2024 Agents of the Year

As a former college track athlete, Commercial Insurance Associates (CIA) President William Denbo knows the race is won with preparation and determination.

"I take the great sprinter Usain Bolt's recommendation to heart: 'I trained 4 years to run 9 seconds, and people give up when they don't see results in 2 months,'" Denbo said.

"It's a great takeaway about the power of persistence and patience," he said. "To succeed in the insurance business, you have to be willing to go the hard yards to make something great happen. I try to remember that every day. It's also good advice for a new agent entering the business."

Denbo has been an agent for 18 years, starting as a broker with Besso Limited, then moving to CIA as a principal. He became a managing partner in 2016 before being named president in 2023.

A deep understanding of the industry and the freedom of an independent agency help him build trust with clients. Nashville-based CIA has 30 years of experience delivering risk management services and insurance placement for recyclers, waste haulers, landfills and treatment facilities and vendors.

"I focus on relationships; not transactions," Denbo said.

In the end, he said, life is about paying it forward.

"I'm committed to building the kind of innovative and dynamic work environment where people can find opportunity and growth," he said. "If I played a meaningful role in their success, that makes any of my achievements that much sweeter."

Vance Whitwer has dedicated his life to serving others and protecting their interests.

He's been a first responder. He spent years as incident commander of a security team for a church. And for more than two decades, he's helped safeguard lives through his work as an insurance agent.

"I lost my father at the age of 3 from an airplane accident," Whitwer said. "And after spending years as a firefighter medic and seeing countless accidents, I have no reservations to protect clients from the unexpected."

Whitwer is the owner of LFG Insurance Services in Des Moines. When asked what has helped his business grow, he pointed to discipline, value assessment and the importance of building trust and connection with clients.

He also highlighted the SMART goal system, which emphasizes certain criteria to increase the likelihood of achieving goals. Whitwer flies planes in his free time, and his passion for aviation has taught him the importance of careful planning, attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety.

As an agent, following his system ensures he addresses every insurance need for clients.

This led to his proudest on-the-job moment. Years after placing life coverage for a client, she was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. That client called Whitwer before surgery to thank him for the peace of mind he gave her, knowing that her daughter would be provided for financially.

"The most satisfying part of my job is making relationships and [the] sense of accomplishment for hitting goals," Whitwer said.

Trae Vaughan built his expertise while working with the folks who build up the world.

Vaughan, a partner at Oakbridge Insurance Agency's office in Chattanooga, dedicates much of his time to serving the insurance and bond needs of contractors, real estate developers, private equity and other middle-market companies that require high levels of service.

He came to Brock Insurance Agency in July 2009 from Travelers Insurance Company, where he specialized in contractor's insurance and risk management. In 2021, Vaughan played an integral part in BIA's merger with Oakbridge, a top 50 regional brokerage business primarily doing business in the Southeastern U.S.

Vaughan also leads BIA's captive management and consulting practice, where's he taken a keen interest in helping his clients navigate the benefits of alternative risk financing. He was appointed to Oakbridge's executive advisory board in 2022 and the corporate board of directors in 2024.

"Utilizing resources provided through Oakbridge, including proactive service and claims management expertise, has allowed me to move up market and significantly increase my average customer size," Vaughan said. "In order to scale a book, you have to be willing to let go of the small stuff and delegate to those who are better suited and more knowledgeable to successfully complete the task at hand."

He spoke highly of the value of mentorship, saying it is "the most valuable asset in growing in your career. Study your business, align yourself with those you look up to and emulate the way they work."

For Steve Rivera, insurance is about the joy of helping others.

"I love serving and problem-solving for others," he said. "There is an immense amount of joy and excitement that I feel knowing that I can help make a difference in someone else's life."

Rivera, a partner at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers, Inc. in Woodland Hills, California, has had a 20-year career as a producer. Today, he specializes in private client placements, commercial and life insurance.

The keys to success? Having the right team, staying organized and being transparent.

"Transparency is huge, and proactive communication with clients about industry changes that affect them are also important to keeping service levels high," he said.

Rivera said he is also always reachable.

"In our job, we are often needed during a time of crisis, whether it is a routine car accident, a devastating home insurance claim or the death of a family member," he said. "I answer my phone, always, or at least let clients know that I will call them back within a given time frame, even after hours."

"Being able to deliver solutions, comfort and care during these times is the best part of our jobs. Being able to help rebuild someone's home, deliver a life insurance check to a grieving family, or helping someone get their vehicle repaired," he said.

