2022 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
BRIAN BOONE Regional CEO, Southeast
Hylant Group Inc.
Lake Mary, Fla.
Brian Boone joined AGIS LLC in 2009 because he recognized a company with “very smart people” and a commitment to his development. He left AGIS about 18 months after it was acquired by Hylant in 2012, moving to Los Angeles for family reasons and taking a position outside the insurance sector. He returned, though, when a leadership opportunity arose as Orlando office president for the brokerage. Earlier this year, he was promoted to regional CEO, Southeast.
What’s a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?
It created opportunities for us to bring in talent. We found some amazing talent in the pandemic and have grown substantially.
What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?
There are a lot of headwinds in the business and being able to communicate that to your clients and finding them a right solution, being creative and innovative, is so important. We can’t make assumptions about our clients and where they’re at in their life-cycle if we don’t ask questions.
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?
We do a good job of focusing on schools with insurance programs, but there’s great talent at any university or college. There are so many great opportunities in the insurance business — it’s just getting the word out.
What is something about you that would surprise people?
I’m very competitive, and so is my wife. We love playing “Jeopardy!” against each other. She’s quicker on the trigger.
Favorite song?
My dad was a big Doors fan. I grew up playing competitive soccer, and driving down Alligator Alley between Naples and Fort Lauderdale listening to “Roadhouse Blues” as the sun was setting was always memorable for me.
