Jason Starkman
State Farm Agency
Irvine, CA USA
"Before taking on a huge financial commitment (going to college, opening a business, etc.), go work in the industry you are interested in first. Figure out if you enjoy what you’re doing, who you are doing it with, and who you are doing it for, before jumping fully into it."
Career Roadmap
Jason's work combines: Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accomplishing Goals
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Sociology, General
University of California, Irvine
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Owner:
Bachelor's Degree: Sociology, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Everyone in my family are small business owners, so I grew up intrigued by the entrepreneurial spirit and have always wanted the level of professional freedom it provides.
2.
Attended the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology.
3.
While in college, I had been active in events on campus, which led to me initially pursuing a career in events management or hospitality.
4.
After graduation, I began working for a student travel company organizing snowboarding trips for high schools and colleges.
5.
I went to work for Marriott Hotels in corporate event sales for about a year.
6.
Began running my own company hosting nightlife and private events in Southern California, Mexico, and Las Vegas.
7.
In 2011, a friend from UCI recruited me to open my own State Farm Agency in Los Angeles.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You have a college degree, why are you working in bars and nightclubs?
How I responded:
When I was working in events, the fact that I was in my late 20's and spent a lot of time in bars and nightclubs for my job was hard for some people to understand. Even though I was happy with that job, it became sort of embarrassing and I didn't know how to explain why I did what I did. I ultimately learned to ignore this and, as long as I enjoyed what I was doing, that's all that matters.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Trying to open up my insurance business was really challenging. I went through a rigorous interview process and I knew practically nothing about insurance. I got denied my first time, but I had to learn as much as I could and keep trying.