Summer Sessions, a dynamic interview series spotlighting the incredible individuals behind Independent Life. From structured specialists to finance, sales to compliance pros, we’re sitting down for bite-sized interviews that showcase the people who make the difference.
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Laurel Rochwarger, Orlando, Florida – Structured Settlement Specialist
I typically spend my summer…
Being a native Floridian I try and stay close to the a/c, ha-ha. When I am not enjoying the beautiful a/c I love going to the beach! My favorites are New Smyrna Beach (fun fact, it’s the shark bite capital of the world) and St. Augustine Beach. Growing up in Florida my dad was an avid surfer, and my parents always rented a condo at the beaches for at least a week every summer. My husband and I have continued that tradition and rent a condo as well. You can find me sitting on the beach from morning until dusk usually reading a book or playing in the waves. The beach is my absolute happy place, and I feel so lucky to live close to so many.
A ‘small win’ in my day that actually feels massive…
When it comes to my role at Independent Life, I feel a ‘small win’ is every time I clear my inbox. Internally, I view it as clearing the board. For me it helps to clear my mind and keep focus. In my personal life, it is exercise. I do a workout called Pure Barre and some days I really do not feel like going but I push myself to go, and I never regret it after. Every class I complete feels like I am overcoming a personal challenge. Elle Woods was right; endorphins keep you happy.
Something I’ve learned outside the office that has made the biggest impact inside it…
Completing courses in comedy (especially Improv) I have learned to adapt quickly to unexpected changes, build upon other’s ideas, and be able to think better on my feet. I feel I bring all of these skills into my role at Independent Life daily.
The biggest myth about structured settlements…
I find that people who are not very familiar with them often have misbeliefs about structures, and that taking the lump sum settlement is a better option. They are not aware of benefits, such as the tax advantages and being able to customize a plan that works for them and their needs.
The most unconventional thing I do that makes me better in my role…
I am a big believer in practicing mindfulness. I make sure to take at least a few minutes a day to just do deep breathing solely focusing only on that activity. By doing this daily I am able to increase my focus, improve my active listening, set intentions for the day, and have less stress in my professional (and personal) life. While a cup or two of coffee certainly does not hurt in the mornings, that caffeine jolt does not compare to what practicing mindfulness does for your whole self and thus sets the tone for your entire day.
One thing people wouldn’t know about me…
I am a graduate of Stand Up 101, Improv 101, and Improv 102.
The challenges I love solving…
Clear communication, organization, and being able to streamline processes are very important to me. When I see these challenges arise, I love being given the opportunity to assist in solving them. I find that being able to enhance these helps to keep a team focused on moving the needle, having faster workflows, and a clear path.
Book, podcast, or documentary that’s been influential…
This truly such a tough question for me to answer…for a book when I was younger, I was very touched by Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. The story of Christopher McCandless is one that to me is deeply rooted in searching for personal identity, freedom, finding meaning, and overcoming generational trauma. Chris was not afraid to question the world around him and march to the beat of his own drum. He was trying to find himself and break free from the social norms. His story ends tragically, but what stuck with me is that he left this world understanding that humans need connection, but they also need freedom. It helped me as a reader to evaluate how I value my personal relationships, purpose in this world, and what independence looks like to me.
An influential documentary I really loved is Won’t You Be My Neighbor. I grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and I am graduate of Rollins College where Fred Rogers received his undergraduate degree. This documentary is so informative of not only the history of the show and how it came to be, but about the life of Fred Rogers and who he was at his core. He was known for his calm demeanor, using an empathetic approach, and tackling tough topics in a gentle manner that children could understand. This documentary made me weep and helped remind me to always have compassion for others, to stay true to myself and my principles.
You can connect with me for…
I am always happy to review any draft documents, answer any questions regarding the documents and requirements needed to issue contracts, or just guide you through the process. I have a strong background in case management and love all things structured settlements. Don’t be a stranger, I am here to help and if I am not the person who can assist, I will absolutely get you to a team member who can.
