Meet Our Team
At Guidelight Insurance, we've built our team with individuals who have the highest standards for client communication and servicing. No matter who you interact with at Guidelight, you'll have the best experience possible.
Get Familiar With The Guidelight Team
What’s your story- what brought you into wanting to sell Insurance?
“Growing up, my mother was in insurance on the company side, and I knew a lot of people growing up who were in insurance, so the career path seemed like a natural consideration. They all seemed like good people and strong in family values. In college, I knew I had a natural strength in communicating with people, and couple that with a strong desire to “do good” for folks in whatever my career was going to be, well, again, insurance seemed to check the box as well. While in college, I decided to intern at an insurance agency while pursuing a minor degree in insurance, and the family of my girlfriend (soon to be wife) was in insurance also. So that just pretty much sealed the deal. What other industry could you surround yourself with a culture of people that had strong family values, an industry that needed helpful advisors to guide people through some complicated choices, while rewarding those that could do this at a high level of excellence while loving those they served? Well again, insurance advisory services seemed the obvious choice!”
Describe living in Western North Carolina and what are some fun things to do?
“There is rarely a day that goes by that I don’t look out over Western NC and thank the Lord for blessing me with the opportunity to serve others here! I love these mountains for a great number of reasons, but the #1 is the outdoor adventure scene. I grew up in Tennessee playing in the woods and fishing in the creeks my entire life, and that is why I prayed for many years to be able to serve the communities around Western NC. I love hiking the innumerable trails in these mountains with a backpack strapped to me, as well as pitching a tent and just breathing in God’s creation by a campfire.
My wife would tell you that it was the trout fishing in these mountain streams that caught my eye the most, and in many ways, she would be telling you the truth. But I can honestly say the enjoyment of these outdoors that has meant the most to me is when we began teaching my boys and countless others how to be great conservationists of these forests and streams through the Boy Scouts program. Not only were we showing them how to get outdoors, have fun, and survive, we showed them how to thrive! The numerous adventures we shared with our now young men in these mountains were great. Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Shooting, and countless other activities were always on the menu!”
Describe Guidelight’s company culture?
“LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. One of the best things we’ve done as a company is to make our company culture one of love for one another! We consider ourselves family, so like any family, we may have hiccups here and there, but overall, we know ever person with Guidelight would champion this sentiment. We know if we are known for our love, the care and concern we have for our clients would be reflected in everything we do. We believe our mission statement says it all… To love and guide others with excellence and second-mile service!
We developed our Core Values to be the lenses we evaluate all decisions. We constantly ask ourselves and each other, how does the decision at hand reflect our core values, or how can we do better! Check these out:
GRATITUDE - We embrace our calling with grace towards others and with thanksgiving in all things.
UNITY – We joyfully serve as a team, embracing the call to unity around our mission and vision.
HUMILITY – We desire the best for others over ourselves, and we are always open to learning and correction with humility.
RESULTS MATTER – We are proactive and thorough in diagnosing needs of our clients and prospects, and we do so with accountability.
CONNECT – We come together with others through clear & timely communications and properly setting their expectations
PERSISTENT – We operate with a zeal for the best in all things, never settling, coasting, or quitting in serving our clients’ needs and resolving issues.
Lastly, we must highlight our Vision, because this speaks to the “why” we do what we do. Our vision is… “To strengthen and protect our communities by building caring relationships with all those we serve.” We strongly believe that we have a high calling to educate and advise our clients to the best of our ability, so when that unexpected accident happens, they feel peace that they are covered.
When we do this well, we will have communities that are strengthened and protected in those times of disaster. We do this through nurturing caring relationships with everyone we come in contact with.”
Do you have any pets?
“Do we have any pets?!? Yes, about 30! The bulk of those 30 are chickens, as we have 21 of those. We also have 5 goats (mini-Nubians), three dogs (two outside Guardian dogs, and the house Cockapoo), and what small farm would be complete without their farm cat! We hope to add a few cows next year, and if you really want to go overboard with numbers, you could add another 20k plus pets if you count our beehives, and the fishpond! ????”
