HOW DID YOU GET INTO INSURANCE?
My father. If not for him, I would have thought insurance was just another bill. He became an insurance agent nearly 30 years ago, working under GreatFlorida Insurance founder Ike. With Ike’s blessing and encouragement, my father eventually opened his own GreatFlorida office. Insurance was always part of the conversation at family dinner.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN INSURANCE OFFICE IN GAINESVILLE?
My wife and I bought a home in High Springs and realized there were no GreatFlorida offices in this area. I already had the licensing, knowledge, and experience, so I brought the idea to my father and my wife. In many ways, it mirrored my father’s own story years earlier. With his guidance, and with the support of my family and friends, we officially opened our office in August 2025.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO ANYONE THINKING OF STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Do it. You’ll learn more about yourself than you expect, and meet a lot of amazing people along the way. It is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding, and you’ll make great memories in the process.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT INSURANCE?
Insurance is something that will be part of your life forever, so it’s worth understanding. Too often, people do not realize what their policy includes until they actually need it. I have had people call me surprised to learn they did not have roadside assistance or rental car coverage. I wish more people felt confident in what their policy covers.
WHAT IS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT INSURANCE?
That it is all basically the same. Insurance is a marketplace, and there are a lot of options out there. Many people stay with the same carrier for years without realizing they may have better pricing elsewhere. I always tell people to shop around regularly and make sure they understand what they are paying for.