"There are few things on this earth that rival the feeling of being able to serve a client/family during a difficult time of need."

When Hurricane Harvey tore into Texas in 2017, the natural disaster brought sustained winds of 130 mph and dumped feet of rain on the Houston area. Ryan Steinberg lost power at home and his office during the catastrophe.

But that didn't stop him from being a light for his clients.

Steinberg, the sole owner and agent at Texas Prime Insurance Agency in Bellaire, worked remotely from family members' homes to assist clients in filing claims, reviewing policy details and simply being a shoulder to lean on. He was there for them again when Hurricane Beryl hit in July.

"I feel proud in what I provided for my clients during one of their most difficult times," he said.

Steinberg specializes in servicing clients with high-value properties and bundling custom policy packages for them. High-value clients represent about 75% of his personal lines business. He said his agency is also knowledgeable when it comes to assisting small businesses.

"I provide knowledge, expertise, and a truly personal and custom experience with the top level of service," Steinberg shared. "There is a reason we beat out our competition time and time again, and that is the level of care my clients feel when they work with me and Texas Prime Insurance."

The best advice he's received is that insurance is a tough industry, and success cannot be achieved overnight. Through hard work and dedication, "you will be able to develop and achieve your goals over time," he said.

Five years ago, Rick Neyman met a frustrated CEO who had typical insurance complaints.

Rising premiums. Last-minute surprises. Unfulfilled promises by national brokers.

Her claims averaged $1.2 million annually for a fleet of more than 400 sprinter vans.

As Neyman explained how he could help, she waved her hand dismissively and said coldly, "I think all you insurance sales people are full of [it]. You all come in and say it will be different, and it never is."

Three years later, after implementing cameras, telematics, proprietary claims handling processes and creating a captive, the same CEO thanked Neyman with tears in her eyes at her renewal, which showed a pro forma savings of $1.5 million.

"She told me that I was now part of her team, as in an extension of her executive committee," Neyman said. "The trust we now enjoy with this once cynical client is one of the most validating experiences I've ever had as a professional."

At Patriot Growth Insurance Services, Neyman specializes in large and complex risks, which represent more than 75% of his book's revenue. These clients usually average annual insured losses of seven figures — even while excelling at risk management and workplace safety.

He started his career making cold calls and selling $1,500 BOPs. In time, Neyman evolved into a business consultant who specializes in helping great companies manage and finance risk.

"Don't look for opportunities to sell; look for opportunities to help," Neyman said. "To make a meaningful impact that can be quantified and communicated clearly."

Rich Costante knows it's OK not to have an answer.

He also knows it's not OK to not know where to find the answer.

"For new agents, I tell them to ask questions," said Costante, an agent at Florida-based Responsive Insurance. "I don't know what you don't know until you ask me a question."

Costante specializes in coastal homes and homes on Marco Island, the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands off the coast of Southwest Florida. His referral network has grown organically since he joined Responsive Insurance in 2019; he began with a few realtors, and that led him to become an affiliate member of the local board of realtors.

"From there, I sponsored classes and got in front of as many realtors as possible," Costante said.

He was named the Realtor Affiliate of the Year in 2020, and in 2023, Costante was honored as the board's unsung hero. He has since begun expanding to other local realtor associations and sponsoring classes while continuing to grow referral partners with multiple realtors.

Costante loves knowing when a client hangs up the phone with him, they have more knowledge of insurance and trends that will make them smarter consumers and better clients.

"For the mid-market agency (still an important part of the independent agency landscape and valuable to insurance consumers), Rich works very well bringing a producer mindset to serving the middle market," said Matt Nance, owner and principal agent of Responsive Insurance.

"He helps lead our personal lines sells team and is a great resource internally as well."

As a Florida insurance professional, Rebecca Cooper is ready to roll with the weather.

The day before Hurricane Ian hit in 2022, her team flew to Nashville to work as the storm made impact. They raced home after three days when power was restored.

"Most of my clients live on or next to open water," she said. "It was devasting."

However, Hurricane Irma (2017) had prepared her team to work under rough conditions after a tornado tore off the agency's roof.

"We were out of our building for 10 months," Cooper said. "We did not miss a day of work. We just kept moving forward every day."

Cooper has been in the industry for 25 years and is now a partner at Harbour Insurance in Naples, Florida, focusing on high-net-worth families.

