Difference between revisions of "Jeff Hastings"

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{{Infobox person
 
{{Infobox person
 
| name              = Jeffrey Logan Hastings
 
| name              = Jeffrey Logan Hastings
| image              = Jeff_Hastings_Web.jpg
+
| image              = JeffHastingsWeb.jpg
 
| caption            = Hastings in 2017
 
| caption            = Hastings in 2017
 
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1966|01|18}}
 
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1966|01|18}}
Line 8: Line 8:
 
| nationality        = [[United States|American]]
 
| nationality        = [[United States|American]]
 
| citizenship        = [[United States]]
 
| citizenship        = [[United States]]
| religion          = [[Nondenominational Christianity]]
+
| religion          = [[Christian]]
| alma_mater        = [[Park University]]<br>Management, Computer Science<br> [[Harvard University]]<br>Masters in Psychology and Data Science(2020)
+
| alma_mater        = [[Park College]]<br>Management, Computer Science<br> [[Harvard University]]<br>Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology(2022)
| occupation        = Vice President of TWFG Insurance, Inc.<br>Owner of [[ContractCoach.com]]<br> Founder of ReferralBook.com<br>Author <br> Entrepreneur
+
| occupation        = President at Ivy Consulting Group<br>Adjunct Lecturer <br> Founder of ReferralBook.com<br>Author <br> Entrepreneur
 
| industry          = Consulting Services
 
| industry          = Consulting Services
| party              = [[Independent voter|Independent]]
+
| boards            = <b>University of Houston-Downtown</b> Marilyn Davies College of Business <br>Chair of the Enrollment Committee<br>
 +
| party              = [[unknown]]
 
| spouse            = {{marriage|[[Kim Hastings]]|April 2015}}
 
| spouse            = {{marriage|[[Kim Hastings]]|April 2015}}
| children          = 6
+
| children          = 3
 
| net worth          = unknown
 
| net worth          = unknown
| website            = https://contractcoach.com
+
| website            = https://ivyconsultinggroup.org
 
}}
 
}}
 
== Early Life ==
 
== Early Life ==
<span class="plainlinks">[https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Hastings/e/B00MAFU684/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 '''Jeff Hastings''']</span> (born January 18, 1966) is a published American author, business consultant, motivational speaker and <span class="plainlinks">[https://www.harvard.edu/ Harvard University]</span> student. As the current Vice President of <span class="plainlinks">[https://twfg.us/registration/?ref_id=3 ''TWFG Insurance'']</span>, his team supports over 3,000 independent insurance agents all over the country. Using data analytics, statistical modeling and conditional logic, his company creates new and exciting profiles to bridge the gap between computers and human behavior. Using his own history of success and failures, he has authored three books which focus on redefining success and human values.
+
<span class="plainlinks">[https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Hastings/e/B00MAFU684/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 '''Jeff Hastings''']</span> (born January 18, 1966) is a published American author, business consultant, motivational speaker and graduate of <span class="plainlinks">[https://www.harvard.edu/ Harvard University]</span>. As the current President of <span class="plainlinks">[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/registration-1/?ref_id=4''Ivy Consulting Group'']</span>, his team supports over 350 small businesses worldwide. Using data analytics, statistical modeling, and conditional logic, his company creates new and exciting profiles to bridge the gap between computers and human behavior. Using his own history of success and failures, he has authored three books that focus on redefining success and human values.
  
 
Hastings was born in [[Houston, Texas]]. His father, <span class="plainlinks">[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/375698793885462171/5 Paul Logan Hastings]</span>  (1937-2011), was a well-known Houston Police Department veteran who proudly served his country in the Korean War, and later went into politics where he was the sheriff in Hays county, Texas (1988-1994). Both his father and mother, Judith L. Hastings, instilled in him a strong sense of morality, service, and commitment to help others. However in 1981, when his father suffered a major heart attack and was forced to retire, his family moved to the hill country in Canyon Lake, Texas and Jeff stayed behind to live with his childhood friend, David Wilson and later, H. Jefferson Kingry, III. Throughout these difficult times and separation, Jeff admits it was his mother that kept the family together. Attending three high schools (Aldine Nimitiz, Smithson Valley and Dripping Springs) proved to be an invaluable experience allowing him to meet incredible people - many of which Jeff considers to be close friends today.  
 
