Jake Trimble: From Business Admin to Insurance Expertise

Brightway Insurance - Dittman Agency | brightway.com/agencies/FL/Oldsmar/0183

Jake's journey into the realm of insurance sales wasn't a straightforward one. As he began his studies at St. Petersburg College in Business Administration, Jake soon realized he wasn't truly passionate about the path he was on. This realization led him to explore the insurance industry, and he found his initial footing at State Farm.

However, his experience at State Farm was a mixed bag. While Jake developed a keen interest in home and casualty insurance, he felt constrained by the limited options he could offer his clients. The inability to shop the market was a significant drawback for him.

It was at Brightway Insurance where Jake found the flexibility and breadth he was seeking. Unlike his previous stint, at Brightway, he had the liberty to shop the market extensively. This allowed him to cater to a diverse range of client needs by comparing offerings from various insurers.

Turbulent Times for Homeowners Insurance in Florida

Jake delved deep into the current challenges facing the homeowners insurance sector in Florida. A concerning trend he highlighted was the exodus of insurance companies from the state, accompanied by rising rates. A significant catalyst for these changes is the increasing cost of roof repairs.

He also shed light on the competitive dynamics between Citizens and private insurers, emphasizing the need for homeowners to be well-informed about the landscape to make optimal decisions.

Words of Wisdom: Deductibles and Replacement Costs

Jake stressed the importance of homeowners being acutely aware of their insurance deductibles. He posed a critical question: "Do you have the funds readily available to cover your deductible should the need arise?" It's a point worth pondering for every homeowner.

Furthermore, he touched upon the concept of replacement costs. Jake emphasized the significance of ensuring that insurance policies adequately cover the replacement costs, ensuring homeowners aren't caught off guard in unforeseen circumstances.

Brittanie Pope: A Personal Odyssey to Health and Well-being

Get Food Therapy | getfoodtherapy.com

Our session with Brittanie commenced on a delightful note as she treated the group to sumptuous French toast and pumpkin pies. But these weren't just any ordinary dishes; they were a testament to Brittanie's philosophy and journey.

Brittanie opened up about her personal struggles with weight. For a large part of her life, she believed that being overweight was her inevitable destiny. However, she soon realized that her body was rebelling against the processed foods and chemicals she consumed growing up. This revelation marked the beginning of her transformative journey.

She emphasized that the road to health is not solely about counting calories. Instead, it's about the quality of food and understanding one's individual journey. For Brittanie, it was a voyage of self-discovery, healing, and embracing a holistic approach to nutrition.

A Delectable Journey Through Food

Brittanie then took us on a culinary tour, explaining the choices behind the dishes she served:

French Toast:

• The toast was gluten-free, highlighting her recommendation to generally avoid wheat due to GMO concerns.
• She used organic and gluten-free bread, underscoring the importance of quality ingredients.
• Real maple syrup was the sweetener of choice, a nod to natural and unprocessed alternatives.

Pumpkin Pie:

• The pie was crafted using organic pumpkin, emphasizing the richness and authenticity of flavors.
• Instead of canned alternatives, she opted for real pumpkins, ensuring the dish was fresh and wholesome.
• Brittanie also touched upon the nuances of organic labels, educating the group that not all organic products are created equal. It's vital to understand and discern between labels for the best choices.



Food as Fuel: A Life Philosophy

Brittanie left us with a powerful message: "What do you believe you deserve when it comes to the food you consume?" She posited that when we fuel our bodies with quality, we feel good, and this positive energy permeates every facet of our lives.

Robert Donavon: Navigating Difficult Situations with Grace and Understanding

Effective communication and relationship-building are at the heart of any service industry. In our upcoming PROs Networking Group meeting, we're pleased to introduce Robert Donavon from Convenient Auto Repair Services. Let's delve into the insights he shared on managing challenging situations.

Robert Donavon: The Art of Managing Difficult Conversations

Convenient Auto Repair Services has thrived not just because of its technical expertise, but also due to its emphasis on customer relationships. Robert began his session with a focus on the importance of communication, particularly in tough situations.

He shared a guiding principle that has served him well: "A soft answer turns away wrath." This idea encapsulates the essence of diffusing potentially volatile situations by responding with calmness and understanding.

