Connie Lehman
Connie Harmon is a seasoned insurance professional with over four decades of experience dedicated to educating clients and protecting what matters most to them. Her career began unexpectedly during her senior year of high school when a simple act of helping at an insurance office led to her first role in the industry. Under the mentorship of Debbie Olson at Florida No Fault, Connie built a strong foundation rooted in knowledge, preparation, and client care—principles that have guided her throughout her career. From early roles in administration to advancing into sales, service, and leadership positions, she has consistently grown through hands-on experience and a commitment to excellence. Throughout her career, Connie has held key roles across both agency and corporate environments, including a decade at Manatee Auto Insurance, leadership experience with Allstate, and nearly ten years in workers’ compensation at Computer Science Corporation. There, she worked closely with mentor Kristen Thostenson, advancing into a supervisory role while gaining deep expertise in client services and operations. For the past 21 years, Connie has been a trusted presence at Horizon Insurance—now Trucordia—where she continues to serve clients with the same passion and dedication. She credits much of her success to the strong mentors who invested in her growth and helped shape her approach to leadership and service. At the core of Connie’s work is a genuine commitment to educating and counseling her clients, ensuring they fully understand their options and feel confident in their decisions. Known for her personal, integrity-driven approach, she treats every client the way she would want to be treated—never guessing, always researching, and prioritizing their best interests above all else. Today, she works remotely while balancing her professional responsibilities with caring for her husband and mother, both currently undergoing cancer treatment. Grounded in faith and family, Connie remains deeply connected to her loved ones, with her children and grandchildren all living nearby, and continues to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
• CISR Designation
• Property & Casualty License
• State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota Associate's degree, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Food Bank
• Habitat for Humanity
• Southeast Guide Dogs now Dogs Inc
• March of Dimes
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith. I believe that trusting in God has guided my path and helped me stay grounded throughout my career. That sense of purpose has given me clarity in my decisions and the strength to navigate both professional and personal challenges with resilience and perspective.
I have also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside exceptional mentors who invested in my growth and set me up for success at every stage. From Debbie Olson, who ensured I was fully prepared before ever working with a client, to Kristen Postenson, who taught me the ins and outs of workers’ compensation and supported me as I advanced, to Lori Augustiniak, who consistently championed me—each of them played a meaningful role in shaping my career. One pivotal piece of advice I received early on was to approach my role as a counselor in insurance, which completely shifted my mindset. Since then, I have focused on educating clients so they can make informed decisions, whether they choose to work with me or not.
Finally, I credit my success to the strong support system I have in my family. I am deeply grateful for my close-knit “village,” especially as I balance my career while caring for my husband and mother during their cancer treatments. Their support has allowed me to continue showing up fully for my clients and my work. I truly believe that combining faith, mentorship, service, and family has been the foundation of my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to approach my role as a counselor rather than just an insurance agent. During a professional development program, I shared that I had always wanted to be a counselor, and the instructor suggested that I counsel people on insurance. That simple shift in perspective completely changed the way I approach my work.
Since then, my focus has been on educating my clients—whether they ultimately choose to purchase from me or not. I want every person I work with to fully understand their options and feel confident that they are making the best decision for their unique situation. It’s incredibly meaningful to hear clients say they’ve learned more in a short conversation with me than they have in years of having insurance.
I take that responsibility very seriously. I believe in treating others the way I would want to be treated, which means providing thoughtful, professional guidance every time. If I don’t have an answer, I don’t guess—I take the time to find the right one. That commitment to honesty and education has been one of the most valuable lessons in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to truly listen to your clients and understand what they’re communicating. In many cases, people may be frustrated, so it’s important not to take things personally. Focus on answering the questions you know, and take the time to research anything you’re unsure about. That level of care and professionalism builds trust and credibility.
It’s also essential to set realistic expectations—never overpromise and under-deliver. Follow through on your commitments and be a person of your word, as your reputation will carry you throughout your career. Consistency and reliability go a long way in establishing long-term relationships with clients and colleagues.
Finally, seek out strong mentors who will support your growth and advocate for your success. I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals who invested in me and helped me develop my skills. Align yourself with people who will challenge and uplift you, and always approach your work with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the insurance industry right now is the simple fact that it is essential and always will be. While many people are drawn to fields like engineering or medicine, insurance remains a constant need, which creates long-term stability and significant potential for growth. For those willing to learn the industry and align themselves with the right company, it can be a very rewarding and lucrative career.
At the same time, one of the greatest challenges we’re facing is attracting new talent. Fewer people are entering the field, and many organizations are actively looking to hire but struggling to find qualified candidates. This gap creates both pressure on existing teams and a clear opportunity for individuals who are open to exploring a career in insurance.
Overall, the industry is full of potential, but it requires people who are willing to step into it, learn, and grow. Those who do will find that there is not only job security, but also meaningful work and strong opportunities for advancement.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life begin with my faith. My belief in God is the foundation that keeps me grounded and guides my decisions. I trust that walking in His purpose helps direct my steps, especially during challenging times.
Family is also at the center of everything I do. I care for my husband, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and my mother, and I’m incredibly grateful for the strong support system I have around me. I’m very close with my children and grandchildren, and having them all nearby allows us to stay deeply connected. That sense of family and support carries into how I show up for others in my professional life as well.
I strongly believe in treating people the way I would want to be treated, both personally and professionally. Honesty, integrity, and authenticity are essential to me—I don’t believe in guessing or cutting corners, but rather in providing thoughtful, professional guidance. I approach others with compassion and empathy, understanding that people may be going through challenges of their own. At my core, I strive to lead with kindness, and that extends to all aspects of my life, including my love for animals and my commitment to caring for my rescue dogs.