Hastings was born in [[Houston, Texas]]. His father, <span class="plainlinks">[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/375698793885462171/5 Paul Logan Hastings]</span>  (1937-2011), was a well-known Houston Police Department veteran who proudly served his country in the Korean War, and later went into politics where he was the sheriff in Hays county, Texas (1988-1994). Both his father and mother, Judith L. Hastings, instilled in him a strong sense of morality, service, and commitment to help others. However in 1981, when his father suffered a major heart attack and was forced to retire, his family moved to the hill country in Canyon Lake, Texas and Jeff stayed behind to live with his childhood friend, David Wilson and later, H. Jefferson Kingry, III. Throughout these difficult times and separation, Jeff admits it was his mother that kept the family together. Attending three high schools (Aldine Nimitiz, Smithson Valley and Dripping Springs) proved to be an invaluable experience allowing him to meet incredible people - many of which Jeff considers to be close friends today.  
  
In the early and mid-1980's, our country was changing faster than the speed of light as [[Steve Jobs]], [[Steve Wozniak]] and [[Bill Gates]] set out to change the world. Now in college, Jeff put off his career plans and passion to study psychology to focus in the field of computer science. Working his way through college, building and leasing computers to local business owners, Jeff graduated in 1990 with honors at Park College, which was primarily a university for military officers.
+
In the early and mid-1980's, our country was changing faster than the speed of light as [[Steve Jobs]], [[Steve Wozniak]] and [[Bill Gates]] set out to change the world. Now in college, Jeff put off his career plans and passion to study psychology to focus in the field of computer science. Working his way through college, building and leasing computers to local business owners, Jeff graduated in 1990 with honors at Park College at Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was primarily a university for military officers.
  
 
== Business Career ==
 
== Business Career ==
In 1985, Jeff was hired as a file clerk to work in the State Office for [[Farmers Insurance Group]] of Companies. Working his way up through the organization while attending university courses at night, he worked in various positions including administrative services, claims, underwriting and auditing. Jeff's passion for entrepreneurship started when he opened his first business, Hastings Sign Company. At just 20-years young, Jeff negotiated a contract with a local sign builder to allow him and five (5) of his employees to use his shop in exchange for three personally built computers and a 20" CAMM-1 digital sign printer. Nine years later, Jeff sold his business to move back to his home town of Houston, Texas where he opened his own insurance agency and entered a training program with a desire to become a district manager.
+
<b>2013 - Current</b>
  
In 1996, his dream came true as he was offered the opportunity to take over a sales team in the Houston, Texas area. At 30-years old, he was one of the youngest district managers in the companies history. Starting with just 17-agents in his operation, he quickly became known for two things: recruiting and agency automation.
+
In October 2013, Jeff retired from his successful career in insurance to build a consulting and recruiting agency which was originally branded ContractCoach.com and rebranded to Ivy Consulting Group in 2022 (see below). With a business model to offer affordable consulting and coaching services to small business owners, the company has certified over 30 consultants and has approved coach members in 14 countries. Notable accomplishments include:  
  
Recruiting was easy. Jeff had a passion for small business and was excited to tell everyone about it. Growing his district to almost 70 agents and over 150 employees, his team generated an estimated $85 million in annualized premium, $14.6 million in commissions, and in 2013, his district recorded a record $13 million in corporate profits. Often being recognized for his teams performance, one of the highlights of his career came in 2005 when he received the companies highest award, District Manager of the Year <ref name="DMofYear1">{{cite web|title=Jeff Hastings named District Manager of the Year|url=https://contractcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2005-Sept-28-Agent-and-DM-of-the-Year-Bulletin.pdf|date=September 28, 2005|accessdate=October 15, 2018}}</ref>. Competing with 500 of his peers across the country, this success did not come without sacrifice. Divorced after 15-years of marriage and his health failing, Jeff later retired at the age of 47 to write books and build a consulting agency which is now known as ContractCoach.com.
+
• 2016 - 2017: The creation of SUNUP Insurance University in Bermuda Run, NC. Jeff Hastings served as President of Franchising for 2-years and, according to Entrepreneur Magazine, helped the new startup become one of the fasted growing franchises in 2017.
  