"I understand the needs of the affluent, and I give lots of consulting advice to protect my clients," she said. "My clients view me as part of their family team who helps them achieve their goals."

She helps clients with coverage for nannies, flood exposure on barrier islands, fine arts exposure and travel. She once set up a wedding policy for clients whose big day was disrupted by a hurricane. The coverage allowed them to quickly move a 250-person wedding to Pittsburgh and rent a 30-person private plane to get there.

Her advice to young agents is to be open-minded and listen.

"Go to as many meetings with company reps, other mentor agents and conferences as possible and listen," she said. "You just never know what you learn will help you as you develop."

Mike Lane has seen all sides of the insurance industry and found his space in captive insurance.

Lane started his career as a workers' comp adjuster about 15 years ago. After five years he moved to the independent agent side, but went back to claims after four years. A year later, he missed the clients' side and took an opportunity with Reagan Companies in Marcellus, New York.

"With the mentorship of our CEO Ned Reagan I was able to get traction focusing on captive solutions and larger employers and transitioned to full-time production three years ago with tremendous success."

Lane was named a Risk & Insurance Power Broker in 2022 and a CNY Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree in 2023.

His expertise brought him the proudest moment of his career with Reagan.

"I was able to get an experience rating revision for a client of ours and the Rating Board actually changed the rule for this particular claim scenario, meaning my work was actually precedent setting."

Lane attributes his success to Reagan's mentorship, being given the time to develop as an agent and working for an agency that is disciplined in pursuing the right clients.

"We know what we're good at, we direct our resources in that direction, and we compete well for those clients," Lane said. "It allowed me to be focused and targeted in my prospecting and confident we could deliver a good result for those prospects."

If Kelly Rulon could offer 24/7 office hours, she would.

"My most satisfying party about my job is my clients," Rulon said. "I truly enjoy working with them day in and day out and if given the opportunity would hang out with them on the weekends and in my free time."

"The relationships that come with insurance is a special thing."

Rulon now leads the retail and apparel division for C3 in San Diego. She started in started in personal lines for high net worth, but "soon realized that commercial insurance is where all the action is at, she said. She moved to C3 last March.

The key to success has been advocating for her clients, Rulon said.

"I understand how difficult it is to own and operate your business and I stand up for my client in all dealings with the insurance carrier," she said. "What often time seems like chump change to a large fortune 500 carrier, is a huge line item on my companies P&L."

She also supports other women in the industry.

"The insurance industry is a very male-dominated industry, and for so long I have often been the only female at the table, which I have been okay with," Rulon said. "It is my goal to foster and help grow strong women in the industry but also in my day-to-day dealings."

Jonathan Sage's children may not understand the nuances of insurance, but when their dad leaves for work each morning, they know he's off to save trucks.

Sage is an independent agent with RJS Truck Insurance Services in Southern California. For the past seven years, his book has been filled exclusively with commercial trucking clients. The trucking industry is one that he and three generations of his family have been honored to serve for more than three decades.

"Without the industry's men and women that take up the long days and far miles, our world would look totally different," Sage said. "These folks need a partner they can trust and that has a deep understanding of their complex needs to take on all that comes our way."

Sage graduated from California State University with a degree in communications, obtained his P&C license and joined the family business. Training by his grandmother showed him the meaning behind "insurance is all about relationships," he said.

His commitment to his work has yielded success. Truckers don't operate 9-5 — so neither does Sage. He's always on the clock, and he's confident that his agency's growth can be attributed to the expertise, honesty, transparency and care each person receives through RJS.

The agency has had record years in the hardest of times for the market, Sage said.

"The most satisfying part of my job is taking on each new prospect and insured to help them find a solution for the long haul," he said.

Jeff Griffin, CEO of WHA Insurance in Eugene, Oregon, does more than insure fire departments, first responders and other public safety organizations. He joins their communities, advocates for their safety and partners with them for positive change.

"The best advice I've ever received is to never lose sight of the human element in this business," he said.

"Insurance is about protecting people, their families, and their livelihoods, and that requires empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to service," Griffin said.

"A mentor once told me, 'Success comes when you stop selling and start solving.' That principle has shaped how I approach every client interaction and how I've built lasting relationships."

He has grown his book of business with a focus on those relationships and truly understanding the unique needs of his clients.

