Behind every independent agent is a journey: why they started, who they serve, and the vision that keeps them moving forward. But no road to success is without obstacles. At Kemper Auto, we understand the grit it takes to stay competitive, grow a portfolio, and serve the community—and we’re here to help.
That’s why we’re shining a light on the people behind the business in our new Agent Spotlight Series. Each story uncovers how our agents got their start in insurance, the hurdles they faced, and how Kemper Auto helped them steer toward success.
This spotlight features Geoffrey and Sandy Riley of IQ Insurance Group, who shared how they took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship—and never looked back.
Riley wasn’t always in insurance. In fact, he started out as a South Beach banker. His path shifted after meeting his wife—then working for an independent agent—at an insurance class in Miami. Together, they dreamed of building something of their own.
That dream turned into long days and even longer nights. Riley recalled, “I would drop her off at six in the morning at a hotel near her full-time job. She’d work on our agency in the lobby until her job started at nine. I’d drive an hour to the bank, then an hour back—sometimes two in traffic—to pick her up that evening. We did this for a year, balancing our jobs while writing a business plan, collecting paperwork, and prospecting for clients.”
Their vision was clear: create lasting financial stability while gaining freedom, independence, and flexibility. “We wanted our success to come from our own hard work—not someone else’s,” Riley explained.
Like many entrepreneurs, the Rileys encountered steep hurdles early on. “One of the biggest challenges was simply keeping the business afloat financially. At times, we had to use our own credit cards to pay employees,” Riley admitted. “But quitting wasn’t an option. We knew risk and reward go hand in hand—if we made it through, the reward would be worth it.”
Balancing their full-time jobs while building a customer base added to the grind. They often worked 12- to 16-hour days just to retain clients and grow. But perseverance paid off. As IQ Insurance grew, new doors opened—including opportunities to partner with carriers like Kemper Auto.
Riley credits Kemper Auto with providing the tools and support needed to help his agency scale. “Kemper Auto has state-of-the-art systems designed with agents in mind. The commercial quoting tool in the portal is intuitive and responsive to customer needs—especially in claims, where it matters most. Plus, the commission structure is very competitive.”
Beyond the technology, Riley found value in Kemper Auto’s agent resources: “From training and social media support to videos, blogs, and personalized guidance, the resources are endless. Our relationship with Kemper Auto has been tremendous. They’re a trusted partner, and we have complete confidence in their ability to deliver affordable auto solutions.”
Ready to experience the same support and expertise? Find a Kemper Auto agent today and get the coverage you deserve.