Aug. 17, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Lexis Willert, owner-agent of Lexis Willert & Associates LLC, through American Family Insurance.

Name: Lexis Willert

Age: 28

Hometown: West Fargo, N.D.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I worked as a sales specialist for an American Family Insurance agency in the Fargo-Moorhead area, where I developed my passion for the industry. However, I didn’t see any advancement opportunities, so I began a mission to start my very own agency. I put several applications in with various competitors only to find a common denominator: liquid capital. I needed to save a substantial amount to even be considered. With my hopes down, I looked within AMFAM’s network for a glimpse of hope, and I found it! In 2017, I moved to Sioux Falls to work under a long-tenured AMFAM agent who was looking to retire. With no promises and little to my name, I made the jump. After living on a strict budget, a few years of business planning and the professional support around me, my dream came true! In November of 2020, during a pandemic, I took over the agency.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I fell in love with Sioux Falls immediately. There is always an abundance of family-focused events, much different than Fargo’s bar scene. I was also amazed to see so many dog-friendly events and stores; Sioux Falls loves their pets! While my parents wish for grandchildren, I’m bringing my fur companion to all these events. It’s the people and the supportive organizations that drive the positive vibe and economic growth. Agency ownership sealed the deal. Sioux Falls is my forever home.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Building relationships with clients and customizing their policies to support their dreams.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I spent a few years selling cars in Fargo, North Dakota. The industry gave me a backbone and drive to make my own path. However, I did not like the tactics and dishonesty of management. In desperate need for a change, I put my resume on Indeed. It was then that the Fargo-Moorhead AMFAM agent reached out with an open position. The rest is history.

Describe American Family Insurance in three words.

Innovative. Community. Impactful.

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

School wasn’t my forte. I am a college dropout. Even so, dreams are possible!

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

For every policy we sell, our agency sets aside $1 for a nonprofit. We are taking turns picking the nonprofit. Last year was the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. This year is the East River Foster Parent Network. We are currently at $400-plus and counting!

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

I wouldn’t say we are lacking on the business side. What we need is more affordable, easily obtainable mental health and rehab facilities.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to add a customer-service rep to support my office manager and an additional sales specialist. Somewhere in the mix, I’d like to fulfill the “American dream” with a family, maybe a second dog.