June 15, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Damon Baruth, regional leader at Primerica.

Name: Damon Baruth

Age: 27

Hometown: Mitchell

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My parents initially had the idea to make the move in 2006 as they saw growth in Sioux Falls happening and thought it would be great not only for their business but also for us kids. I am here to tell you that this was not an easy decision initially. I was just finishing fifth grade and thought it was going to be impossible to find new friends. My parents assured us things would work out for the better, and ultimately it was something none of us have ever regretted.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Family. I know it sounds cliche, but I spent some college years out of state in Kansas and Nebraska, and I was able to learn a lot in my time there, but nothing compares to having family close. My wife, Brooke, is from the Brandon area, so both of our parents are here in the area, along with many of our close friends. Sioux Falls offers so much but still feels like a small community with familiar faces.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The best part about my job is that every day presents a new challenge. I very rarely see a day with repetition. No person has the same financial picture, so no person gets a cookie-cutter approach. I have developed plans to get rid of student loan or credit card debt, I have helped people dip their toes into investing, I can help explain the ins and out of insurances, and I’ve helped people preserve wealth in retirement. I have seen most financial pictures, so it always excites me to see how we can achieve financial freedom for each individual or family!

I also have the best office partner as I get the luxury of bringing my puppy to the office with me every day. Sometimes I think clients stop by to see my goldendoodle instead of me!

How did you get connected to your industry?

My father started in the industry almost 25 years ago, so it has always been something I have been around, and then my mother stepped into the office to help run the day-by-day operations. Initially, I thought I wanted to try something different out of college, but the idea of building my own book of business and becoming my own boss was very appealing and brought me back to the financial service industry. So many people are searching for financial help; they just don’t know where or who to turn to. Now that I have been in the industry, I love the reward of being able to help families, friends and businesses in the area of finances.

Describe Primerica in three words.

Family. Friendships. Freedom.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

In my freshman year of college, I spent many days in the hospital with two hip surgeries and appendicitis. This led me to the idea of starting the Sioux Falls Flying Squirrels amateur baseball team as I wanted to continue playing baseball but also needed to stay in Sioux Falls for therapy. With the help of many friends, we have been able to keep the team going and are starting season No. 9 this year.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My wife is a special education teacher, and her mother works in special education as well, so my wife and I enjoy spending time helping out at events such as Special Olympics or Miracle League. I enjoy helping the athletes compete in various skills events but more importantly how much joy comes across their face playing basketball and baseball.

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

Raising Cane’s.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself continuing to develop roots here in Sioux Falls for the long term as I hope to strengthen the current relationships that I have while also building many more. I have made the commitment to my clients that I want to be here to help for their entire career and into retirement. With the help of videoconferencing, I have been able to develop clients across the nation, and I hope my career leads me to a situation where I can spend time visiting those clients in person as well as the many I have in the area.