Griffin works in risk management consultation for fire departments and other public safety organizations across the region, partnering with departments to improve fleet maintenance safety, fire department ground operations and firefighter health and wellness. He served as executive director of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, Western Fire Chiefs Association Division secretary and International Association of Fire Chiefs Lead Division secretary.

"By specializing in industries like first responders and public entities, I've been able to offer tailored solutions that go beyond standard insurance coverage, addressing critical areas like workers' compensation, employee benefits and risk management," said Griffin.

"Knowing that we're helping those who dedicate their lives to protecting others is what keeps me motivated every day."

Jeff Gloiod's secret to success? Pick a niche and become an expert.

"Don't try to know everything about insurance, focus on a specific segment and learn everything you can about that subject," said Gloriod, who specializes in private client personal lines. "Be willing to put in the work and be consistent."

Gloriod has been an agent for 22 years and currently serves as a managing director at Higginbotham in Fort Worth, Texas. He got his start at Iscential, a Higginbotham partner, while still in college.

"I trusted the process and had great leaders in Leash Yu and Warren Barhorst to mold me into agent I am and grew to the agent I have become…hungry, ready to build, and at this point older, but experienced."

His role has grown exponentially over the last two decades.

"We opened virtual locations in 25 states and am now licensed in 40 states with the idea that if I am going to target a niche, I need to be ready for anything," Gloriod said. "I learn everything I can to advise my clients and gain the confidence of my clients."

Building trust comes from experience and the connections he has built on both sides of every relationship, he said.

"(I know) my customers are insured with private client carriers and so have some of the best coverage available and some of the top carriers in the industry."

Last summer, Jacqueline Morgan decided it was time.

Eleven successful years at GEICO showed her the insurance industry ropes. And in August, she made the leap and launched The Castle Insurance Agency in Warrenton, Virginia.

Morgan is passionate about making insurance simple and tailoring it to her customers' needs. She implements a concierge-style approach to support small- and medium-sized business owners in risk management.

"Experience in sales, service and underwriting allows me to better counsel customers [and] develop strategy for 95+% retention as we continue to scale and grow, as well as provide customers with peace of mind," Morgan said.

She explained that her experience is rooted in property protection, particularly homeowners and commercial, which makes up 90% of her book of business. Within commercial, she focuses on lessor's risk, owned buildings, contracting classes and overall risk management for small business owners.

Morgan joined the insurance industry as a homeowner's sales representative at GEICO in 2013. Three years later, she was promoted to the company's countrywide leadership and development manager. She'd go on to manage GEICO's homeowner's service team and held positions as the carrier's countrywide homeowner's retention manager, business development and integrations manager, and senior commercial sales manager.

At her agency, choosing the right network gave Morgan the ability to partner with insurance carriers she knows and has worked with for years.

"Carrying this product knowledge forward into this journey has been critical in my success for counseling my customers, providing expert guidance, and putting retention at the forefront of the agency's growth," she said.

Edward Nagel II tells younger producers to "stop selling insurance."

"Instead, focus on the 364 days of the year, meaning the behavior and culture that are negatively affecting the 1 day of the year [they] focus on, meaning the renewal date," he said.

Nagel, the energy and marine practice leader at Texas-based Acrisure, believes that embracing a holistic approach to managing risks helps drive greater value for partner clients.

He began his insurance career in 1989 as a medical malpractice underwriter. Seven years later, he moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where he focused on the risk management side of insurance. There, he changed how he partnered with clients and began providing more consultative services to inform decisions that impacted a company's risk profile — rather than just focusing on annual renewal premiums.

This has allowed him to create out-of-the-box solutions that assist clients proactively.

"By not focusing on selling insurance, it allows more in-depth conversations from the contract clients [we] work under," Nagel said. "Making sure we have contractual compliance to making sure we have a comprehensive contractual risk transfer program in place allows us to present a better risk to the carrier that provides greater coverage and pricing."

The most satisfying parts of his job are twofold: The first is helping clients navigate stressful situations and providing solutions that resolve issues. The second is the mentoring and training he does countrywide to show producers that "when we focus on a consultative approach based in risk management instead of a number, we create greater value for our partnered clients," he said.

David DeLorenzo isn't afraid to get his hands dirty if it means better serving his clients.

The CEO and owner of Bar and Restaurant Insurance has not only focused his career on restaurant and bar insurance for over 25 years but has also owned 13 restaurants and is a silent investor in four restaurants in the Phoenix metro area.

"I am very dedicated not to just insurance but the craft of hospitality and the community of it," he said. "I have built relationships for 25 years with clients and now friends."

