09/02/2026
Ten years ago today, our lives changed forever.
On September 2, 2016, Nick and I lost our home in a fire. In a matter of hours, everything we owned was gone. The things we had spent years building, the belongings that held memories and meaning, and the sense of security we thought we had all disappeared in a single day.
Looking back, there are still parts of that experience that are difficult to talk about. But there is one thing I know for certain: no one ever expects to be the person on the receiving end of a disaster.
That's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about what I do today. Insurance isn't about a policy. It's about people. It's about having the right coverage before you need it. It's about making sure a bad day doesn't become an impossible one.
Over the past couple years, I've sat with families after house fires, storms, vehicle accidents, illnesses, and unexpected losses. Every time, I remember what it felt like to stand where they are standing. I can't prevent bad things from happening. None of us can. But I can help people prepare for them.
Ten years later, I'm incredibly grateful for the family, friends, first responders, and community members who helped us rebuild. That experience shaped who I am, strengthened my faith, and gave me a deeper understanding of why this work matters.
If there's one thing I hope people take away from our story, it's this: review your coverage before you need it. The day you discover whether your protection is adequate is not the day you want to be asking questions. Ten years later, we're blessed, we're stronger, and we never take a single day for granted.
