Featured business of Papillion: Traci A. Heavican Agency, Inc.

Traci Heavican is our featured Papillion business owner this week.  She brings a wealth of insurance experience to the Papillion community.

Nearly twenty years ago, Traci Heavican, a college student in Kearney, wasn’t contemplating the insurance business.  The dorms closed over Christmas break so, with extra time on her hands, she headed over to the Nebraska Job Service to explore work opportunities.  The staff introduced her to an American Family Insurance agent in the office named Jim. Jim hired Traci, and she spent the next two years learning all she could about the insurance industry.  Though Traci didn’t begin college with the intention of working in the insurance industry, all the pieces fell into place to lead her down a professional path she loves.  

Jim’s mentoring and encouragement inspired Traci to pursue an insurance career. 

“Working with my mentor Jim instilled in me the importance of how to work effectively with colleagues and how to best serve my clients.  The lessons I took with me during my first job in insurance have been instrumental in helping me establish and grow my business,” said Traci.  

Traci moved to Omaha and took her first post-graduation job as an insurance agent at age 23, without connections or a book of business.  Traci recounted being the only female agent in the new agent training office, and the daunting task she had before her starting from scratch.  She relied on what she learned in her college marketing courses and, as she puts it, “I cold-called the heck out of my first year. I just kept going – the more calls I made, the more ‘yeses’ I would get.”  Traci added that she focused on building trust and nurturing relationships along the way.  

A few years into her career, Traci learned that an American Family agent would be retiring in Papillion, and he offered to pass his book of business to her.  Traci took an office across the street from her current location, and then moved to an office on Gold Coast Road. Traci was eventually offered space that opened up in downtown Papillion.  

“I knew I needed to get back to main street in Papillion, so I moved back downtown in 2006 to my current location,” she said.   

“I love Papillion, and I love my job; it’s an awesome career to have with children because it provides the flexibility to be involved with their school, as well as teaching religious education.  I’m so happy to be part of this wonderful Papillion community.” Traci and her husband Clay have three boys.  

She shared what she loves about growing her American Family Insurance business in Papillion. 

“People in Papillion are welcoming and loyal to this community, and are very supportive of the local businesses here.  I’ve been so fortunate to serve my clients though the products we offer including home, auto, business and life insurance plans, and to continue to nurture the relationships with these clients and families over the long-term”.  

Visit https://agent.amfam.com/traci-heavican/ne/papillion/115-n-washington-st/ to contact Traci and set an appointment.