JONES INSURANCE - Key Persons
Alaina was born and raised in a small town right outside of Athens, Georgia and attended her first University of Georgia football game at only 6 weeks old…Go Bulldogs! She later attended Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville where she studied sociology and political science. During this time, she started bartending and imme-diately fell in love with the fast-paced environment and the relation-ships she was able to build through the industry. With over nine years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alaina has found her true passion in helping business owners in this industry create comprehen-sive risk management plans that cater to their unique, industry specific needs.
In her down time, Alaina enjoys testing new recipes, entertaining friends and family and gardening. A typical weekend is spent spoiling her friends with delicious food and cocktails, relaxing around the fire pit and watching football. Alaina and her fiancé, Nick have been together for 3 years and are planning their wedding for April 2023. They live in Apex, North Carolina with their 2 dogs, Athena and Apollo and 2 cats, Luffy and Gordon who are the light of their lives.
Alanna joined the Jones Insurance team in 2017 as a Group Benefits Account Manager. She has more than 20 years' experience in the Benefits Industry and holds dual North Carolina licenses for Life and Health.
While Alanna may not technically be a native of North Carolina, she has called this area home since 1990.
Alanna is known as a customer service oriented problem solver who prides herself on taking the initiative to achieve individual and team success, while providing a level of service that is second-to-none for her co-workers and our clients.
Alanna enjoys creating cost effective benefit packages which align with the client's overall company goals and budget, while creating a future strategy to build upon.
When away from the office, Alanna enjoys spending time outdoors with her two-legged and four-legged family. She also enjoys volunteering with the SPCA of Wake County, cooking, reading, listening to music and watching football.
Job Titles:
- Account Manager Team Lead
April Lombard joined the Jones Insurance team in 2016 as a Group Benefits Account Manager. She has been in the healthcare industry for the past 11 years.
April was born and raised in Garner, North Carolina and she is excited to be able to serve the community she grew up in. She enjoys building relationships with her clients and strives to give excellent customer service.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, cooking and singing in the choir at church.
Brandi might look sweet and innocent, but behind all that sweetness is a fighter. Brandi is an old soul who is passionate in helping others. Her strong-will allows her to conquer any challenge that is laid before her. She developed her strong work ethic by witnessing her parents' commitment to their own business.
Her title is "Insurance Advisor" and her role is broader that any one department or specialty. With over ten years of serving clients, she has also learned how to get things done. Brandi works hard: whether it is taking care of her pets and livestock, serving her community, or helping a client develop a plan to protect them from the unexpected.
Brandi has a special heart for her four-legged friends. She is a true animal lover which is probably another reason she is one of the most empathetic and trustworthy people you will meet. Brandi always places the needs of others before herself and enjoys the warmth that every relationship has to offer.
Brittany is wise and compassionate beyond her years! Her smile will light up any room; her sense of humor and laughter is contagious.
Before finding her home in insurance, Brittany gained a great perspective from her work in the medical, construction, and hospitality industries. She brings a natural passion and drive to her role as Business Insurance Client Manager. Brittany earned a degree in Business Management from East Carolina University and continues to give her fullest in whatever challenge is placed before her.
You can find this beach lover with her toes in the sand, soaking up the heat and humidity of the beach, and enjoying the sounds of the ocean. She also enjoys eating and drinking delicious creations, especially around friends and family. Of course, she believes everything is better when it's covered with cheese.
Buddy began his insurance career by joining Jones Advisors in 1985. He likes to say that he had previously done ten years of hard time in the state prison system - as a correctional officer, SWAT team leader, and warden of two major institutions. A bachelor's degree from UNC-Asheville and an MPA from NC State University give him the background to deal with the challenges faced by today's business owners. Buddy has earned the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) by completing comprehensive insurance training and continuing education.
Buddy's focus is helping employers find solutions to workforce issues that include Workers Compensation, Group Benefits, HR technology, and payroll systems. He has been a leader in bringing together the resources of Keystone Insurers Group, EbenConcepts, and the partner agencies of Keystone. Serving on the Board of Directors of the Garner Chamber of Commerce for over twenty-five years has allowed him to give something back to the community where he grew up. Board membership with the Garner Police Athletic/Activity League has been more fun than work.
For many years, Buddy and wife Carol spent most vacations riding Harley Davidsons around the USA. Recent arrivals of grandchildren have shifted the recreational focus to family beach trips and toddler birthday parties, with no complaints.
Job Titles:
- Business Systems Specialist
Grady has always had a passion for helping others and knew from a young age he wanted to pursue a career in which he would be able to do so daily. His father, who he would describe as one of the most influential people in his life, spent 30 years working for one of the world's largest mutual fund companies. Through his teachings, he became passionate about and learned the importance of saving and investing at an early age. Grady decided to combine his two passions (helping others, financial discipline) and began a career as a Financial Advisor.
