10 for the Next 10: Bryant Young

Agency Principal, Insurors of the Ozarks

Bryant Young stepped into ownership of Insurors of the Ozarks in April, a big move for both his career and his personal life. The agency was started by his father and grandfather 44 years ago, and now Young carries the next generation of leadership forward. He reflects on the unusual gift of building a career alongside his father. "I get to spend every single day, five days a week, with my dad," he says. "That's rarefied air."

Young prioritizes clarity and honesty in an industry he believes is often misunderstood. "How much time you got?" he says with a chuckle when asked about misconceptions. He says insurance is less about price and more about having guidance and protection when it actually matters. "We're having a conversation with somebody—whether it's a nice conversation or a negative conversation—we're leading with honesty, clarity and consistency," he says.

Through his involvement with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, The Network and boards like the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and Visit Springfield, Young works to bring young professionals into bigger community conversations and decisions. "His representation has not only afforded the next generation an invite into the decision rooms, they're getting seats at the table," says Dave Schaumburg, director of aviation at the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Young's focus is carrying the agency forward without losing what made it work in the first place. He approaches ownership as a team responsibility, with perspective that leadership means working alongside others. "If I'm going to be involved, I'm not just going to be a name on the roster," he says. "We're all pulling together."

What's your go-to coffee order? The largest black coffee I can find.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Lego Master Builder was chief among them. A marine biologist for a second. And then, for the longest time, I thought I was going to be an attorney.

Favorite local spot? Hickory Hills Country Club.

Favorite way to reset after a long day? Time with my daughter.

What's one word you want people to associate with your work? Enthusiasm.

Where is your hometown? Springfield, Missouri.

What's your favorite book recommendation? I've been rediscovering my inner dork recently, reading some Brandon Sanderson Mistborn.