The Back to the Future: HUSD Alumni Spotlight Series is an inspiring program that connects current HUSD students with successful alumni. In each segment, current students interview alumni who have achieved great things, sharing their journey, challenges, and wisdom gained since graduation. The program celebrates local leaders and businesses while showing students that, with hard work and dedication, today's HUSD students can be tomorrow's success stories. In this segment, we highlight Mr. Robert Stepanian, a Mojave High School graduate and a veteran, who owns and operates several High Desert Horace Mann Insurance locations.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I'm in the insurance and retirement business for a company called Horace Mann. We help educators with their insurance needs and also plan for retirement. If they have kids, we prepare them for saving for college. I help people with anything involving financial services.
Did you make your career choice at Mojave?
No, my initial career choice was to join the Marines. So, at the time, insurance wasn’t anywhere in the picture.
What is some advice you would give to graduating students?
It’s funny—one of the exercises we did at Mojave was creating a goal folder. In class we sat down and wrote where we wanted to be in five years, and when I looked back on it I realized I accomplished everything I wrote down. So, my advice would be to have an idea of what you want to do, write down your goals, and let that be your guide.
How was your experience at Mojave?
I had no idea how high school credits worked until the Marines reviewed my transcript and told me I was technically still a freshman in my junior year. Thankfully, Mojave had a program that let me catch up quickly so I could pursue my dream of joining the Marine Corps. The experience there was incredible—everyone was so supportive. If you're a Mojave student with goals, the staff will absolutely help you achieve them.
What drove you to become who you are today?
After leaving the Marines, I planned to go into law enforcement, but my driving record kept me from being hired. Ironically, that same record led me to discover a career in insurance after a claims experience sparked my interest. I started at AAA, where I was recruited while buying a policy, and spent nearly seven successful years there before learning about Horace Mann. Fifteen years later, I now own and operate multiple Horace Mann offices.
What were the challenges that you faced?
There have always been challenges in my career, from the beginning until now, with constant hurdles and setbacks. The key has been learning how to find solutions and keep things moving forward. One of the hardest parts is knowing when to keep pushing and when it’s smarter to shift focus. Deciding where to invest your time and energy is often the biggest challenge of all.
What was it like growing up in the high desert?
It's day and night compared to now. I had humble beginnings when I was in the high desert as an elementary student. As a high school student I was working the whole time. We were pretty poor, so work took priority over school a lot of times. That's how I ended up at Mojave, to be honest. I wasn't ready to graduate from a regular high school. I've reached a level of success where life now is a lot different than how I grew up in a very good way.
What are the pros and cons of your job?
The desk work can be challenging because I sit a lot, but the biggest reward is being able to help people through major life events. In the insurance industry, it’s not just about policies—it's about being there for families during important and sometimes difficult transitions. Whether it's a new baby, a marriage, a separation, or helping a widow who’s never handled finances before, I get to guide people through it all. That meaningful connection and support is by far the biggest pro of what I do.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Mrs. Ball for sure. I spent a lot of time with her. I think she knew that I had a learning disability even though I was never diagnosed with ADHD or anything. She was very patient with me and took the time to help me out. Mrs. Ball, she left a lasting impact on me.
Can you share how living in the high desert has shaped your path to success?
The high desert is a place where you can really embrace being humble. I had a desire to get out of the HD and I think that's true for a lot of young adults. And even though now I am out of the high desert, because my roots are from here, it feels good to spend time here. It still has a small community feeling to it. When I spend time in the high desert, anywhere I go, I run into people that I know.
The Hesperia Unified School District would like to thank Mr. Robert Stepanian for taking the time to interview and inspiring today's students for tomorrow's world.
