LOYAL. FRIENDLY. DETAIL-ORIENTED.
Current Business & Job Title: Sales Executive, Northern Insuring Agency
Hometown: Plattsburgh, New York
Age: 30
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bates College 2014
Community Involvement: Adirondack Foundation Community Council Chair
In short order, Collin McCullough has found his stride after returning home to the North Country. He has enjoyed career success in his family business and found a wonderful woman to share his future. Collin brings his dynamic personality and a renewed passion for the region to all he does!
What is the single most important characteristic for success?
For me it’s cultivating a healthy mindset. When I set healthy boundaries and follow through on the actions and behaviors that put me in the position to succeed, I find that success comes naturally.
What is your biggest professional success?
Embracing a career in insurance has been a huge win for me. When I was leaving the area for college, I was set on not returning to Plattsburgh. Then a funny thing happened during the back half of my twenties, I grew up. I am beyond fortunate to live in the North Country and work for a well-run business. I love living and working here.
What important lesson have you learned in your career?
Learning to reserve judgment until I have more information. Coming into the business, I was guilty of rushing to judgment when it came to people and situations. Since I committed to improving this part of myself to no one’s surprise many of my work relationships have become easier.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
Striking out on my own after college. I was headstrong and wanted to take on the world. That put me in a precarious position financially, mentally, and career wise. I needed to take a closer look at my opportunities and ask for help. Once took stock of my situation, I was able to move forward by returning home. It was the right decision and one I should have made earlier.
Write a note to your younger self…
Hey pal, keep a positive mindset when it comes to your hometown and the
Adirondacks. I know you want to work in the brewing industry, but insurance would
be a much better choice. That girl you dated right after college ain’t it. Make sure to wait
because there’s a perfect woman for you in Burlington, and invest every cent you have
in Amazon. You’ll thank me later.
What can the North Country do to make this region more appealing to a younger generation?
Too many local people say negative things about the region. I used to be one of them. When we talk down about ourselves, we start to believe it and prospective new residents sense that. We would do well to address that perception and accept that we live in a hard place, yes, but also a stunningly beautiful place and that we have a staggering amount of genuinely good people who want to help each other. Once we address our own attitudes, new residents will follow. It’s already under way now.