Jeff Lightner

Tell us about your family: 

I’ve been married to my wife, Rebecca, since 2004. We have a daughter, Mackenzie, who’s in high school. We also have a seven-pound Maltese/Yorkshire mix who grew up with a large yellow lab, so she believes she’s a big dog in her heart.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and how did you end up in insurance? 

I was sure, as a kid, that I was NBA-bound! I was offered an insurance sales position as a senior in college and never looked back. I’d like to think that’s the only reason I didn’t make it to the NBA.

How do you make appreciation part of your work routine? 

All the success I’m a part of comes from a group effort. I have reminders every week to reflect on great work and take the time to reach out to the people who did it and let them know how much I appreciated it.

What’s the best advice you ever received and who gave it to you?

“We are what we repeatedly do.” I believe this is credited to Aristotle, but I’ve seen it take many forms.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? 

I’m not a big movie guy, so I’m limited here, but maybe Matthew Broderick. His Ferris Bueller role seems to align with me where he has a plan, he’s not the most outspoken or loudest in the room, wants to include others, is driven to see his plan to success and is willing to take risks, all the while having fun along the way.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Interesting and timely question…I’ve been telling my daughter that I need one. I’m working towards Fireball by Pitbull. I’ve got a long way to go.

What do you love most about MMA Midwest’s workplace culture? 

There’s a drive to add value to clients, support each other, and be the best, but not at the cost of health and well-being.