How did you get started in the insurance industry?
I kind of fell into it by accident. I was in the process of becoming a police officer, which was taking a long time, and I needed a job in the meantime. My uncle owned an insurance agency and offered me an opportunity—if I got my licenses, he’d bring me on and teach me the business.
At first, I didn’t know anything about insurance, but I took the leap. That was 11 years ago.
I worked as a producer at that agency for about 10 years before deciding to start my own agency. That’s when I really had to learn everything—running a business, handling carriers, and fully understanding commercial and personal insurance. My agency officially launched on December 1, 2023, and it's been a journey of growth ever since.
Did you join Smart Choice when you started your agency, or did that come later?
Smart Choice actually came into the picture when I was searching for a way to get carrier appointments. In late 2023, the market was incredibly tough—carriers had stopped appointing new agencies, and I needed a way to make my business work.
I looked into every option—aggregators, clusters, you name it—but I kept running into high fees and commission splits that didn’t make sense. Then I found Smart Choice. What stood out to me was their transparency.
When I met with Steve, the state director, he didn’t make false promises about carrier access just to get me to sign up. He was honest about what they could offer and how they could support my agency as it grew. That honesty made all the difference.
You’re also a Territory Manager for Smart Choice. How did that role come about?
That opportunity came directly from my experience launching my agency. I stayed in touch with Steve, asking him a lot of questions as I got my business up and running. A few months in, he saw how hard I was working and offered me the Territory Manager role for Nevada. It was unexpected, but it made perfect sense.
I love helping other agents find success, whether they’re starting out or looking for a better way to grow.
I know what it’s like to be in their shoes—searching for the right support, trying to navigate the carrier landscape. Now, I get to be that resource for others, just like Smart Choice was for me.
Some agencies in Smart Choice thrive more than others. What do you think makes the difference?
The biggest factor is focus. Insurance isn’t something you can do part-time and expect immediate success. I see a lot of agents who sign up but don’t fully commit. Insurance is a complex industry, and if you’re not learning the ins and outs—what carriers want, how to place risks, how to write policies—you’re going to struggle.
For me, insurance is my full-time focus, and that’s why I’ve been able to build my agency and help others do the same.
Success comes from putting in the work, constantly learning, and being intentional with your time.
What’s next for you, both as an agency owner and a Territory Manager?
When I first started my agency, my long-term goal was to grow it into a multi-million-dollar business, hire a strong team, and eventually sell it.
Now that I’m also a Territory Manager, I see a future where I could transition fully into helping agents through Smart Choice. I love the company, the culture, and the impact we’re making.
In the short term, my focus is on growing my agency and continuing to support agents in Nevada. Long term, I’d love to take on a bigger role with Smart Choice—maybe even as a state director one day.