Last night was a memorable one for Rathbun Insurance! Our CEO, Ben Rathbun and our own master networker, Kenwon Simpson, an Account Manager who refers to himself as the “Kobe Bryant of Insurance,” attended the Michigan DECA Mentor Dinner held at the East Lansing Marriott. This event provided us with the unique opportunity to share our journeys, give advice on navigating career paths, and inspire students who are passionate about making their mark in the business world. We were thrilled to see these young leaders’ energy and ambition!

The Michigan DECA Leadership Conference, a collaborative effort with the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, aims to connect students with professionals across various industries. The event kicked off with an evening banquet featuring an address from an industry executive, followed by breakout dinner conversations. During the meal, students from DECA chapters across the state were seated in small groups with business professionals, fostering insightful and personalized discussions similar to DECA’s ASPIRE Academy at the International Conference.

One of the highlights of the night was Kenwon’s engaging stories and advice, especially during a networking session led by the Michigan DECA State Officer team. Known for his sharp networking skills, Kenwon captured the energy of the event in a videowhere he shared insights on making connections and tips for standing out in a crowd—an invaluable skill in today’s business landscape. Watching him inspire the students through his experience was a proud moment for Rathbun Insurance.

Seeing students connect with professionals and begin to realize their potential in the business world reminded us of our commitment to "Being There When it Matters Most"—a vision we uphold not only with our clients but also within our community.