DeLorenzo has built a reputation for serving the best interests of his clients in both insurance price and coverage. Working with restaurant owners as an investor gives him the inside track on the changing needs and gaps in the coverages for the hospitality industry.

"Be authentic, always," he said. "If you don't know the answer, don't pretend to know. Go learn the answer and come back to the person asking. Always work on educating yourself to understand the marketplace and what is hot and not for the products you are selling."

Lorenzo credits working with his father and his mentorship for helping him build his success. "At 50 years old, I feel I'm just getting started!

"I love being a niche broker who has made great waves in not just the insurance industry but the hospitality industry," DeLorenzo said. "Helping two giants be able to serve each other and work together. I am also working on starting my own insurance company as well. The sky is the limit!"

Curt Zimmerman began his insurance career making phone calls to solicit expiration dates and quote policies in a direct sales role for a small agency in 1998. Today, he manages a book of business with more than $1 million in revenue — and he continues to grow his book at a 12% rate with his team.

Zimmerman is a vice president of Fresno-based DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers. When asked what has contributed to his success, Zimmerman explained that he has a systematic approach that starts with a proactive service plan to retain his existing clients. This approach, along with a dynamic service team that supports those clients, helps to grow his book, he said.

"I treat my clients as if I'm a part of their management team and part owner of their business," Zimmerman said, "so we're not a 'transactional' business but rather an integral part of their overall operation."

This mindset has helped him create long-term relationships, retain clients and pull in referrals. Prioritizing continuous education also helps him understand coverage — and gaps in coverage — and stay on top of the ever-changing insurance business.

His proudest professional moments come from disputing audits or claims and having success in helping his clients avoid overpaying on premiums and getting claims paid when justified.

"I enjoy the constant challenge that comes with the insurance business, from securing coverage for business owners, navigating the markets, working with underwriters, and keeping a positive environment with my support team as we manage our client's needs," Zimmerman said.

Christalyn DeLouise, an agent, office manager and sales manager with American Insurance Brokers, Inc., started working at the agency almost 15 years ago as a customer service representative. But she quickly set her sights on sales.

After a year, she was promoted to the renewal department and started a small department for boat insurance. After two years in renewals, she moved to new sales and has consistently been the top leading sales producer.

The Mandeville, Louisiana-based agency is small, but has endured for almost 40 years, specializing in commercial trucking.

"The insurance industry is constantly changing as well as the markets and pricing," she said. "We truly get to know our customers and learn even the smallest details in the industry so that we can be most helpful."

DeLouise has grown most of her business by referrals and word of mouth.

"The best advice I could ever give is just stay sharp and be kind," she said. "People will remember the ones who helped them and helped guide them."

Guiding customers through the insurance process to improve their lives and work is what makes her love the industry.

"Some of our clients will call in and not know a thing about the industry and I truly help them understand and guide them," DeLouise said. "It's so fulfilling when they call later on and thank me for helping them, or they were able to help someone else because of me."

Nothing great comes without risk.

It's a lesson Chris Sullivan learned early in his career, and one he passes on to the agents he mentors.

"I understand calculated risk as a prerequisite to any great achievement, and feel it is my call to empower others in strategic execution of their dreams," said Sullivan, commercial practice leader at POWERS Insurance & Risk Management in Clayton, Missouri

Sullivan initially intended to go into financial services. But he graduated college in 2009, during the 2008 economic crash, and instead took a job in property and casualty insurance with a captive writer. That temporary solution became a discovery of passion.

Four years later, Sullivan joined POWERS Insurance and Risk Management as a commercial risk advisor, focusing on the agency's hospitality practice.

"The Powers family took a risk on me," Sullivan said.

After five years of mentorship from agency principal JD Powers, Sullivan was ready to launch his own practice and established the agency's cannabis division in 2019.

As POWERS hires advisors and launches satellite offices across the U.S., Sullivan now finds the most rewarding part of his job is developing his sales team. He invests the support, energy opportunity he received into the next generation of professionals.

"By helping them achieve their goals, I'm not only fostering their growth but also nurturing a culture of collaboration and success," Sullivan said. "Witnessing their progress and accomplishments is truly my proudest moment as an agent."

In her previous career working in landscape maintenance and design, Cheryl Durham was frustrated by the process of securing builders risk coverage.