EXPERIENCE:
3+ years working with families/business owners and their wealth, learning their financial objectives and implementing a plan in order to reach their goals
Specializes in retirement planning for small-medium sized business owners and their employees
Job Titles:
- Account Manager Team Lead
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Partner
- Keystone Thoroughbred Award for Top Producer
Hal Averette is a Partner of Jones Advisors and specializes in business insurance. Prior to joining Jones Advisors in 1992, Hal spent ten years in the banking industry where he learned much about the financial workings of many businesses and non-profit organizations. He served on the Board of Directors for Wake Enterprises, a non-profit organization providing vocational and social opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and was Chairman of the Risk Mitigation Committee.
A Wolfpack fan for life, Hal graduated with a B.S. in Economics and Biology from NC State in 1981. He has earned the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) after completing the rigorous training program. Our national organization, Keystone Insurers Group, recognized Hal as one of the "Best of the Best" through their Thoroughbred Award program.
Hal currently focuses on bonding and risk management strategies for public and private organizations. He loves the challenging ones, especially those with both foreign and domestic operations. Hal's strength is his ability to truly understand a business's risks and then design a plan to address their unique situation.
In addition to Hal's passion to resolve his client's insurance needs he is also passionate about grilling. Hal is a certified Kansas City Barbecue judge and enjoys traveling and participating in various competitions throughout the state. An avid hunter, Hal has a well-earned reputation as the greatest wild-game chef in the area. He also enjoys golf, hiking and "regular" cooking in his spare time.
You can take a man out of the mountains, but you cannot take the mountains out of the man. Whether it is skiing, snowboarding, or powerlifting you can find Harris always looking for a good competition. Through much dedication, Harris has excelled time and time again in his powerlifting competitions providing lasting memories for his family and fans.
Harris was introduced to insurance at a young age, growing up in a family-operated insurance agency. He takes pride in remembering his family's core values of educating each of their clients in order to protect their best interests, even when it was not necessarily the lowest rate.
A Mountaineer fan for life, Harris graduated with a B.S. in Advertising and Business Management from Appalachian State University and is a licensed Property and Casualty agent. Harris will find any excuse to visit the mountains and watch App football along side his traveling partner, Koda, his hyper Husky!
Heidi Morse joined Jones Insurance in 2013. She comes to us with over 25 years of insurance experience. She is licensed in Property and Casualty and Life and Health Insurance.
Heidi feels that creating the partnership with the client is one of the best rewards of her job.
She recently moved to North Carolina from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Heidi is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. In her spare time she loves to travel with her husband. The world is their playground.
Being born in Greenville, SC and then moving to Raleigh, NC with his family when he was 9 years old: James is a true Carolina native. He is a graduate of Green Hope High School and attended Guilford College in Greensboro, NC graduating with a degree in Business Finance. James was very successful in college not only academically, but athletically. He obtained the title of ‘Captain' of the Guilford golf team his sophomore year and was also named the ‘Division 3 National Player of the Year'.
James' chosen career path has been influenced greatly by his beloved grandfather's success building and growing a successful small business and by his wonderful parents who both chose careers in which they provide guidance to businesses and business owners about finance and insurance coverage. James admires each of their accomplishments and has always known he wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Today, James finds the greatest rewards in working directly with small business owners by helping them navigate the challenges of risk management, financial protection, and improving their bottom line. He appreciates the hard work that is required to be successful in the construction trades and understands the recent challenges and constant changes in real estate and labor market, which significantly affects the industry. James now lives in Cary with his chocolate lab "Bella" who loves walks, chasing tennis balls, and an occasional swim whenever she is close to water. Keep an eye out for James on the local courses, as he is still an avid golfer!
Jerry is a graduate of East Carolina University. He served as the President of Jones Advisors from 1975 until 2012. After passing the title of President to Buddy Gupton in 2012, Jerry retains the position of Chairman and CEO of the agency. He earned his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation in 1979.
The agency's commitment to serving local business and area residents has remained steadfast since C. Purvis Jones started the agency in 1956.
Jerry was an enthusiastic member of the Garner Volunteer Fire Department for 7 years. He served as a tutor-mentor at Garner Senior High School for 7 years as part of the Communities in Schools (CIS) Program. Following the CIS experience he served another 7 years with the SCOR (Schools and Communities Organized for Reading) program, reading with kids weekly at Timber Drive Elementary school. Jerry has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Garner Chamber of Commerce and Garner Rotary Club. He has also served for many years on North State Bank's local Advisory Board and the Business Advisory Board of Wake Enterprises. Wake Enterprises provides opportunities for developmentally disabled adults.
Jerry enjoys golf, snow skiing, flying, fly fishing and traveling with his wife, Brenda, while away from the insurance business.
