902. A Day in the Life: What's It Really Like to Be an Insurance Sales Agent

Mickey Batsell

“My father gave me a gift that I treasure. He had the ability to take a complicated subject or intricate process and explain it to people in terms that they could understand. To this day I have that talent. I can take a very complex issue and break it down into words that the average person can understand without digging into the weeds, without getting too technical. And then they understand it. Then they know the importance of taking some action to fix the problem they didn’t even realize they had. That gives me tremendous satisfaction in the work I do every day.”

Mickey Batsell is an experienced industry professional, specializing in long-term care, retirement planning and surrounding issues. With over 40 years of professional, and personal family experiences, Mickey has an in-depth understanding of the challenges his clients face. As a protector of people’s independence and dignity, he currently represents industry-leading, financially sound companies and assists families, groups, and associations throughout the United States. He is a retired USAFR Lt. Colonel, served in the USAF Special Operations on active duty and as a Deputy Commander of Resources in the USAFR. Mickey and Nancy have four children, eleven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. If he isn’t with family, you can find him in his garden in the spring.

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

“After completing my MBA in marketing and statistics in 1968, I joined the U.S. Air Force where I served for five and a half years—a very gratifying experience on every level. In 1974 I was stationed at Bergstrom air force base here in Austin, Texas. We had three children at the time and I’d been here for nine months when I got word that I had been selected for a special assignment to go to Japan. I said I don’t want to go. I’ve got kids here and we’re doing fine. So I left the military and was recruited by several companies. I decided to go join Aetna Life and Casualty and have been thriving in the industry since that time. I continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for over 29 years, another fulfilling journey.”

The Most Powerful Lessons and Experiences?

1. “My dad was the epitome of determination and commitment. He always told me that whatever occupation I picked, I should enjoy it and do it to the very best of my abilities.”

2. “I was majoring in chemical engineering at Texas A&M, and my sophomore year I got an internship at a firm in Houston in this field. I quickly realized that I didn’t like the engineering aspect of the job at all, but immediately enjoyed engaging with the customers—how to figure out what they needed and how we could serve those needs.”

3. “One of my most influential mentors was General Leroy J. Manor. When he was promoted to general I was working in his command and he asked me to join him as his aide. He taught me how to evaluate and make decisions, the factors that directly impact leadership and so much more. He remains a friend today at the age of 99.”

4. “Life insurance is where I began my career in this industry. I was really successful in a niche market, which was talking to small businesses about putting in a group health insurance program. That was the door opener for me.”

5. “The opportunities for people today in financial services is tremendous because the number one problem that we have as an industry is succession planning. There are all kinds of practices out there from those that focus on long term care to those that focus on retirement planning or on health insurance. I mean, there are so many pockets that people can fit into.”