Oder finished degree while working
TOM PINNEY/DAILY FORUM
Samantha Oder, an agency representative with Brad Ford Shelter Insurance, poses in the front office. Oder graduated from Northwest Missouri State University Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in business management and has worked at Ford’s office since it opened in January.
When she graduated from high school in 2009 in Milan, Samantha Oder wasn’t sure of what her next step would be.
She went into customer service after graduation, working with a few banks and loan companies, until coming on board with Brad Ford’s Shelter Insurance office in Milan.
Ford and Oder had been dating, and Oder said she became interested in insurance as Ford explained what he did for a living.
“I enjoyed helping people day-to-day with their needs, but I loved listening to Brad as he got so excited about the business,” Oder explained. “I figured, if he enjoys what he does so much, I want to see why he enjoys it.”
Oder joined Ford’s practice in Milan until 2014, when Ford was moved into the corporate wing of Shelter Insurance as a Recruitment Development Specialist. In the meantime, Oder went to school online, earning an Associate of Arts degree in business from North Central Missouri College in 2014 and eventually enrolling in classes at Northwest Missouri State University to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Oder followed Ford to Maryville when he came to take over the Shelter Insurance office formerly run by Dave Weigel, simultaneously enrolling in Shelter’s certification classes to be able to sell insurance again. As she finished those requirements, she also completed her bachelor’s degree in business management.
As of last week, Oder is known as an agency representative for Ford’s insurance practice. She participated in Northwest’s commencement ceremonies Saturday.
Oder said her favorite part about the job is educating people about insurance.
“They don’t teach you about what insurance coverage you need in high school or college, so a lot of people aren’t really sure what they need,” Oder said. “I love explaining to people what ‘comprehensive’ means, what kind of things they need on their policies.”
Oder said her days were almost anything but typical.
“Each morning, Brad, April and I have a little pow-wow to start off the day by discussing what we want to get accomplished and what needs to be done,” Oder said. “After that, I’m helping people as they come in, and when April leaves, I come up to the front desk.
“I also run the agency’s Facebook page, making sure that everything there gets answered or that articles that need to be shared on social media get shared.”
Through the agency, Oder is involved with several Chamber of Commerce events. She noted that getting involved was one of the most important things someone could do.
“Involvement is great for networking and very satisfying, especially for people around my age,” Oder said. “If you want to see your community do well, you have to get involved in it.”
Outside of the office, Oder and Ford frequent Bearcat athletic events and camping and hiking at Mozingo.
Editor’s Note
This story is part of a weekly series highlighting “Everyday Heroes.” In this weekly segment, the Daily Forum takes a look at people who work tirelessly to make Maryville a great place to live. If you have a suggestion for someone who you feel should be featured, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call the Forum at 660-562- 2424.