In 2018, Jeff accepted an offer to become the Vice President of Agencies with TWFG Insurance, Inc. based in The Woodlands, Texas. TWFG is the largest privately held property & casualty insurance agency in Texas and 8th largest in the United States with 270 locations and over 3,100 agents nationwide. Using his business systems, Jeff and his team created an automated application system where interested insurance agents can create an account, conduct research and even complete all of the steps to become a TWFG authorized agent. The site is located at: twfg.us<span class="plainlinks">[https://twfg.us/registration/?ref_id=3]</span>
+
2018 - 2019: Jeff Hastings held the position of Vice President of Agencies for TWFG Insurance in The Woodlands, TX. During his tenure, Jeff and his team developed a recruiting platform using smart forms which completely automated the onboarding process for new agents. TWFG is the 8th largest privately held independent insurance agency in the United States.
 +
<b>1985 - 2013</b>
  
== ContractCoach.com ==
+
In 1985, Jeff was hired as a file clerk to work in the State Office for [[Farmers Insurance Group]] of Companies. Working his way up through the organization while attending university courses at night, he worked in various positions including administrative services, claims, underwriting, and auditing. Jeff's passion for entrepreneurship started when he opened his first business, Hastings Sign Company. At just 20 years young, Jeff negotiated a contract with a local sign builder to allow him and five (5) of his employees to use his shop in exchange for three personally built computers and a 20" CAMM-1 digital sign printer. Nine years later, Jeff sold his business to move back to his hometown of Houston, Texas where he opened his own insurance agency and entered a training program with a desire to become a district manager.  
<span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com/ref_id=135 ''ContractCoach'']</span> is a business consulting agency focused on helping insurance agents build a better business. By focusing on faith, family and small business success, the company helps agencies throughout the United States redefine their personal definition for success.  
 
  
To become a <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com/be-a-coach certified coach]</span>, Hastings requires a proven track record of success in the insurance industry and passion to help others succeed. Using custom built systems to help recruit, train and motivate agents and employees have been an integral part of his companies success. Starting with a responsive training system, business owners work at their own pace answering thought provoking questions which make them rethink how they run their agencies. Introduced in 2013, the Agent Training System uses a basic set of algorithms to respond with solutions to the clients needs. This system is arguably the first of it's kind to use [[SmartForm]]s with [[conditional logistic regression]] to help train insurance industry professionals.
+
In 1996, his dream came true as he was offered the opportunity to take over a sales team in the Houston, Texas area. At 30 years old, he was one of the youngest district managers in the company's history. Starting with just 17 agents in his operation, he quickly became known for two things: recruiting and agency automation.  
  
One of the most popular systems at <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com ''ContractCoach'']</span> is the <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com/recruiting-services Agent Interview and Training System]</span>. Designed as a turn-key and easy to use recruiting system, business owners are able to obtain the tools they need to solve two of the biggest business issues: Recruiting Talent and Lead Generation. For a small monthly membership fee, users can select from several marketing tools to attract new candidates to apply for their opening. Focused on the largest sector of the new job market (the Millennial applicant), the system gives each a free account on the site to review job openings, conduct research and try out the career before they commit. Conducting consumer surveys during the interview process gives the applicant great ideas of how they can offer value to the interviewing agent, and can generate significant leads for the agency owner. The system also offers unlimited personality profiles and reference requests at no additional charge.
+
Recruiting was easy. Jeff had a passion for small business and was excited to tell everyone about it. Growing his district to almost 70 agents and over 150 employees, his team generated an estimated $85 million in annualized premiums, $14.6 million in commissions, and in 2013, his district recorded a record $13 million in corporate profits. Often being recognized for his teams performance, one of the highlights of his career came in 2005 when he received the company's highest award, District Manager of the Year <ref name="DMofYear1">{{cite web|title=Jeff Hastings named District Manager of the Year|url=https://contractcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2005-Sept-28-Agent-and-DM-of-the-Year-Bulletin.pdf|date=September 28, 2005|accessdate=October 15, 2018}}</ref>.
  
