In his own words: Farmers insurance broker Mark Jacobs

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of the position.

Mark Jacobs: I am an insurance and financial services agent with Farmers Insurance. I help people plan, protect, and prosper.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Jacobs: A lot of hard work.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Jacobs: It's a great feeling knowing you've helped people. Being honest and always doing what's best for my clients is my agency's goal.

NNBW: Did the recession change the way you do business?

Jacobs: Not really but saving people money is even more in the forefront than usual.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Jacobs: I worked at McDonald's.

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?

Jacobs: I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player. Talent, I'm assuming.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Jacobs: It's a great career, but it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance. If you're interested, come and see me.

NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?

Jacobs: Just the daily humor. We always have fun around the office. It's important to me to have a positive work environment.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Jacobs: Be consistent.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Jacobs: I like to go bowling and play softball. Also, I am a huge Atlanta Braves fan! Away from work, it's all about family time.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Jacobs: I would have finished college and begun my career sooner.

NNBW: What has been your biggest professional accomplishment?

Jacobs: Starting my own business.

NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Jacobs: A professional baseball player. Unfortunately, it stayed "just a dream."

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?

Jacobs: Be me.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Jacobs: No way. I love what I do. Money would definitely make things easier, though.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Jacobs: An Atlanta Braves game in San Francisco the Braves won!

NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?

Jacobs: Hawaii. Consistently nice weather makes everything so relaxing.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?

Jacobs: The majority of my family is here. I grew up as a child in Florida, so one of the things I enjoy in Reno/Sparks is that we actually have four seasons here. And it's a good-sized city; not too big, not too small.

The basics:

Name/title: Mark Jacobs/Broker, Mark Jacobs Farmers Insurance Agency

How long have you been in this job? Three years

Education: Bachelor's of Science degree in logistics, University of Nevada, Reno

What's on your iPod? Everything

Last book read? "Your Company Sucks" by Mark Stevens

Spouse, kids or pets? My wife is Aimee, a first-grade teacher. We have a daughter, Joey; a son, Drew; and two golden retreivers, Ally and Katy.

Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.