Why did you feel the need to rebrand to Guidelight Insurance?
“One of the attributes I love most about our company is our history and our diversity. We really needed a name change to properly reflect that. Many of our agencies for decades were known as Nationwide agencies, as they were our number one carrier. Over time, we had other independent agencies join our team that didn’t have a history of Nationwide, like our agency in Burnsville, NC, that has served that county since 1927! We also kept expanding our partnerships with more carriers to better serve our communities and giving clients choice. We felt the need to rebrand to let our communities know we are a true independent agency, and we want to guide them through the many choices out there when it comes to personal and business insurance needs.”
Where do you envision Guidelight in 5 years?
“DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS Where we are.
In 5 years, we simply envision serving our clients better year after year right where we are. Times are changing and the way clients want to be served changes rapidly. We will always stay engaged with advancements in technology to better serve our clients, while promising to not lose that relationship- based agency focus that makes Guidelight so unique. We know we can always do better at communicating and educating our clients, so we will constantly advance that mission.
Whether it is the drop in visit for a review, the phone call for a risk evaluation, a back-and-forth email conversation, or even the quick text or social media chat, we will serve our clients the way they choose to be served. That’s our commitment!”
EXPANSION
“Our leadership team envisions Guidelight expanding to other areas in the Southeast that are looking for a relationship-based insurance agency who align with our mission and vision. Besides NC, we have many conversations right now with partnership opportunities in East TN, Northeast GA, and the Upstate of SC. What excites us the most is the number of other agencies we talk to that want to join our mission and partner with us to keep insurance local in their communities, with opportunities to give back to those people we serve. There
What’s your story- what connected you to Guidelight and wanting to support Technology in the Insurance industry?
As a life-long technologist, I believe that many technology providers leverage the limited number of competitors to provide substandard products to their clients. Over a year ago Jason began to talk to me because he believed that we could use off the shelf technology and build our own solutions on generic platforms that would rival some of the best tools in other industries. After many prayerful interactions and conversations, I was convinced that I had found an employer that was going to push me to deliver on that vision.
Describe living in Western North Carolina and what are some fun things to do?
In order to discourage more people from moving here, I am gonna say it sucks. ???? Honestly, I cannot imagine any place nicer for my family and I to live.. We hunt, fish, swim, hike, wander, etc. But mostly we farm.
Describe Guidelight’s company culture?
Internally, it is a can do, cooperative attitude. Externally, it is 100% focused on serving our clients. Everyone is partnered in each other’s success and in the lives of our clients. This is an industry that balances between being loathed because everyone has to have insurance to being SO GREATLY appreciated when thing go wrong and we are there to help. We really do get to step in at the time of insured most need. The heartfelt stories of agents and customer interactions during those events certainly inspires me to build and deliver better solutions. For the agents, pointing people to resources in their time of need and helping them navigate troubled times – that’s what ties us all together.
Do you have any pets?
WOW – so don’t be shocked when I answer this – 2 dogs (Max and Charlie), 1 cat (Hunter and its appropriate), 1 tortoise (Orpheus), 1 fish (named because she just make plant food for the lemon grass), 2 bull frogs (also unnamed), 5 ducks (Puffin, Puddle, Finnie, Corona, and Basil), 10 chickens (Paris, Waddles, Destiny, Luna, Natasha, Birch, Noodle, Buff, Buffer and Jimmy Buffest - the rooster – the last three are all Orpingtons – look it up, you will understand), plus 13 ducklings, and over 200 chicks… Did I mention we farm in our spare time.
Why are you excited most about the rebrand to Guidelight Insurance?
Because it reflects what is most important to us – helping our customers. It provides singular vision and purpose for the team – to BE A LIGHT. If you focus on who you serve, all things will come out right.
