Okay, so Michael is an insurance agent with a decent amount of experience, but mostly self-employed. His skills are in demand, but the industry isn't typically known for high hourly rates. Let's consider the average salary for insurance agents in the US, which is around $60,000 per year. However, this doesn't account for the variability in rates based on location, experience, and specific skills. Since Michael is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a relatively smaller market, his rate might be lower than what you'd expect in a major city. I'm estimating his hourly rate to be around $75, which is a bit lower than the national average but still reflects his value as an insurance professional.