"That experience opened my eyes to the gaps in the industry and the need for knowledgeable, customer-focused insurance professionals," Durham said. She moved into insurance in 2012, and in 2019 she established her own agency, Ashton Insurance Agency, LLC, in Saint Cloud, Florida.

Today, she specializes in construction management, builders risks and contractors liability insurance, including comprehensive coverage for project delays, property damage, liability exposures and specialized endorsements for large-scale construction projects.

Running her own agency allows her to prioritize the needs of her clients without compromise.

"What sets me apart is my commitment to educating clients and simplifying the complexities of insurance, ensuring they feel confident and secure in their coverage decisions," Durham said. "My success is rooted in forming lasting relationships with my clients and peers, treating every interaction as an opportunity to make a positive impact."

Advice she received as a new agent helped form her philosophy: "Don't be afraid to save a client money. It pays off in the end."

Durham said. "By focusing on their needs and finding ways to provide real value—whether through cost savings or better coverage options—I've earned their loyalty and built a reputation for being a caring and dedicated agent."

You can't be scared of rejection.

"Much like a quarterback has no option but to get back out on the field after throwing a pick six, producers have to jump right back on the horse after hearing no, time and time again," said Casey Parisoff.

"Brush all the no's off until you get to a yes."

This simple philosophy—and the daily goal of outworking his competitors—has long been the successful strategy for growth for Parisoff, chief surety officer of the construction division at POWERS Insurance and Risk Management in Clayton, Missouri.

Parisoff graduated with a finance degree in 2005 and was recruited by a regional bond company to underwrite "main street" construction. With his experience, he grew the surety department at an independent insurance agency, bought the Kansas City operations and started his own agency. Within five years he and his team had quadrupled in revenue, winning Kansas City's Fast 100 Award. In 2019, Parisoff sold his interest and joined POWERS.

Parisoff has held every officer position within the Surety Association of Kansas City including President in 2016. He is also a member of Contractor Resource Partners, which helps small, disadvantaged businesses become better business owners.

"The proudest moment I have as an agent is any time I hear what our involvement meant to our client," he said. "Watching a company grow from sweating our ability to get their $200K bonded job to a no-sweat approval on a $20MM bond, is why I do what I do."

Success in the insurance industry takes hard work and persistence, but it can also be fun and games, said Cameron Annas.

Annas is CEO of Granite Insurance in Granite Falls, North Carolina, and leader of the agency's adventure and entertainment division.

"When you think of insurance, this truly is the fun and exciting side of insurance," Annas said. "Each day, I get to strategically help organizations in the adventure and entertainment world achieve their goals and dreams."

The division was founded in 2014 and now serves more than 400 adventure and entertainment clients across the United States.

"Helping other people or organizations be successful is a passion of mine," he said. "As a leader and entrepreneur, my goal in every situation is to surround myself with a team of highly capable individuals who are continually pushing the envelope to create unique solutions."

Annas's best words of advice? "Specializing until you are special!"

"Specialize, specialize, specialize!" Annas said. "If you can't articulate what makes you different from 32,000 other independent agents, then you're just another insurance agent stopping the business owner from working on/in their business."

Specialization helps you bring more value to clients not just through insurance, but because you are knowledgeable about their industry, the latest news, trends and opportunities. That depth of knowledge makes your relationship and guidance more valuable, Annas said.

"We don't just broker solution, we create solutions."

Brian Riemer and the team at Florida-based Riemer Insurance Group don't just work with real estate professionals.

"We are deeply immersed in the industry, living and breathing it every day," Riemer said. "This hands-on expertise enables us to deliver tailored strategies and a higher level of service to our real estate clients."

Real estate accounts for approximately 50% of his book of business. As CEO, Riemer oversees strategic growth, operations and a team of more than 80 employees. Riemer Insurance Group has more than $100 million in premiums under management.

Riemer earned his MBA from the The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he focused on real estate and entrepreneurship. He graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a bachelor's degree in economics. His professional background includes successful tenures at Audax Group and Peter J. Solomon Company.

The most helpful factor in growing his book has been the mentorship and support from the incredible team around him, Riemer said, adding that he's been fortunate to learn from his father, Stephen, and his brother, Paul, whose leadership and industry knowledge have been invaluable.

The best advice he's received is to always put the client first and build relationships based on trust and genuine care.

"I believe I am a top agent because I always put my clients first," Riemer said. "Whether it's tailoring solutions to meet their unique needs or advocating for them every step of the way, my clients know they can trust me to act in their best interests."