Jan. 9, 2024

Daks McClettie was working in an Allstate call center when agency owner Bob White invited him to join him. A mentoring relationship was born, as White taught the younger man the tools – and the soft skills – of the trade. Later, Howard Johnson Jr. played the same role at a State Farm agency.

McClettie has gone on to own his own agency. Tuesday’s session was a narrative about taking best advantage of learning opportunities, about learning new skills, about cultivating the growth of a business, about how small business success is often built on trusting relationships with customers. Viewers will also find some gems of information about how insurance works, and how to make the most of the protections insurance can offer. But the session was only a primer, not an encyclopedic exploration of the benefits and perils of purchasing insurance.

Tuesday’s session was held under the uncertain skies of a major storm system that swept through the Charlotte area later. Material about the session was posted later than usual because of routines disrupted by the storm.

The session was the first in what may become a series of sessions exploring the theme, “Passing the Torch” – the value of mentorship, who has made it a part of their life to help members of the next generation prepare for leadership in business and other fields, the stories of young people who have benefitted from, or are still looking for, the advice and support of leaders in their field. Suggestions of who should be invited to present to the Forum as part of this series should contact Laura McClettie by e-mail.