Veterans bring the discipline and service mindset that a career in insurance rewards. Gabe Folmar served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force, then worked in healthcare imaging, before a conversation at a local running club brought him to National Insurance Markets. He tells Matt Gaus what it took to learn Medicare.
12 Years in the Air Force, Then Healthcare Imaging
Gabe Folmar spent 12 years serving in the U.S. Air Force. After the military, he moved into healthcare imaging. Both jobs taught him discipline, teamwork, and what it means to serve other people, and he tells Matt those values came with him into his next career. His path shows that the skills veterans build carry over directly to a career helping people with their coverage.
How a Running Club Conversation Led to NIM
Gabe didn’t find National Insurance Markets through a job board. He met people from NIM at a local running club. Those conversations got him curious about the company and the work, and eventually led to a career change. It’s a reminder that opportunities often come from the communities you’re already part of.
Earning a Health Insurance License and Learning Medicare
Switching careers meant starting from scratch on insurance. Gabe earned his health insurance license and then took on the challenge of learning Medicare, a system he admits is complex. He talks about what the learning curve felt like and how NIM’s focus on education and mentorship helped him get up to speed so he could support agents and their clients.
Why Company Culture Decided His Career Move
For Gabe, culture was the deciding factor. He saw a team that truly cares about agents and clients, invests in learning, and holds itself to high standards, much like the teams he knew in the military. Asked to sum up NIM, he says: “If I had to describe National Insurance Markets in one word, it would be committed.”
Key Takeaways for Career Changers
- Military experience builds a strong work ethic and a service mindset.
- Choose a company for its culture, not just the job.
- Medicare is complex, so expect a learning curve and find mentors.
- Keep learning. It’s the job, not a phase.
- Great service means supporting both agents and clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can veterans become insurance agents?
Yes. Veterans often do well in insurance because of their discipline, communication skills, and commitment to service. The requirements are the same as for anyone: pass your state’s licensing exam and background check, then complete any product certifications, such as AHIP for Medicare. Many veterans also relate easily to military and VA clients.
How hard is it to learn Medicare?
Medicare has a real learning curve. There are several parts, enrollment periods, and plan types, and the rules change every year. Most new agents get comfortable within a few months with structured training, annual AHIP certification, and a mentor or FMO team they can call with questions.
What does an FMO do for insurance agents?
A field marketing organization connects independent agents with insurance carriers and supports their business. That includes contracting and appointments, product training, compliance guidance, quoting and enrollment technology, lead generation and marketing help, and a support team for day-to-day questions.
Listen to Episode 10 of The Agent Spotlight Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
For more information, get in touch with NIM Broker.
