NASE News

Member Spotlight: Gregory Dunlap

Gregory A. Dunlap Sr is the CEO & Principal Broker of Dunlap Financial Services LLC located in Baltimore Maryland. Dunlap Financial Services is a Minority-Owned Insurance Agency that sells adequate and affordable Insurance of All Types. Founded by Gregory Dunlap in 2018, the Company’s product line includes Life, Health, Property, Casualty, Accident & Health or Sickness, and Travel Insurance.

When and why did you join NASE?

I became a member of NASE back in December 2023. I joined the National Association for the Self-Employed to be part of a community of diverse professionals, all driven by entrepreneurship. It’s a great place to get some support and collaboration going.

Why did you choose to be an independent insurance broker?

After successfully challenging an insurance claim, I realized how deep the insurance industry’s knowledge runs and how complex it can be. However, I also discovered that I was good at thoroughly explaining these complex concepts. So, I decided to become an independent insurance broker. I wanted to help people understand the complexities of insurance with clarity and empathy and ensure they get the coverage they need.

When and why did you start your business?

In 2008, I got my license to sell Life and Health Insurance. My main goal was to help my friends and family find affordable life insurance. Over time, I realized I could make a more significant social impact by offering other insurance lines. That’s when I expanded my expertise to include Property and Casualty, Accidental, Sickness and Injury, Travel, Medicare, and Dental and Vision insurance. Now, my practice is a one-stop shop for all insurance needs.

My philosophy is simple: I want to safeguard my client’s lifestyle through insurance. I want to be a trusted advisor and advocate throughout their insurance journey. By understanding everyone’s unique circumstances, I aim to provide the proper coverage that suits their needs. I believe in building meaningful relationships with my clients and helping them find the best insurance solutions.

How do you market your business?

I usually spread the word about my insurance practice through social media, community events, and partnerships with organizations like Maryland Health Connection. As an independent broker, I work with Maryland Health Connection, the state’s Affordable Care Act healthcare exchange, to help my clients get financial assistance and reduce their healthcare costs.

After I help my clients with Maryland Health Connection or any other service, I take the opportunity to suggest other insurance products that may complement their current policies. This way, I ensure my clients are fully protected and get the best rates. My marketing approach is all about building trust with the community and offering tailored insurance solutions that meet the different needs of my clients.

What challenges have you faced in your business? How have you overcome them?

I wanted to be an independent insurance broker, but it was challenging. I had no experience in the industry, and I had a full-time job I loved, so I started building my insurance practice on the side. Getting my producer’s license was a challenge, and it was made even more complicated by some mistakes I’d made as a teenager. But I was determined to make it work, and I worked hard to overcome obstacles.

I got into learning about the insurance business, and I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. It wasn’t just about ensuring my clients had good policies - I also wanted to ensure the insurance companies were happy with my work. I always tried to be honest and do things correctly so my clients and the insurance providers could trust me.

It was tough because I had no one to show me the ropes, but I was determined to figure it out. I used many self-help resources and took advantage of every training opportunity. I also talked to the insurance companies I worked with to ensure I was doing things the way they wanted.

Ultimately, I became a pretty good insurance broker and learned a lot about what it takes to succeed. It shows that you can accomplish anything you want if you work hard and never give up.

Do you have any employees?

I don’t have any employees yet, but I work as a General Agent at Dunlap Financial Services LLC. It’s like being a traditional insurance broker, but I also recruit, train, and support a network of Independent Insurance Brokers. I’m not just about business growth, though; I want to impact the communities I work with positively.

I want to help people boost their income by becoming Independent Insurance Brokers and business owners. I’ve teamed up with Strayer University’s career center, where I’m studying for a Bachelor of Business degree. Strayer has made me part of their career center employer opportunities; This lets me help students with entrepreneurial aspirations get into the insurance industry.

But it’s not just about recruiting Independent Insurance Brokers. I also want to help people not suited to this role find full-time careers within insurance companies or agencies. This experience can give them valuable skills, required licenses, and knowledge to help them grow and develop their careers.

I’m growing my business and helping people in my community by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and opportunity.

What’s your schedule like, what’s a typical day for you?

My client meetings are primarily scheduled by appointment to accommodate my role as a father to a teenage daughter. To ensure flexibility in balancing work and family life, my office hours are structured as follows: Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

However, recognizing the importance of meeting clients on their terms, I have developed a streamlined process to accommodate their schedules. As the sole practitioner now, I operate on an appointment-only basis. Moreover, to provide convenience and accessibility, I have curated a comprehensive repository of self-help resources available on my website. Prospective clients can conveniently obtain quotes and enroll in most of our insurance products.

Maintaining open lines of communication with my clients is paramount. I am available via phone, text, email, and social media. In today’s fast-paced world, having easy access to your insurance advisor is vital. Therefore, I ensure that live assistance is accessible Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 9 pm, enabling clients to reach out whenever help is needed.

What’s the best thing about being self-employed?

I love being my own boss because I get to do something that truly resonates with me and live life my way. The harder I work, the more money I make, and it feels incredible to see the results of my efforts and the good it does. It’s something I can be proud of, and it’s my way of building something valuable for my family’s future.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?

One of the best compliments I get is when someone tells me, “You’re the best agent I’ve ever had!” That’s because I don’t just sell insurance policies; I try to help people understand what insurance can do for them. Every time we meet, I want to teach you something new, not just about the policy itself but how it can make a difference in your life. I’m committed to ensuring you get the necessary insurance and know how to use it to protect and improve your lifestyle.

What’s the most important advice you would give someone starting their own business?

One thing I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that if your business is something you’re passionate about, it will only sometimes feel like work. It becomes an extension of your lifestyle where you can provide value to others while living your best life. When you do something you love, you feel fulfilled by serving others. It’s a win-win!

Which NASE member benefit is most important to you?

I have to tell you that the “ask a question” feature in the NASE business support community is a total lifesaver. When I was told to switch from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was a mess! But every time I was lost, I went to the NASE community for help, and they were there for me every single time.

Their guidance helped me make sense of the whole process, and I even found a foreign agent through their advice. That’s a massive win for me since I’m running a business in Virginia but living in Maryland. They also helped me pick a payroll solution that was affordable and easy to manage, which is perfect for my business goals.

Honestly, I am still determining where I’d be without the NASE community. They’re responsive and knowledgeable, making a massive difference in my entrepreneurial journey.

Any other information you would like to share?

I do not come from a family of entrepreneurs. When I was young, I went to school and then worked hard. This entire experience has been surreal, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to sharing my story with others to inspire them.