We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Wilcox and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jon, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Happiness is an elusive/flighty thing. Websters defines it as “enjoyment or [sense] of well-being” among other things. The way most people use the word, it seems to be very event/environment driven. I live with a severe physical disability and yet I consider myself a happy person. However, I think my feeling of well being goes deeper than mere happiness. I would use joy and peace to characterize my life. So how do I experience deep joy and peace that transcends my situation? There are two elements to my feelings of well being, 1. my faith and 2. my purpose.
My faith has been an intrinsic part of me since a young age. I am a Christian, and although I understand that not emveryone believes as I do, it is my faith in the God of the Bible that makes my triumphs very sweet and my bad days bearable.. Not only this, but it allows me to find happiness even in the midst of circumstances that might otherwise leave me bitter.
The second key to my joy is having found my purpose. When I was growing up, I was bent on becoming a pilot. Although I got my license, I had to cut my training short and never realized my dreams of a career in flight. Realizing that I needed a degree alternative, I took the advice of friends and family and went into teaching. I coped poorly with the classroom environment which as I discovered, requires managerial, and administrative giftings which I lack. After 5 years of endless stress and frustration I made the move into corporate sales. This was a much better environment for me but after my company was bought out and I was laid off the stress started to set in again. Then, through several providential meetings, I met a manager for American National Insurance, who introduced me to the idea that I could run a business my way and mentored me into the role.
I’m coming up on three years owning my own agency and despite all the stressors of being an entrepreneur I have finally found my purpose which fills me with joy and peace. I do the 3 things every day that in hindsight I have always wanted and I believe I was made for.
1. I build strong, vibrant relationships,
2. I educate people at their individual level and need.
3. I authentically help people in a meaningful way.
Accomplishing my true purpose in conjunction with a deeply rooted faith gives me joy that transcends my circumstances.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My agency is J.Wilcox Insurance Associates LLC. I partner with American National and several brokerage firms. My agency is set apart from the million other insurance agents in Colorado by my emphasis on insurance education and relationships.
I focus very intentionally on helping my clients understand what they need and providing them the right coverage. I also focus on having strong relationships within the community so that I am able to bring value to the people I connect with. whether they become a client or not.
As I mentioned previously, my previous career was as a teacher and prior to opening my own agency I had always been a W-2 employee.. Switching gears to the entrepreneurial mindset has been one of the biggest challenges. It took about a year of my wife prodding me as well as some other life challenges in order to make the plunge. Once the switch in my thinking flipped, I have not looked back.
For me success is defined by how well I serve other people. In every interaction I strive to bring value to the other person whether I get paid or not. Having become ineligible for life insurance due to my progressive disability, I am very passionate about helping others to mitigate the risks they face through the right insurance.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As walking has become an increasing challenge for me., my answer has changed.
I love the mountains even though I can no longer hike them. My favorite spot isGarden of the Gods since you can see the beautiful splendor iof the mountains in an ADA friendly environment.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people have surrounded and supported me on my journey. I want to particularly shout out my wife, Karin Wilcox, who is herself an entrepreneur as an opera singer. She has encouraged, challenged, and stuck with me through my journey.
The second person, is the manager who got me into the insurance industry, Travis Wendt. Although he has since moved on, Travis was there for me at a critical time in my career development. He supported my growth into an insurance agent with plenty of mentoring, coaching, and hand holding.
Website: https://yourinsuranceguide.co/