Risk Paid Off For Philanthropic Insurance Agent

Jason Levy specializes in measuring risk.

It's a skill he perfected as a commercial underwriter and later manager for dozens of Nationwide Insurance offices along the east coast in the early 2000s.

And ultimately it was the ability to see the long-term and take a risk that led Levy to set out on his own business venture in 2003.

These days as founder and president of Professional Insurance Services, Levy runs one of the area's fastest growing independent insurance companies.

"It was a very difficult decision, but after lots of thoughts I decided I wanted to work for myself," Levy said recently sitting in his office at 3836 W. Humphrey St. "I didn't want to be tied to one insurance company. I wanted to provide multiple policies."

After years of working for a large company, Levy wanted to provide more personalized services to his clients.

"God forbid there was a fire or accident," he said about the service he wanted to provide. "I could go and be there to walk my clients through that ordeal."

Levy's company handles all lines of property and casualty insurance, as well as health and life insurance. He boast 24-hour, 7 days a week accessibility.

As a independent insurance company, Levy's company prides itself with being able to work with clients individually to design an insurance plan that fits their needs.

"I'm local, so I can drive by and take a look at a structure for a client," Levy said. "I can give them updates on sinkhole issues, and respond to their needs."

It was exactly what Levy envisioned when he left Nationwide. But the journey to this place wasn't easy.

Levy, a University of Florida graduate, drained his savings to launch his company. After moving back to his hometown of Tampa, he no longer had the nationally known insurance company as his calling card. Instead he had to build his reputation back up in a new place with no clients.

Levy credits his ability to establish relationships as a key to building his clientele. Family and friends were also instrumental in referring potential clients.

"We've been fortunate," he said "I been able to hook up with people from a wide variety of backgrounds from CPAs to mortgage brokers."

But it hasn't all been about business, Levy maintains.

Levy is actively involved with civic organizations, including the Young Agent's Council, the University of Florida Alumni Association and the Tampa Trifecta, an annual food and wine charitable fundraiser.

Perhaps one of Levy's most beneficial civic affiliations is Bay Area Advisors, a philanthropic group of young business executives in the Tampa Bay area. Levy is a founding member and past president of the group.

"I felt I had a nitch, and that I could relate to others," Levy said about organizing young professionals in the area. "I decided I wanted to do something to give back."

Bay Area Advisors has done just that with its signature fundraising event - Martinis For Moffitt, an annual swanky party that benefits Moffitt Cancer Center's research.

In its seventh year, the event has raised more than $250,000 in total, benefiting melanoma, sarcoma and prostate cancer research programs, according to Moffitt Cancer Center officials. More than 750 people attended last year's event.

The organization's efforts are a valued asset to Moffitt.

"We consider this group (Bay Area Advisors) to be the philanthropists of the future and, are most grateful for the work they do in raising awareness for Moffitt and the groundbreaking work being done by our doctors and researchers," said Kathy Werner, Moffitt's director of marketing and special events.

This year's Martinis for Moffitt event is scheduled for Friday, July 20 at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Straz Center, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place in Tampa.

Bay Area Advisors includes a wide network of professionals from law to real estate. Members often provide referrals to each other.

"It's a great avenue," he said. "It's great to have trusted partners and know they're going to provide good service and do a great job."

A year ago, Levy and his wife, Mandy, moved to the Highland Park neighborhood in Westchase after living in South Tampa.

"I fell in love with Highland Park," he said. "I thought it would be a good place to start a family."

With more than a dozen years in insurance and a growing small business, Levy is able to reflect on what made his risk pay off.

"Have a business plan and action plan," he said. "Set long-term and short-term goals. Have the capital and don't over-promise and under-deliver."

To learn about the Bay Area Advisors and Martinis for Moffitt go here.