Another profound sentiment Robert emphasized was, "I don’t care what you know, I want to know that you care." This underscores the significance of empathy in business. Technical knowledge is essential, but without genuine care and concern for customers, it falls flat.

Robert also touched upon the importance of humility. He encouraged attendees to learn and practice true humility, suggesting that it's a cornerstone of effective communication and relationship-building.

Keeping Perspective with the Porcupine Story

Robert shared the "Porcupine Moral Story" to drive home the point about maintaining perspective and treating people with soft answers. The story serves as a reminder that, at times, getting close might be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for warmth and survival, especially in challenging conditions.

Didier Malagies: Navigating the Mortgage Industry with Resilience and Expertise

The mortgage industry is rife with complexities and challenges. At our forthcoming PROs Networking Group meeting, we're privileged to have Didier Malagies from DDA Mortgage as our speaker. Let's delve into the wealth of experience and insights he brings to the table.

Didier Malagies: A Journey of Three Decades and Counting

DDA Mortgage

With an impressive 37 years in the mortgage industry, Didier has witnessed the industry's many ebbs and flows. His journey, marked by considerable ups and downs, has endowed him with a unique perspective on navigating challenges and staying resilient.

He posed an essential question to the attendees: "What happens when the pie is shrinking?" This metaphorical inquiry underscores the challenges professionals face when industry dynamics shift, and opportunities seem to diminish.

Here are the key takeaways from Didier's session:

• Consistent Communication: Didier emphasized the importance of always being accessible. Answering the phone consistently, even on weekends, sets professionals apart and ensures clients feel valued and heard.
• Mastery Over One's Craft: In an industry as intricate as mortgages, it's imperative to have in-depth knowledge of one's product and service. Didier stressed the importance of guiding clients effectively and providing helpful insights.
• Embrace New Challenges: With his vast experience, Didier reminded attendees that challenges are par for the course. Instead of dreading them, professionals should view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Maintain Composure: In challenging times, it's not uncommon to encounter desperate individuals. Didier's advice was clear - while empathizing with others, it's crucial not to get swept up in the desperation.
• Upholding Credibility: In an industry where trust is paramount, Didier emphasized that credibility matters. Building and maintaining a reputation of trustworthiness and reliability is essential for long-term success.

Didier Malagies' insights offer a valuable lens through which to view the mortgage industry. His emphasis on resilience, expertise, and credibility provides a roadmap for professionals seeking to thrive in challenging environments. Join us at the upcoming PROs Networking Group meeting to gain deeper insights and fortify your professional approach.

Mark Perkins: From Aerospace to Holistic Healing

East West Healing Solutions

Mark Perkins' professional trajectory is as intriguing as it is diverse. From banking to aerospace manufacturing, his career has spanned sectors that many wouldn't immediately associate with holistic healing. However, after retiring from the aerospace industry, a new chapter awaited.

While Mark was enjoying his retirement, his wife, a dedicated MD, was on a mission. She envisioned a healing approach that seamlessly integrated Eastern and Western modalities. Recognizing the merits of both traditional methods and modern medicine, she believed in a harmonious blend of the two. Given Mark’s extensive corporate experience, he was the perfect partner to help realize this vision. Together, they embarked on a journey to create East West Healing Solutions, a testament to their shared commitment to comprehensive well-being.

Here are some key pillars of their philosophy:

• Collaboration: At the heart of East West Healing Solutions is collaboration. With over 20 health professionals under one roof, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to healing.
• Exceeding Expectations: For Mark and his team, it's not just about meeting patient expectations, but going above and beyond. This ethos ensures that every individual receives the best possible care.
• Resourcefulness: Challenges are inevitable, but Mark emphasized the importance of always finding a way to make things happen. This proactive approach ensures that patients always have access to the best solutions.
• The Joy of Healing: One of the most rewarding aspects for Mark and his team is witnessing individuals regain their health. The gratitude and happiness of patients serve as a constant motivation for the team.

Mark Perkins' journey with East West Healing Solutions showcases the power of integrating diverse healing philosophies. His commitment to collaboration, excellence, and patient well-being offers valuable insights for all professionals. Join us at the forthcoming PROs Networking Group meeting to delve deeper into Mark's enriching experiences and holistic approach to health.

If you are looking to join a business networking group in the Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, East Lake area, visit our networking group. RSVP at https://www.pro-networking.org/contact.