By Jess Wellar 

 

Specializing in Medicare and individual health plans for the self-employed, Young Insurance Agency stands out with its license to operate in 15 states. With nine years of experience in the business and 1,000 personal clients in her database, owner Carie Young has built a thriving insurance agency in Mishawaka, Indiana, establishing herself as a trusted local resource for clients seeking reliable coverage with her hallmark personalized service. 

 

“I’ve really grown into my own as a Medicare specialist in our area,” Carie smiles. “It’s become a true calling and I absolutely love what I do every single day. I don’t ever get tired of talking about insurance!” 

 

After working in various roles within her family's ambulance manufacturing business and later venturing into the coffee shop business and lighting sales, Carie found her true calling in insurance. 

 

"Given my entrepreneurial background, I have a whole level of respect for individuals that create their own careers," Carie shares. "I respect REALTORSⓇ for doing that  too, depending on themselves for a paycheck."

 

In her eighth year of working in lighting sales for an employer that did not provide health insurance, Carie decided to meet with a local insurance agent that was recommended by her mother and stepfather. Impressed by the agent’s approach and vision, she joined his team in 2014, part of a large national company specializing in health and supplemental insurance. In 2020, undaunted by the challenges of the pandemic, Carie ventured out to establish her own agency, Young Insurance Agency, and the rest is history.

 

“I just make sure people who have whatever plan they have understand it and know how to use it,” she remarks. “It sounds simple, but I see so many agents who don’t explain Medicare in general and how it works.”

 

Carie notes her transition from eight years of lighting sales into insurance sales was a natural fit, leveraging her experience and passion for serving others. Her diverse background as an entrepreneur also equipped her with a deep understanding of the needs of her clients.

 

What truly sets Carie apart from the larger insurers though is her almost-unheard level of personalized attention. As her own receptionist and admin, Carie ensures that every client receives individual service and prompt assistance.

 

“I always call my clients back and I am easily accessible,” she affirms. “You get me when you call or text me. I offer a very personal touch which you don’t see a lot anymore.” 

 

With a strong emphasis on education and communication, Carie strives to demystify the complexities of insurance for her clients. Whether it's conducting informative seminars or providing one-on-one consultations, she goes above and beyond to empower her clients to make informed decisions.

 

Carie finds fulfillment in the relationships she builds and the helpful advice she has to offer individuals, even if they’re not her personal clients. She is frequently invited by local employers’ HR departments, such as Synergy Insurance, to speak to large groups and loves any chance to answer questions to allay employee anxieties about their future coverage options. 

 

“I am thorough and get it right the first time on the plan I will recommend for them,” she asserts. “I look at everything — their doctors, medications, how this plan will financially impact them if they have a surgery, hospitalization. Education is key so they know and understand what options they have.”

 

Outside of work, Carie enjoys spending time with her family, including her adult son, Quinn, and her two beloved companions, Max the Aussiedoodle and Lola, a French bulldog. A self-described ‘history geek’ and avid travel enthusiast, Carie finds inspiration in exploring new places. 

 

“This fall I’ll be going to Chile and Argentina,” she offers. “I try to pick a different country every year and spend a few weeks there to recharge and get to know the food, art, museums, and culture.

 

“I also love to garden and spend a lot of time outside as well — walking, kayaking, trail hiking and socializing on a boat are a few of my favorite outdoor activities,” she adds. “Longevity is very important to me, especially given the perspective from my work.”

 

As she looks ahead, Carie remains optimistic about the future of her business and the countless opportunities that await to help others better understand their coverage options in an ever-evolving industry.

 

“You really have to love learning and testing and certifying to stay in my type of insurance,” Carie concludes. “I know we have big changes coming because of healthcare changing in general. I look forward to the changes and being here to guide my clients through the confusion maze of health insurance as it evolves. 

 

"Ultimately, my goal is to educate clients and provide professional consulting now and in the future," she adds. "I am truly blessed and I know that and reflect on it every single day."