An automated marketing system has proven to be an effective way to simplify and automate the sales process. Clients can use out-of-the-box letters, or hire an expert to customize the program and match the agency brand. Combined with the <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com/client-management-system ''ContractCoach'' Client Management System]</span>, they both make a powerful combination to add to any agents arsenal of marketing activities.
+
== Ivy Consulting Group ==
 +
<span class="plainlinks">[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/ ''Ivy Consulting Group (ICG)'']</span> is a business consulting agency focused on helping small business owners succeed. By focusing on faith, family, and small business success, the company helps business leaders worldwide redefine their personal definition of success.  
  
At the time of this publication, the company advertised 12 custom designed insurance specific systems and more are on the way. All systems were priced well below market expectations and affordable for almost any agent, new or old. With all of this said, the most impressive agency system offered by the company is the certified coaching program. All <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com/hire-a-coach certified coach's]</span> are proven industry professionals, many of which continue to own and operate agencies today. Filling the void that large insurers have created by failing to offer sound business advice and employee training, ContractCoach systems can make the difference between success and failure in most agency operations.
+
To become a <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com/be-a-coach certified coach]</span>, Hastings requires a proven track record of success in the insurance industry and a passion to help others succeed. Using custom-built systems to help recruit, train, and motivate agents and employees has been an integral part of his company's success. Starting with a responsive training system, business owners work at their own pace answering thought-provoking questions which make them rethink how they run their agencies. Introduced in 2013, the Agent Training System uses a basic set of algorithms to respond with solutions to the client's needs. This system is arguably the first of its kind to use [[SmartForm]]s with [[conditional logistic regression]] to help train insurance industry professionals.
  
=== Coming Soon ===
+
One of the most popular systems at <span class="plainlinks">[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org ''ICG'']</span> is the <span class="plainlinks">[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/benefits/for-coaches/ Coaching System]</span>. Designed as a turn-key and easy-to-use coaching and lead development system, business coaches are able to obtain the tools they need to solve two of their client's biggest business issues: Recruiting Talent and Lead Generation. For a small monthly membership fee, users can select from several marketing tools to attract new candidates to apply for their openings. Focused on the largest sector of the new job market (the Gen Z applicant), the system gives each a free account on the site to review job openings, conduct research and try out the career before they commit. Conducting consumer surveys during the interview process gives the applicant great ideas of how they can offer value to the interviewing company and can generate significant leads for the business owner. The system also offers unlimited personality profiles and reference requests at no additional charge.
In early 2020, <span class="plainlinks">[https://contractcoach.com ''ContractCoach'']</span> is expected to launch it's much anticipated Employee Performance System. Using similar triggers which cause the human brain to become addicted to the gaming industry, the important daily activities needed to run a thriving small business will be combined with an enterprise gamification platform to incentivize, motivate and even train your employees! Early testing has shown incredible performance indicators with agents reporting up to 70% increase in productivity.
+
 
 +
Additional systems can be found on the company's splash page for coaches and consultants: <span class="plainlinks">[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/psp/ ]</span>
  
