05/28/2026
29 years ago, I began my journey with State Farm as a summer intern in Crystal Lake, Illinois during my junior year of college. At the time, I didn’t know the first thing about insurance, and I truly thought it would only be a 3-month job. I figured I’d need to learn about insurance one day, so at the very least, it would be educational.
Back then, I didn’t even own a car — I borrowed my parents’ car just to get to the office.
What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with the culture at State Farm — the way they genuinely cared for both employees and customers. I started out in Claims, where my boss Jim O'Keefe told me on day one: “At State Farm, we pay what we owe, no more, no less.” Those ethics, integrity and principles has stayed with me ever since.
During my internship, I learned about the opportunity to one day open my own business. As a Business major, that immediately sparked something in me. After graduating college, I came back to State Farm full-time with one goal in mind: to open my own Agency one day.
At the time, you had to work three years before you could even be considered. I put a sign up in my cubicle that read: “I WILL be an Agent by 2002.” No matter how tough days got working in claims, that piece of paper kept me motivated.
Life priorities shifted, and so did the dream a bit — I decided I wanted to be an Agent, but in Florida. I was tired of the cold weather in suburban Chicago. So I took a little detour.
In 2002, I relocated to Tampa with the dream of not only becoming an Agent, but also living in a warm climate near the beach. A promotion later brought me to Orlando to work in Agency Management, where I had the privilege of being under the leadership of the amazing Jann Lamb and learning from some of the best Agents in the country. That role became an important stepping stone on my path.
Although it took a little longer than expected, in 2006, I was selected to become a State Farm Agent in Naples, Florida — fulfilling a dream I had carried for years. I opened my Agency months later in August 2007.
For the past 19 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving as an Agent in Naples with the best team I could ever imagine. And by my side from day one has been my Office Manager, Ashley Causey. She has walked with me through every high and low, especially through the enormous stress that comes with being a new business owner. She stayed the course, and I know I would not be here today without her. For that, I am eternally grateful.
I’m beyond blessed, incredibly grateful, and humbled to celebrate 29 years with State Farm. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. I look forward to serving you for many years to come! God Bless!
