This week’s Up-and-Comer is Teagan Molden, an account executive at Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company.

Name: Teagan Molden

Age: 23

Hometown: Clara City, Minn.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I moved here in 2012 to attend the University of Sioux Falls, where I played basketball. After graduating with a degree in business administration and economics in the spring of 2016, I began working in the employee benefits department at Howalt+McDowell Insurance.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

After living here for five years, I’ve developed some amazing relationships and a love for the community. I come from a small town, so Sioux Falls still gives me that small-town feel but with a ton of opportunities. It feels like home now.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The people I work and interact with every day are the best part of my job. I get to meet and build relationships with such remarkable people – from clients and co-workers to carrier partners and others in the community. I’m very grateful for the connections I’ve made during this first year and half of my career.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Everyone in our industry always jokes, “No one ever plans on going into insurance; you sort of just fall into it.” My story isn’t much different. I interned at the agency during the summer before my senior year of college. At that time, I was still trying to decide what direction I wanted to go after graduation. I learned from and shadowed some very talented people at Howalt+McDowell that summer, which sparked my interest in the insurance world. The office also has a great culture of employee empowerment, philanthropy and fun. Those positives led me to pursue a full-time position after I graduated.

Describe working at Howalt+McDowell in three words.

Passionate, challenging, entertaining.

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

I’d like to see a Topgolf come to Sioux Falls. I’m not very good, but I try to do some golfing in my spare time in the summer, and I think it would be a new and unique attraction here. I heard talk of one possibly coming to town, so I’m hoping it’s true!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

That’s a tough question for a 23-year-old! I definitely see myself in this industry long term, and I do love living in Sioux Falls. The first five years here have treated me well, so crossing my fingers for the next five!