Declaration of Independents

By: williamjones
July 1, 2014

By: Sheryl Feminis

Josh Gibbons

President
Wautaga Insurance
Johnson City, Tenn.

This independent agent is already working on quality of life for the post-millennial generation. As a past president and current chief volunteer officer for the Johnson City/Washington County Boys & Girls Clubs, Josh Gibbons, 38, wants kids to feel good about themselves and their futures.

Why?

Young people need opportunities, guidance and structure to become productive, caring and responsible citizens. Our efforts today improve our community now and in the future. I experienced the benefits from my own days of playing sports at our local club, and I follow my father’s example of giving back to the program. I feel a natural connection because insurance is a noble profession—it’s serving and helping others.

How is your agency preparing for tomorrow?

Our team members are open to change and new processes. Customers, millennial or otherwise, appreciate us adapting to their preferences and needs. Even in today’s instant gratification society, patience is still a virtue that goes a long way, and attitude is still everything.

What about your own future?

Our plan calls for me to one day succeed my dad, Ed, as CEO of our agency. He remains active and maintains a book of business while day-to-day operations are left to me and our team. I came to the agency from The Cincinnati Insurance Company, where I was a personal and commercial underwriter. Joining the family-owned agency was discussed but never pushed. I believe a lot of timing is not for us to decide. Leaving the corporate side of insurance was a family decision, and it was ultimately the correct one.