A Team With a Purpose

Employees of Garner, N.C.-based Jones Insurance Agency don’t just like where they work – they love it.

“I love to work for Jones Insurance because after all these years it has remained a family owned and operated business. We exhibit the true meaning of local, and our clients can reach us very easily or stop by the office for a visit. Our customers appreciate the customer service we can provide them at the local level. We are like a big family in the Garner community,” said one respondent to Insurance Journal’s annual Best Agency to Work For survey.

Many survey respondents said Jones Insurance Agency, the 2018 silver recipient of IJ’s Best Agency to Work For award in the Southeast region, is more than just where people work – it is also a family.

“At Jones Insurance, we treat one another more like family than co-workers,” said one employee. “This gives us a sense of community as well as a high level of efficiency as we are always helping out one another to provide our clients with the highest level of service.”

“My coworkers are like family. I feel at home and have fun at work. I am able to work flexible hours to accommodate my personal life,” said another.

Wortham Boyle, managing partner of Jones Insurance Agency, said because every member of the Jones team takes pride in their work and delivers “excellent client service by going above and beyond expectations,” the agency’s environment is one where everyone works as a team, collaborates, and assists one another as needed.

He said department leaders also foster an environment of trust among employees through the sharing of financial information and listening to suggestions and ideas for improvement.

“We encourage each team member to have autonomy throughout their daily tasks which allows them to use their judgement and develop their decision-making skills. Each team member knows his/her department leader is just a step away when assistance is needed,” Boyle said.

The agency also makes significant investments in its team members through training programs and continuing education classes, as well as through work benefits such as 95 percent employer paid medical insurance, fully covered dental, inclement weather days, state fair day, and an errand running service, to name a few.

Employees praised the flex Friday option, the “FUN COMMITTEE” and employee recognition breakfasts as just a few other perks they enjoy.

“We are a caring group of people. We care about one another and about our clients. People are interested in one another’s lives outside of work,” said one respondent. “The owners continually remind everyone of the work/life balance and encourage employees to take time for family.”

Boyle said the leadership team also encourages its employees to support the community and provides paid time off to team members for participation in local activities and charities.

Employees say the ultimate goal at Jones Insurance Agency is to take care of the customer, and that has been its mission since the company was started by Purvis Jones in 1956 after he suffered a devastating fire to his grocery store. Purvis quickly learned that not all insurance policies are the same and the importance of having appropriate coverage. He made it his mission in life to prevent others from suffering the effects of poor coverage.

His son Jerry continued that mission, and Jones Insurance Agency is now transitioning to its third generation of ownership.

Boyle says as the agency has grown, it’s mission hasn’t changed.

“We do not take lightly the responsibility of protecting businesses and families. This is not only an enjoyable career, it gives each of us the opportunity to help people when they are in real need. This is more than job satisfaction,” he said. “This is life satisfaction… this is purpose! And a team with purpose is an exciting and powerful force.”