 
==Books and Publications==
 
==Books and Publications==
*[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SX7CPC8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2 The Most Successful Failure in the World]<ref> "The Most Successful Failure in the World" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SX7CPC8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1</ref>
+
*[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379144065 Developing and Validating the Business Owner Preparedness Scale (BOP): A Tool for Enhancing Entrepreneurial Success, (2024)]
*[https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Insurance-Agent-Third-ebook/dp/B00ICTVM12/ref=pd_sbs_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ICTVM12&pd_rd_r=96f28aad-d7ff-11e8-bcf9-d56d64501878&pd_rd_w=L6fNN&pd_rd_wg=frb5g&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44ac-97fd-261afd40b865&pf_rd_r=KFCS0VBF60N6YAC4JAF3&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=KFCS0VBF60N6YAC4JAF3 So You Want to be an Insurance Agent], "A Step-by-Step Approach to a Successful Insurance Agency" (2004, 2008, 2013)
+
*[https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Insurance-Agent-Tech-Driven/dp/0979003652/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= So You Want to be an Insurance Agent: The Next Generation Tech-Driven Agency, (2023)]  
 +
*[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SX7CPC8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2 The Most Successful Failure in the World: How to Create a Business With Meaning, (2015)]
 +
*[https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Insurance-Agent-Third/dp/0979003644/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=AaFvL&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=145-6474081-3404565&pd_rd_wg=FFtPC&pd_rd_r=83c41648-8f83-4c1f-9693-85df7d80ad17&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk So You Want to be an Insurance Agent: A Step-by-Step Approach to a Successful Insurance Agency, (2004, 2008, 2013)]
 
*[https://contractcoach.com/product/books-recruit-recruit-recruit-autographed-hardback/ Recruit, Recruit, Recruit], "Developing a Successful Agency One Agent at a Time" (2001)
 
*[https://contractcoach.com/product/books-recruit-recruit-recruit-autographed-hardback/ Recruit, Recruit, Recruit], "Developing a Successful Agency One Agent at a Time" (2001)
 
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflhastings/ Money Magazine Cover], "Farmers Financial Services" (1999)
 
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflhastings/ Money Magazine Cover], "Farmers Financial Services" (1999)
*[http://wiki.agency/images/8/8f/3.2_Leadership_Discovering_Your_Passion_1.2.pdf 3.2 Discovering Your Passion, October 2015]
+
*[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1.02-Leading-With-Passion.pdf 1.02 Leading with Passion, February 2023]
*[http://wiki.agency/images/1/1c/3.4_Why_You_are_Here.pdf 3.4 Why You Are Here - Discovering Life's Purpose, January 2014]
+
*[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2.03-BRANDING-Building-Your-Brand.pdf 2.03 Building Your Brand by Jeff Hastings, December 2022]
*[http://wiki.agency/images/5/5f/3.5_LEADERSHIP_Taking_Responsibility_for_Your_Success.pdf 3.5 Taking Responsibility for Your Own Success by Jeff Hastings, November 2014]
+
*[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3.01-STRATEGIC-PLANNING-The-Four-Levels-of-Business-1.pdf 3.01 The Four Levels of Business Development by Jeff Hastings, January 2016]
*[http://wiki.agency/images/1/17/4.3_STRATEGIC_PLANNING_The_Four_Levels_of_Business.pdf 4.3 The Four Levels of Business Development by Jeff Hastings, January 2016]
+
*[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/5.03-ASSESSMENTS-Personality-Tests-and-Hiring-Assessments.pdf 5.03 Personality Tests and Hiring Assessments by Jeff Hastings, November 2022]
*[https://contractcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/So-You-Want-to-Be-An-Insurance-Agent-SUMMARY.pdf So You Want to be an Insurance Agent 3rd Addition eBook Summary by Jeff Hastings, July 2013]
+
*[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7.02-STAFF-DEVELOPMENT-Hire-The-Right-People-1.pdf 7.02 Hire the Right People, October 2022]
 +
*[https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/So-You-Want-to-Be-an-Insurance-Agent-4th-Edition.pdf So You Want to be an Insurance Agent 3rd Addition eBook Summary by Jeff Hastings, July 2013]
  
 
[[File:Jeff Hastings Author Books Amazon.png|1100px|link=https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Hastings/e/B00MAFU684]]
 
[[File:Jeff Hastings Author Books Amazon.png|1100px|link=https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Hastings/e/B00MAFU684]]
Line 69: Line 75:
  
 
=== License and Designations ===
 
=== License and Designations ===
:: Life Underwriting Training Counsel Fellow (LUTCF)  
+
:: Life Underwriting Training Counsel Fellow (LUTCF)
 
:: Property & Casualty, Texas  
 
:: Property & Casualty, Texas  
 
:: Life & Health, Texas
 
:: Life & Health, Texas
 +
:: Series 6, 63 and 26 (inactive)
  
