Agent bikes across Kansas and learns life lessons along the way
“I was just so impressed with how nice and helpful people were. It reinforces your belief in people. Even if you’re doing something by yourself, chances are you’ll still need help to accomplish your goal.”
American Family Insurance agent Pat Kelly recently travelled roughly 470 miles across the state of Kansas alone on a bike. No, not a Harley. A road bike — with pedals. During the trip Pat learned important life lessons, including when to ask for help.
Armed with nothing but his bike, some repair tools, a small first aid kit, energy bars, a change of clothes and his cell phone, American Family Insurance agent Pat Kelly of Lenexa, Kansas fulfilled his dream of biking across the state of Kansas.
Pat – who started his journey at the west Kansas state line and ended in Kansas City – made the 470 mile trek in seven days, riding 70-80 miles per day.
“I ride my bike around Kansas City a lot and really enjoy it. One day I just thought, ‘you know, it’d be really cool to ride across the entire state,’” says Pat. “I’ve always wanted to do this solo. I’ve had buddies offer to do it with me, but I wanted to challenge myself.”
Controlling how we react
While Pat did indeed make the trek alone, he received help along the way – which he found to be one of the most rewarding parts of his trip.
Pat sees reflection of his bike trip in how he runs his agency. “As an agent, there will always be things that are out of our control. There will be changes that are made as a business owner that we often don’t have a say in. We can’t change those things, but we do control how we react,” says Pat.
“It’s up to us to figure it out and ask for help when needed. There are great people at American Family. We just have to remember that it’s OK to ask for help – whether it’s to fill up your water bottle or improve your marketing strategy.”
See Pat’s facebook page for more pictures from the trip
Getting help to accomplish the goal
On day four, the back derailleur shattered and broke off Pat’s bike and he became stranded miles from the nearest town. A young man in a pickup truck eventually came by and gave Pat a lift into town. “It was pretty neat to meet him and have him help me out. He was a really nice guy,” says Pat. Pat had a new derailleur shipped to his hotel and attached it the next morning.
Another day, Pat planned to eat at a convenience store in Brewster, Kansas. Upon arrival and completely out of water, he discovered that the store – along with everything else in the little town – was closed. Eventually a woman drove by and asked Pat if he needed help. After explaining his situation, she had him follow her to her house where she gave him three bottles of water and some food.
While at another convenience store, the cashier gave Pat an extra bag of cookies to go along with his energy bars so he wouldn’t get too hungry. One of the hotels opened their continental breakfast an hour early so he could eat before heading out at 5 a.m.
“I was just so impressed with how nice and helpful people were. It reinforces your belief in people. Even if you’re doing something by yourself, chances are you’ll still need help to accomplish your goal.”
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About American Family Insurance
Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam. Google+ plus.google.com/+amfam/.