The future is bright-interview with young manager, Braden Bosch
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There are many in the insurance industry that say there are not enough talented young people to fill the positions soon to be left vacant by retiring baby boomers.
But someone forgot to mention that to our guest Braden Bosch. Still in his 20s, Braden is the owner of a Subway Sandwich franchise, dabbles in the real estate market, is the current President of the Professional Young Insurance Brokers of Alberta, and is the manager of two Western Financial Group agencies in Drumheller and Hanna, Alberta.
Dana Barr: Braden thanks for joining us. You have done a lot for someone so young. What motivates you?
Braden Bosch: I just like to work. I like the fast pace of our business, and I love the fulfillment that comes with achieving success. As for what motivates me, it’s something I’ve thought about for the seven years I’ve been in the business now, trying to figure that out. I thought it was money. I thought it was something more challenging, but I think I’ve come to realize what motivates me most is being told I can’t do something, or that it’s impossible, or it won’t work. I think within reason, obviously, anything can be achieved with hard work and focus.
Dana Barr: Being in your twenties still, and managing staff who have been around and are older, must present some interesting challenges for you.
Braden Bosch: Yeah, absolutely. Some are great but to this day I still have a tough time with that. A friend and mentor of mine, he told me three years ago, he said, “You won’t gain any respect in the business world until you are at least thirty.” I thought the statement was a little aggressive, but there’s days when I think that’s not too far off. It’s definitely a challenge everyday.
Dana Barr: Now, I heard one of the people you managed was your mother. How was that for you?
Braden Bosch: Strange. It’s still tough today. It makes for some interesting family dinners for sure. It’s tough. It’s definitely tough. Working with family is hard. I work with my brother as well. It’s easier to work with him than it is my mom, but there’s definitely challenges that come with that.
Dana Barr: Speaking of your family Braden, was it your parents that taught you such a strong work ethic?
Braden Bosch: I’ve had a job since I was 12 years old. If I wanted anything, from a new t-shirt, or shoes, or stereo . . . growing up as a kid I just remember I had to go work to make money to buy it on my own. That was the way it was. Nothing was ever given to me. It was always, ‘Be the best at what you’re doing. Don’t just settle for being mediocre.’
I played a lot of sports and it was always, ‘You’ve gotta win!’ Today, if you get second place or third place or fifth place, you still get a prize just for playing. Well, that mentality didn’t exist in my family. It was be the best. I remember leaving the arena one day after a hockey game. I was the game MVP. I got two goals. It was a provincial game when I was in Bantam. And when I got in the vehicle with my dad he started to point out the things I needed to work on for next game to improve. Which is funny today because in business I have my best year every year, and then I sit down at the end of the year and think of everything I can improve on to ensure the coming year is even better than the last. So it all kind of filtered down to be a very successful tool for me today too.
Dana Barr: Braden, you’ve accomplished so much already. Where do you go from here? What’s next for you?
Braden Bosch: Just achieving the goals and continuing to excel and exceed my own expectations. I just like growing. Both individually and my business and just keeping that ball rolling and letting it grow bigger.
This story about young professionals may be of interest as well: Profile of Buntain Insurance