 
== Personal Life ==
 
== Personal Life ==
Line 78: Line 85:
 
== Education ==
 
== Education ==
 
*[https://www.park.edu/  Park University  ] (1990) BS, Management, Computer Science
 
*[https://www.park.edu/  Park University  ] (1990) BS, Management, Computer Science
*[https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/curriculum/leadership-development.html  Carnegie Mellon University  ] (2012) Tepper School Of Business, Leadership Development Certificate
+
*[https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/curriculum/leadership-development.html  Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business ] (2012), Executive Leadership Program
*[https://www.harvard.edu/  Harvard University  ] (expected graduation, 2020) MA, Psychology and Data Science
+
*[https://www.harvard.edu/  Harvard University  ] (2022) MLA, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  
 
== More Connections==
 
== More Connections==

Latest revision as of 15:56, 21 March 2024

Jeffrey Logan Hastings
JeffHastingsWeb.jpg
Hastings in 2017
Born (1966-01-18) January 18, 1966 (age 58)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
ResidenceCypress, Texas, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
ReligionChristian
CitizenshipUnited States
Alma materPark College
Management, Computer Science
Harvard University
Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology(2022)
OccupationPresident at Ivy Consulting Group
Adjunct Lecturer
Founder of ReferralBook.com
Author
Entrepreneur
Net worthunknown
Political partyunknown
Board member ofUniversity of Houston-Downtown Marilyn Davies College of Business
Chair of the Enrollment Committee
Spouse(s)
Kim Hastings (m. 2015)
Children3
Websitehttps://ivyconsultinggroup.org

Early Life

Jeff Hastings (born January 18, 1966) is a published American author, business consultant, motivational speaker and graduate of Harvard University. As the current President of Ivy Consulting Group, his team supports over 350 small businesses worldwide. Using data analytics, statistical modeling, and conditional logic, his company creates new and exciting profiles to bridge the gap between computers and human behavior. Using his own history of success and failures, he has authored three books that focus on redefining success and human values.

Hastings was born in Houston, Texas. His father, Paul Logan Hastings (1937-2011), was a well-known Houston Police Department veteran who proudly served his country in the Korean War, and later went into politics where he was the sheriff in Hays county, Texas (1988-1994). Both his father and mother, Judith L. Hastings, instilled in him a strong sense of morality, service, and commitment to help others. However in 1981, when his father suffered a major heart attack and was forced to retire, his family moved to the hill country in Canyon Lake, Texas and Jeff stayed behind to live with his childhood friend, David Wilson and later, H. Jefferson Kingry, III. Throughout these difficult times and separation, Jeff admits it was his mother that kept the family together. Attending three high schools (Aldine Nimitiz, Smithson Valley and Dripping Springs) proved to be an invaluable experience allowing him to meet incredible people - many of which Jeff considers to be close friends today.

In the early and mid-1980's, our country was changing faster than the speed of light as Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Bill Gates set out to change the world. Now in college, Jeff put off his career plans and passion to study psychology to focus in the field of computer science. Working his way through college, building and leasing computers to local business owners, Jeff graduated in 1990 with honors at Park College at Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was primarily a university for military officers.

Business Career

2013 - Current

In October 2013, Jeff retired from his successful career in insurance to build a consulting and recruiting agency which was originally branded ContractCoach.com and rebranded to Ivy Consulting Group in 2022 (see below). With a business model to offer affordable consulting and coaching services to small business owners, the company has certified over 30 consultants and has approved coach members in 14 countries. Notable accomplishments include:

• 2016 - 2017: The creation of SUNUP Insurance University in Bermuda Run, NC. Jeff Hastings served as President of Franchising for 2-years and, according to Entrepreneur Magazine, helped the new startup become one of the fasted growing franchises in 2017.

