there’s truly “no place like home.” I love the people, I love the South Dakota lifestyle, and I love that it’s a safe place to raise my family.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

No two days are alike — the health insurance industry is continuously evolving, and it is one that has experienced a lot of regulatory and compliance changes over the last few years. Every day is interesting, and I’m guaranteed to learn something new.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I’ve been in a consulting/sales role for over 10 years now. Building relationships is something that I enjoy and is very natural to me. In my previous role as a medical representative, I wanted more professional sales opportunities without having to relocate my family to the East Coast. The employee health and benefits department at Howalt+McDowell has fit that “need” for me. They encourage employees to push themselves professionally and drive their own career path.

Describe working at Howalt+McDowell in three words.

Engaging. Adventurous. Philanthropic.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Trader Joe’s!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

An all-star working mom who is killing it at work and at home — I want it all! On a more serious note, in five years I see myself as a valued team member of Howalt+McDowell who is recognized by my peers and clients as an industry expert, trusted partner and out-of-the-box thinker.