September YP Luncheon recap

At the September Young Professionals of Dubuque luncheon, attendees were treated to an energizing and insightful presentation from Ben Conner, CEO of Conner Insurance. With a career marked by strategic growth, industry accolades, and a commitment to values-driven leadership, Conner shared his personal equation for professional success: People. Preparation. Passion. Production.

Conner opened with two quotes that framed the heart of his message: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” and “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” He reflected on the impact of his fifth-grade basketball coach, Doc Richards—the first non-family mentor who helped shape his mindset and confidence.

“Think about the first experience you had with someone who isn’t your family,” Conner challenged the audience. “Who are you intentionally surrounding yourself with today?”

He encouraged attendees to adopt an abundance mindset, emphasizing that peers aren’t competitors, they’re collaborators. Conner’s involvement in the C12 Group, a Christian executive roundtable, exemplifies how intentional relationships can elevate both business and personal impact.

Quoting Abraham Lincoln—“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”—Conner stressed the importance of preparation in every facet of life. Whether it’s mastering a skill (hello, 10,000 hours) or preparing for a mentorship conversation, success favors the well-prepared.

“You’re the driver,” he said. “If you want a fruitful mentorship, come with an agenda. Assign every minute a task. Win the day.”

He also addressed workplace culture, noting that intentional time management during the workday is key to helping employees unplug after hours.

Conner’s passion for insurance stems from its real-world impact. From house fires to surgeries, he’s seen firsthand how sound counsel and coverage can make a difference in life’s most vulnerable moments.

At Conner Insurance, values like Honor God in Word and Deed and Build Trust guide the team’s mission. “We provide sound counsel,” he said, “and that means showing up when it matters most.”

Conner didn’t shy away from the numbers. Over the past decade, his firm helped one client save $35 million in healthcare costs by transitioning to a self-funded plan. He also highlighted a national issue: over 100 million Americans carry medical debt—many of whom are insured.

“Let’s contribute to something,” he urged. “Be courageous in showing up and doing stuff.”

He shared a story about attending a conference in Washington, D.C., where a spontaneous decision to meet with senators led to an invitation to join a medical advisory council. That senator? Mike Braun, now Governor of Indiana.

Conner closed with a challenge: “What kind of legacy am I leaving?” He encouraged attendees to dream big, set meaningful goals, and consider how those goals contribute to community, legacy, and impact.

“If you are faithful with small things,” he said, “it will lead you to things with greater importance.”