• 2018 - 2019: Jeff Hastings held the position of Vice President of Agencies for TWFG Insurance in The Woodlands, TX. During his tenure, Jeff and his team developed a recruiting platform using smart forms which completely automated the onboarding process for new agents. TWFG is the 8th largest privately held independent insurance agency in the United States. 1985 - 2013

In 1985, Jeff was hired as a file clerk to work in the State Office for Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. Working his way up through the organization while attending university courses at night, he worked in various positions including administrative services, claims, underwriting, and auditing. Jeff's passion for entrepreneurship started when he opened his first business, Hastings Sign Company. At just 20 years young, Jeff negotiated a contract with a local sign builder to allow him and five (5) of his employees to use his shop in exchange for three personally built computers and a 20" CAMM-1 digital sign printer. Nine years later, Jeff sold his business to move back to his hometown of Houston, Texas where he opened his own insurance agency and entered a training program with a desire to become a district manager.

In 1996, his dream came true as he was offered the opportunity to take over a sales team in the Houston, Texas area. At 30 years old, he was one of the youngest district managers in the company's history. Starting with just 17 agents in his operation, he quickly became known for two things: recruiting and agency automation.

Recruiting was easy. Jeff had a passion for small business and was excited to tell everyone about it. Growing his district to almost 70 agents and over 150 employees, his team generated an estimated $85 million in annualized premiums, $14.6 million in commissions, and in 2013, his district recorded a record $13 million in corporate profits. Often being recognized for his teams performance, one of the highlights of his career came in 2005 when he received the company's highest award, District Manager of the Year [1].

Ivy Consulting Group

Ivy Consulting Group (ICG) is a business consulting agency focused on helping small business owners succeed. By focusing on faith, family, and small business success, the company helps business leaders worldwide redefine their personal definition of success.

To become a certified coach, Hastings requires a proven track record of success in the insurance industry and a passion to help others succeed. Using custom-built systems to help recruit, train, and motivate agents and employees has been an integral part of his company's success. Starting with a responsive training system, business owners work at their own pace answering thought-provoking questions which make them rethink how they run their agencies. Introduced in 2013, the Agent Training System uses a basic set of algorithms to respond with solutions to the client's needs. This system is arguably the first of its kind to use SmartForms with conditional logistic regression to help train insurance industry professionals.

One of the most popular systems at ICG is the Coaching System. Designed as a turn-key and easy-to-use coaching and lead development system, business coaches are able to obtain the tools they need to solve two of their client's biggest business issues: Recruiting Talent and Lead Generation. For a small monthly membership fee, users can select from several marketing tools to attract new candidates to apply for their openings. Focused on the largest sector of the new job market (the Gen Z applicant), the system gives each a free account on the site to review job openings, conduct research and try out the career before they commit. Conducting consumer surveys during the interview process gives the applicant great ideas of how they can offer value to the interviewing company and can generate significant leads for the business owner. The system also offers unlimited personality profiles and reference requests at no additional charge.

Additional systems can be found on the company's splash page for coaches and consultants: [1]

Books and Publications

*So You Want to be an Insurance Agent: A Step-by-Step Approach to a Successful Insurance Agency, (2004, 2008, 2013)

Jeff Hastings Author Books Amazon.png

Achievements and Recognition

  • 12 time Topper Club Qualifier
  • 9 time Champion
  • 6 time President's Council Member
  • 2005 Farmers District Manager of the Year
  • 2006-2009 C.E.O. Executive Council Member, Farmers Insurance Group

License and Designations

Life Underwriting Training Counsel Fellow (LUTCF)
Property & Casualty, Texas
Life & Health, Texas
Series 6, 63 and 26 (inactive)

Personal Life

Jeff is happily married to who he insists is his sole mate, Kimberly Andersen Hastings (2014). Kim retired from the teaching industry after reading Jeff's second book, "So You Want to be an Insurance Agent". Well, she did and now they reside in Cypress, Texas where Kim owns an insurance agency appropriately referred to as, TheInsuranceTeacher.com. Together, they have six children: Kristin (33), Avery (28), Alexandria (25), Maxwell (23), Andersen (17), and Logan (14).

Education

More Connections

Contact

  1. For more information: Email [2]
  2. Company Phone: 281-752-6565

References

  1. "Jeff Hastings named District Manager of the Year" (PDF). September 28, 2005. Retrieved October 15, 2018.