Kevin Carlin's path to becoming Regional Sales Manager at Claremont Insurance Services wasn't one he could have predicted. Growing up as one of four competitive brothers in a middle-class California family, Kevin's early passion was basketball – until the devastating experience of being cut from his high school team sent him reeling.
Everything changed when Kevin's mother drove him to visit the University of San Diego, a school he initially thought was beyond both his academic qualifications and his family's financial means. The campus tour captivated him and against the odds, he was accepted, setting the stage for personal transformation. College life opened new horizons as he formed friendships with students from Chicago who introduced him to experiences far beyond his California upbringing.
Kevin's entry into the insurance industry was entirely accidental. Drawn to Lincoln National Corporation during campus recruitment simply because of their impressive Abe Lincoln silhouette logo, he found himself launched into the world of group health benefits. What followed was a dizzying series of company transitions through mergers and acquisitions – from Lincoln to Take Care, FHP, MetLife, MetraHealth, UnitedHealthcare, and beyond – forcing him to develop remarkable adaptability.
The most powerful chapter in Kevin's career came after eight months of unemployment in 2009, when his confidence was deeply shaken. His brother John, whom Kevin describes as his biggest cheerleader, bought him a new suit for an interview at Humana. After giving himself a determined pep talk in his car, Kevin secured the position and proceeded to outwork everyone around him, eventually landing major accounts that transformed his career trajectory.
Throughout his journey, Kevin has mastered the art of relationship building. Inspired by his brother John's extraordinary generosity in the entertainment industry, Kevin became a passionate advocate for others, particularly using LinkedIn to help HR professionals find new opportunities during difficult transitions. His story demonstrates how seemingly random career paths can become meaningful through persistence, adaptability, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Looking for ways to streamline your benefit offerings? Connect with Kevin to learn how Claremont Insurance Services can support your brokerage with quoting, provider comparisons, enrollment support, and technology integration that makes you the hero in your clients' eyes.