02/25/2026
Late afternoon trip to Shelbyville today to visit a farm I've watched evolved and change ownership over my career. Today, ownership transferred once again, and significant updates are planned. I had to pause and reflect.
Why do I really love what I do? We all have to have a job and pay bills, that is a simple fact in life. But today, I found back a little bit of the real "drive" I had for insurance... the farmers. It's a fact most farmers HATE insurance. They hate to talk about, pay for it and they even hate to use it for simple fear it will be canceled if they do. What I love is to help protect the folks out there that do their very best to take care of their places, their animals, their families...and well...sometimes mother nature or s& #$ unforeseen, even unimaginable just "happens". To make someone's "life" or financial situation as whole again as possible because I helped them make good risk protection choices...THAT brings me joy in my job that a paycheck does not.
I can still remember when I first started driving around this area of TN, now several years ago, hoping to connect with the growers and had to good fortune to meet a pretty cool lady who operated chicken houses, had cattle, and she had the best little gas station in the area. Christy West Warner , I am really thankful for your friendship over all these years. I know you'll recognize this place, despite selling it 7 years or so ago.
So many things have happened in the past 5-10 years. You and your family remind me of the meaning of the words courage, faith and resilience. I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help, your friendship and how much I admire your and James Warner 's strength for all you've been through. Thank you for giving me a hand up years ago, and not treating me like I was just one of "those typical insurance agents". A dadgum past...lol.
Christy Warner, this old farm reminded today me of the "joy" I used to feel in what/why I do what I do - and that it is STILL THERE! Greg Graham , I hope that our new mutual folks are successful here. Thank you for the chin up today too!!
