Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly R. Carter serves as a Senior Excess and Surplus Lines Broker with USG Insurance Services, Inc., bringing more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Since 1998, she has specialized in managing large and complex risks that cannot be placed within the standard insurance market. Working closely with insurance agents, Kimberly negotiates customized coverage solutions with various carriers to address unique client needs. Based in Camarillo, California, she manages accounts primarily throughout California and other states while collaborating with USG’s national operations and Pennsylvania headquarters.
Kimberly’s career journey began in childcare before an injury led her to an opportunity with a reinsurance company, where she gained experience handling workers’ compensation accounts and discovered her passion for the insurance field. She went on to obtain her property, casualty, life, and health licenses and transitioned into wholesale brokerage with Tri-City Brokerage. Throughout her career, Kimberly has held key brokerage positions with CRC Swett, Burns & Wilcox Brokerage, and USG Insurance Services, developing extensive expertise in commercial property and casualty insurance, excess and surplus lines, risk assessment, and complex insurance placements.
Kimberly attributes her success to collaboration, strong relationship-building, effective negotiation, determination, and maintaining a positive outlook through challenges. She credits seven mentors who played an important role in shaping her career and encourages others to seek mentorship, listen more than they speak, remain patient, build connections, and continuously improve their communication skills. Guided by the values of integrity, communication, and dedication, Kimberly remains committed to providing exceptional service and fostering trusted partnerships throughout the insurance industry. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and writing poetry, which allow her to stay inspired, creative, and connected to personal growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships, collaborating with others in the industry, and continuously learning from the people around me. My ability to negotiate effectively, stay determined through challenges, and maintain a positive attitude has played a significant role in my growth. I believe in staying informed, keeping up with current events, and continually expanding my knowledge to make thoughtful decisions and adapt to change. Above all, I remind myself that challenges are temporary and that perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to growth are essential to achieving long-term success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to listen more than I speak, remain patient, and take every opportunity to get involved and learn. Building strong relationships and connecting with as many people as possible has been invaluable throughout my career. I have also learned the importance of continuously developing my communication skills, as effective communication is essential for collaboration, leadership, and long-term professional success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to seek out a mentor and actively invest in that relationship. Learning from someone who has experience, wisdom, and a proven track record can provide valuable guidance and perspective throughout your career journey. I have been fortunate to have seven incredible mentors who shared their knowledge, supported my growth, and helped shape the professional I am today. I encourage young women to listen, learn from those who have walked the path before them, and embrace mentorship as a powerful tool for personal and professional success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now are driven by the evolving market and advancements in technology. We are currently experiencing a softer market, which creates challenges in maintaining growth and navigating increased competition. Additionally, the shift to remote work has changed how we collaborate, making it more difficult to build face-to-face relationships with underwriters, insurers, and agents. However, technology has also created opportunities by transforming the way business is conducted, improving efficiency, and allowing us to adapt to new ways of connecting and serving clients. The industry has changed significantly over the past decade, and success requires flexibility, innovation, and the ability to embrace new tools and approaches.
05What 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 are integrity, communication, and dedication. I believe integrity is the foundation of building trust, making ethical decisions, and staying true to my commitments. Strong communication allows me to foster meaningful relationships, collaborate effectively, and ensure that expectations are clear and aligned. I am dedicated to giving my best effort, continuously growing, and remaining committed to the people and goals I support. These values guide how I approach challenges, contribute to my work, and create a positive impact in my personal and professional life.
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