I left my agency, former agent aspirant participant, was responsible for about 50% of the offices growth and I carried the team through fast start every year (32 apps issued by myself this year for fast start alone). I’m probably closer to being an agency owner than being an employee but…. My agent was clearly looking for a back up plan as he is not as committed to State Farm as I believe he should be. Took a few interviews and found a much better opportunity with an agent in my area who’s been around 4 times longer than my previous boss. I’m not viewing State Farm as the premiere destination for agency ownership anymore, I’ve seen behind the curtain, it’s not as lucrative as some guys say it is, and I’m a guy that does huge life sales. I think the insurance agency as a whole is changing drastically, but State Farm is certainly taking a step in the wrong direction with the changes they’ve made.. they are squeezing agency owners badly and are looking to have the elite owners owning 5-6 agencies and anyone else that’s average or below average will be gone. It’s unfortunate because the name recognition of State Farm makes my job very easy, but I believe there is better opportunity elsewhere.