How do you envision helping people through Guidelight in the next 5 years?
To continue to innovate insure tech by converting best of breed horizontal platforms into customer centered vertical solutions and allowing our agents to serve our customers better, smarter, and faster.
What’s your story- what connected you to Guidelight and want to become an Agency Relations Director & train agents in the Insurance industry?
I like to tell this funny story about how I was originally a “bad kid” whose insurance canceled for about a month before I (finally) opened the letter and realized that I had no coverage whatsoever on my vehicle! Of course, that then lead me to come into my local office to try to correct the issue, and while doing so, I happened to notice that the ladies there seemed like they could use an extra hand.
Within a month, I was sitting at the front desk as a brand-new face in the office, and I began learning about the world of insurance completely from square one. Fast-forward a few months to when I became a licensed insurance agent, and I began working tirelessly to help others in similar situations understand their insurance needs, and take action to explain and resolve any issues they may be facing, as well as making sure that the possessions that they worked hard for were properly covered in case something were to happen to them!
From that point forward, I felt the tug in my heart to not only help our customers but to also serve as a helping hand to my coworkers. This eventually led to me getting involved in training our new hires to better understand the various companies we represent and the multitude of coverages we have at our disposal. Between that, and all the time I spent on the phones with our various insurance companies (learning about their coverages, discounts, and new features), it allowed me to take a footing as our Agency Relations Director so that I can continue to learn about our ever-growing offers, train new-hires, and help our agents better understand the products we have, and how we can use them to better protect our customers and their families.
Describe living in Western North Carolina and what are some fun things to do?
If West Virginia is “Almost Heaven,” then Western North Carolina is certainly Heaven on Earth. If you ever want to feel closer to The Creator, there is nothing like taking a mid-morning motorcycle ride up to Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway and seeing the rolling mountains “peaking” out from beneath a lazy, low-hanging blanket of fog. Even after the fog dissipates, you’re left overlooking bundles of small, quiet mountain towns, where Southern Hospitality reigns supreme. I am so thankful to wake up each day in a place where everyone knows everyone, the people are always willing to lend a helping hand where it’s needed most, and they flash a smile and a waving hand as you drive past each other on our little two-lane country roads.
Describe Guidelight’s company culture?
Simply put, “Service with a Smile.” At Guidelight, we’re here to be the liaison between our customers and the insurance companies who protect what they value most. You can count on the fact that you’re speaking to an agent local to our area, who understands your needs (because they’re the same as our own!) and can help you find the coverages you need at a price that fits the bill. Our agents are hardworking, hometown neighbors (like you and me) who excel in their fields, and more importantly, understand where you’re coming from – because we’ve all been there too!
Do you have any pets?
I DO! I have a 10-year-old German Shepherd named “Rex,” who is the biggest (and whiniest) baby boy you could ever meet! He often gets jealous when his little sister, Ellie, is hogging all of “HIS” attention -- and he will certainly let you know when he’s “pupset” by whimpering and barking until you’ve identified and corrected whatever issue is troubling him!
Ellie (a 4-year-old Blue Heeler mix) is what I like to call “too smart for her own good.” In the past, she would try to frame her big brother by leaving bits of chewed-up “no-no” items on his bed (which I finally found out after having to install a nanny-cam). She is also the sole reason that I have baby locks on every single cabinet door. Similar to a toddler, she’s a devious little cuddle-bug, who has claimed one of my fleece throw blankets as her own and refuses to lay on the couch unless that blanket is spread out for her (she also refuses to go to bed without it).
Aside from that, the two of them spend their days fighting over the exact same toy (even though I buy them identical toys in pairs!) and vying for Mama’s affection.
Why are you excited most about the rebrand to Guidelight Insurance?
