Tyler Sutton is the President and Owner of a State Farm Insurance Agency, where he has been a dedicated agent since January 1, 2020. Over the past five years, Tyler has built a reputation as one of Ohio’s top-performing State Farm agents, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chairman’s Circle, an honor reserved for the top 5% of State Farm agents nationwide. His agency is on track to exceed $100,000 in life insurance premiums this year, a testament to his expertise and the trust his clients place in him. Tyler’s approach to insurance is rooted in building lifelong relationships and providing comprehensive protection, ensuring his clients feel supported during life’s most challenging moments.
Beyond his professional achievements, Tyler is deeply committed to his community. From distributing $1,000 in free gas during the pandemic to organizing food drives and participating in local events, Tyler’s agency is a cornerstone of the community. A graduate of Liberty University with a Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling: Executive Leadership, Tyler is also a devoted husband, father of four, and an active member of his church, where he has led the music department alongside his wife for over six years. His dedication to service, both professionally and personally, defines his legacy.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early with a focus on preparation. I begin with a morning routine that includes exercise, prayer, and reviewing my goals for the day. At the office, I prioritize client interactions, whether it’s answering questions, reviewing policies, or helping someone navigate a claim. Productivity comes from staying organized and delegating tasks to my team, allowing me to focus on building relationships and solving problems.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in collaboration and execution. When I have an idea, I share it with my team to get their input and refine it. Once we have a clear plan, we act quickly. For example, during the pandemic, the idea to give away free gas came from a brainstorming session about how we could support the community. We executed it within days, and the impact was immediate.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing use of technology in the insurance industry excites me. Tools like digital claims processing and AI-driven customer service are making it easier to provide fast, efficient support to clients. However, I believe the human touch will always be irreplaceable, and I’m excited about blending technology with personal service.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Consistency. I stick to a daily routine that includes time for planning, reflection, and focused work. This habit ensures I’m always moving forward on my goals and staying aligned with my priorities.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and trust the process. I spent too much time early in my career worrying about failure. Looking back, every challenge taught me something valuable and helped me grow.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that insurance agents should be seen as trusted advisors, not salespeople. Many people view insurance as a commodity, but I see it as a relationship-driven business where trust and guidance make all the difference.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Invest in relationships. Whether it’s with clients, team members, or family, strong relationships are the foundation of success in every area of life.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and take a moment to reset. Whether it’s a quick walk, a prayer, or playing the piano, these activities help me clear my mind and refocus on what matters most.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Focusing on life insurance has been a game-changer for my agency. It’s a challenging product to sell, but it’s also one of the most impactful. By educating clients on its importance and making it a priority, we’ve built trust and significantly grown our business.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of delegation. I tried to do everything myself, which led to burnout and missed opportunities. I learned to trust my team and empower them to take ownership of tasks, which has made all the difference.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that simplifies insurance education. It could provide short, engaging videos explaining different types of coverage and why they matter, helping people make informed decisions.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Salesforce to manage client relationships and track progress. It helps me stay organized, follow up on leads, and ensure no client falls through the cracks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I highly recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones, which has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed The Chosen. It’s a beautifully made series that brings the stories of the Bible to life in a relatable and inspiring way.
Key learnings
- Consistency and strong routines are the foundation of productivity and success.
- Building relationships is more impactful than focusing solely on transactions.
- Blending technology with personal service creates a competitive advantage.
- Delegation and trust in your team are essential for sustainable growth.
- Investing in life insurance education can transform an agency’s impact and profitability.