Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services named Kent Owens as a 2013 Master Agent during its annual sales conference in Roanoke in mid-March. Owens is an agent at the Mathews Farm Bureau office in Dutton.

The Master Agent title recognizes agents for excellent overall performance in every aspect of their job, a Farm Bureau release stated.

Owens said the recognition is also based on field underwriting and profitability.

Owens has worked for Farm Bureau for 18 years, two years in Gloucester and 16 years in Mathews.

Selling insurance is quite a change from his earlier job as a commercial waterman for 13 years, Owens said. He decided to learn a new field and said he has thrived with the interaction in the insurance business, having many long-time clients and lots of personal referrals.

Owens sells an assortment of insurance products from Farm Bureau and other carriers, including life, renters, boat, and property and casualty. In addition, he handles annuities an...