Paul Bush
Agency Vice President
State Farm Insurance
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Had no clue, so I just fell into teaching and coaching. It was what I knew at the time. Age 22,23.
Became bored with the repetitive nature of the class room and the low expectations of teachers.
Exposed to the financial opportunities in sales and it stirred my competitive nature and creativity.
Began from zero and created a successful Insurance agency in Huntington Beach Ca.
Was guided and encouraged by several mentors to consider sales leadership at a local level.
Spent 18 years creating and building a nationally recognized top performing sales team.
Became head of all sales teams in So. Calif.
Eventually became the senior agency executive for State Farm Ins. in the state of Calif.
Education
High School
Bachelor
Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University
Graduate
Education, General
Humboldt State University
Education, General
Humboldt State University
Career
Agency Vice President
Manage and lead Sales and marketing teams.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Entrepreneurship
Business
Accomplishing Goals
Day to Day
Each step requires different skills and attributes. At the core is the desire to help others reach their potential and achieve their goals. Being willing to place the success of others as a center point is critical. Also strategic thinking and planning, evaluating situations and seeing opportunities. Communicating and involving the thoughts and dreams of others with the goals and placement of energy is extremely important.
Skills & Qualities Beyond School
Put yourself in settings that require self direction and fulfilling short and longer term goals.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Willingness to risk failure. This is a career in which many do not have the drive and passion and goal orientation to succeed through the early years. It takes a tremendous amount of energy and discipline in the beginning to build something from zero to something sustainable.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Any business related major
Any business related major
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"'You should, be an engineer or scientist.' Had the intellect and aptitude but it was not interesting to me at all. Found myself at odds with family expectation and history. Grandfather and father were both engineers. It was the family way."
Stayed true to my own internal voice. Knew that science and engineering were not my interests. Even though I didn't know yet what would be my path. Became a coach and teacher because that was what spoke to me at that time. You often times don't know where the story will end you just know what's moving you now. Trust the moment, listen to your own intuition.
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Financial
Had a very unstable family and jobs moved often. Attended more than one school each year. 3 high schools. Always worked from age 12 or so to have any money. Worked throughout college.