While our mission as agents has always been the same, it is nice to know that our Agency’s name now finally reflects that for all to see! We at our office strive to GUIDE others and help them understand insurance and what it can do for them and their families – and we also want to be a LIGHT in our communities, and give back to them and lend a hand as often as we can. So, of course, Guidelight feels like a very proper representation of all that we aim to achieve!
How do you envision helping people through Guidelight in the next 5 years?
Gosh, I haven’t really thought of that! I hope that within the next 5 years, we are able to find more like-minded agents who are connected with our cause, and grow our agency base so that we can GUIDE and be a LIGHT to as many people as possible!
I joined the Guidelight team 4 years ago as a career change opportunity. I received my NC Insurance license in March of 2017. The experience of getting to help people every day with their insurance needs as well as having a work environment that encourages us to love on our customers and each other above all else, has been the best work experience of my adult life.
At Guidelight, we take our mission to love and guide others with excellence and second-mile service seriously. The agency's name rebrand to “Guidelight Insurance” describes our core values of gratitude, unity, humility, and persistence where we connect with our customers and never forget results matter. I embrace the challenge of being a “light” to everyone I connect with on a daily basis and look forward to the future and what it may hold for our agency team.
I was born and raised in Western NC. My husband, Matt, and I raised our 2 boys here and are blessed to still call these mountains home. I enjoy motorcycle riding with my husband, reading, baking, and time spent with my family. Our sons, Matthew and Mark, both chose to come back to Western NC after serving in the Marines and graduating college, respectively, and we are now blessed with a daughter in love, Megan, and 2 beautiful grandchildren, Emery and Ruthie.
- What’s your story- what connected you to Guidelight and wanting to be an Agent Advisor in the Insurance industry?
As a recent resident of NC, from Philadelphia, and as an insurance professional of 20 years who enjoys helping people protect what’s important, I wanted to continue my purposeful work at Guidelight because of their mission to care for the needs of their customers.
- Describe living in Western North Carolina and what are some fun things to do?
I was born in upstate NY, near the Adirondack Mts., but have spent the last 40 years in NYC, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. WNC is like a slice of heaven, whether you like riding the roads, exploring the sights, antiquing, farmers markets, crafts, and local foods. We have it all.
- Describe Guidelight’s company culture?
We endeavor to offer outstanding customer service expertly and professionally guiding and advising our customers relating to all of their insurance needs. It is our undertaking to care for and protect our customers.
- Do you have any pets?
Three cats: Butler, Lilly Belle, and Ellie May
- Why are you excited most about the rebrand to Guidelight Insurance?
It highlights our important vocation to guide people in protecting what is most important to them: their families and loved ones.
- How do you envision helping people through Guidelight in the next 5 years?
By daily striving to devote my full and thoughtful care and attention to the important needs of my customers. Working hard, for them.
- What’s your story- what connected you to Guidelight and wanting to be an Agent Advisor in the Insurance industry?
When I first started working in insurance in 2015, I felt like I was just like most people that know they need insurance but do not know much about it. I worked hard to understand all the aspects of insurance that I could. I quickly began to realize that I enjoyed helping people understand their insurance policies and assisting them with their insurance needs.
- Describe living in Western North Carolina and what are some fun things to do?
I absolutely love living in Western North Carolina. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place, with so many different wonderful outdoor opportunities. When I get the chance, I love to play Golf, go Mountain Biking, Hiking, Bouldering, Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing, Fishing, and Snowboarding.
- Describe Guidelight’s company culture?
Guidelight is a company that loves our communities. We are a dedicated, diverse, and innovative company that is here to guide our customers with all their insurance questions and needs.
- Do you have any pets?
Yes, we currently have a bunny and around 10 chickens.
- Why are you excited most about the rebrand to Guidelight Insurance?
With moving to an independent agency, we are now able to offer our customers a broader range of possibilities to assist with their commercial or personal insurance needs.
- How do you envision helping people through Guidelight in the next 5 years?
Through the next 5 years, I look forward to maintaining and enriching the relationships that I have with my current clients and to forming many more.