Forty Under 40: Justin Mills, 39

From his nonprofit work to the insurance business, Justin Mills wants to help Northwest Arkansas. By assisting the Literacy Council of Benton County, the Rogers-Bentonville Elks Lodge and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office P.A.L. Program, Mills does more than most — and despite always finding time for his clients.
An avid runner, Mills has come a long way from his days as a poultry supervisor at George’s Inc., or his decade-plus stint with the Bekaert Corp.
In April 2006 — almost five years after graduating from the University of Arkansas with an agricultural business degree — Mills noticed that Farmers Insurance was hiring. Long impressed with the company’s quality service, he decided to apply.
Four years later he’s among nearly 18,000 agents nationwide. In 2009 agency profits grew by about 40 percent.
Starting an insurance agency from scratch can be tough work these days. But perseverance, solid communication skills and a willingness to work with customers and understand their situations helped the Harrisburg, Ark., native turn his dreams of being a successful full-time agent into a reality.
“You have to be willing to commit to it,” Mills said. “I know the longer I last the more successful I can be. It’s one day at a time and putting my best foot forward.”