In this edition of “Conversations with…” we sat down with Kendra Michitsch in our Commercial and Professional Liability Departments, to learn more about her career and her life outside of work.

What is one thing people would not know about you by just meeting you or looking at your resume?

I’ve been selling on eBay since I was 18. It’s a great way to gain experience in dealing with all kinds of people, managing a small business, providing attentive and courteous customer service (even if I’m biting my tongue often), talking with interesting people, and a fun way to make some extra money. I have 600+ positive reviews and have not received a negative review…yet.

Can you pinpoint a time in your professional life where you knew your career would be in insurance and with Cavignac?

I graduated from SDSU in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. When I graduated, COVID was still ongoing, and I was having a hard time finding a job. My Dad, who has been in the insurance business for nearly 40 years, suggested I try finding a job in insurance. Six months after I graduated, I got an entry level position with another broker. After about a year at my first insurance job, I felt that it wasn’t the right fit for me, but I was also “comfortable” doing what I was doing, so I wasn’t putting an effort into finding another job. Ironically, I received a message from Blake Cavignac on LinkedIn saying that he would like to talk to me about a job at Cavignac. He had also mentioned so many great things about the company. At first, it seemed too good to be true, so I asked my Dad, “Is this a scam?”. He responded, “No, that’s a real company and I’ve heard great things about them”. After speaking with Blake, I knew Cavignac was the perfect fit for me. At first, I wasn’t sure if I had enough experience for the role and I felt nervous about starting over at a new company, but I am so glad I did. During the last two years at Cavignac, I have learned and grown so much. My understanding of insurance has grown, I’ve earned my CISR designation, and last month I pushed myself to do a Cavignac Educate & Learn presentation on Celiac Disease to build on my public speaking skills.

If you could pick any job in the world, money is not an object, what would it be?

I would pursue a career in animal rescue. My dream is to purchase a large piece of land so I could rescue any and every kind of animal in need, foster, and adopt them out (and probably foster fail a couple of them…). I am vegan and have been an animal lover and advocate my entire life. I got my love for animals from my Mom. Every animal that I’ve had has been a rescue or foster fail, and I would love to save as many animals as possible.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

My boyfriend and I are both introverts who enjoy spending time at home. We love cooking gluten free and vegan food together, trying new recipes, playing video games, and watching tv shows and movies. We also enjoy trying new restaurants together, going to thrift stores, going on hikes, and traveling. I also enjoy spending time with my parents and grandparents. I’m often at my parent’s house to spend time with all my sweet animals.

Who has been a role model for you in your life and career and why?

My parents have been my role models for both my personal life and my career. They are both extremely hard workers who don’t give up. At different points in my life, there have been a few times when I felt like giving up on a sport, a class, or a job. My parents gave me some tough love and strongly advised against me giving up and suggested I push through it. Whenever I look back on those challenging experiences, I’m grateful I didn’t give up. It wasn’t fun at the time, but it only made me grow stronger. My parents have instilled in me a strong sense of empathy, kindness, and compassion for all humans and animals. They have also taught me how to use my voice and be politely assertive when needed. There are many times where I’m overly critical and don’t have confidence in myself, yet my parents are always there to empower me and remind me of my worth. I’m so grateful for my Mom and Dad, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.