Job Titles:
- Director of First Impressions
Job Titles:
- Operations Support Specialist
Jim is a partner at Jones Advisors, specializing as an advisor in group benefits and also serving as our Medicare specialist. His extensive experience in the health insurance industry has given Jim the depth of knowledge to find simple answers to complex problems, whether it is for individuals or businesses.
Jim's insurance career began in 1992 as an Account Executive with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina. While at Blue, Jim worked with many group sizes. He also established many large association and MEWA plans for groups with more than 250+ employees and multi-state locations. In 1996 he left Blue to form his own benefits agency, which he merged with Jones in 2016.
Jim continues to be a valued advisor on Life Insurance, Disability Income, Group and Individual Medical, Medicare Supplement, Dental, and Vision, as well as business insurance and Workers Compensation.
In high school Jim played football and wrestled, but baseball is the one sport that really stuck. He continued that passion, coaching Little League and travel ball while his son was playing. That investment of time paid off when Jim's son, Josh, received a baseball scholarship to college and upon graduation was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians. Jim may no longer run the bases but he stays outdoor and active through golf, hunting, and camping. Jim and his wife Tiffany reside in Johnston County and have two children.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Partner
- Member of the Garner Civitan Club
Joe became part of the Jones Insurance team in 2008 after returning from a 4 year business venture in Central America. He works with employers to help them understand and prepare for the ongoing changes in group health insurance. Joe also helps businesses implement HR information systems and creative plan designs in order to make their employee costs more manageable.
Not only is Joe fluent in Spanish, so are his two young children, daughter Emma and son Nick. His wife Ivannia is originally from Costa Rica and the family keeps very close ties to their second home and all of their friends there.
Joe is an active member of the Garner Civitan Club and also a proud ECU Pirate. He enjoys freshwater fishing all across North Carolina and is an avid do-it-yourselfer. He managed the construction of his own custom home in 2016 and now finds himself taking on plenty of weekend projects.
Julie may have been born in upstate New York, but North Carolina has always had her heart. Growing up she went on many family vacations in North Carolina and often joked she would one day call NC her "home". At the ripe age of twenty-two her joke became reality!
Some people find themselves unaware of their true purpose or talents, but what makes Julie happy is being on the soccer field. As a soccer player and coach, she has found leadership within herself. She applies her skills of teamwork, perseverance, and decision-making to her role as Client Service Specialist. With over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry and a bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, Julie really has the tools to help.
Job Titles:
- Benefits Technology Specialist
Kenneth is a NC native and was an member of the automotive industry as a ASE L1 technician before working for a statewide automotive trade association.
During the time at the association, he staffed an auto repair hotline for technicians. He transitioned into the insurance agency in 2008 becoming an account manager.
Larry was born into an insurance family. For almost 50 years, his parents owned and operated an insurance agency in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After attending college and the University of South Carolina, Larry went to work in the family business. In 1994, Larry and his family moved to the Raleigh area and soon after, he and his brother Bryan formed Insurance Solutions Inc. in Garner. In 2018, Insurance Solutions and Jones Advisors merged, and he became a partner in the Jones Advisors.
Larry is happy to be part of the Jones Insurance family and enjoys working with clients to understand each unique need, identify and eliminate gaps in the coverage that might leave exposure and create custom plans that fit their life.
When not working, Larry enjoys spending time with friends and family boating and jet-skiing at the beach. He is an active member with the Garner Morning Rotary Club which he volunteers his time to serve the community that he loves.
Leigh Anne joined the Jones Insurance team in 2016 as a Personal Lines Account Manager. She has over 15 years of insurance experience including a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. She holds dual licenses in Property and Casualty and Life and Health.
Leigh Anne was born and raised in Johnston County and still reside there. Leigh Anne earned an Associate in Science degree from University of Mount Olive.
Leigh Anne believes protecting a client's assets is her primary goal. Leigh Anne is excited about expanding the Jones Personal Lines book of business throughout North Carolina while at the same time keeping the home-town feel to the agency.
In her spare time Leigh Anne loves to work in the yard and garden, go to the beach, fish, and spend time with her loved ones.
Her life motto: As tomorrow is never promised, live each day to the fullest and as if it is your last.
Job Titles:
- Account Manager Team Lead
Lori has a true fascination with genealogy! She sees value in connection and appreciates relationships with the people in her past, present and future. Utilizing her skills of recording and preserving history, she naturally builds connections with each client and gains a better understanding of their unique challenges.
Lori graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from High Point University. She earned the designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) in 2010 and CISR Elite in 2016. Lori continues to expand her knowledge through continuing education and is committed to a lifetime of learning
When away from the office, Lori spends most of her time with her husband, two children, and numerous pets on their beautiful historic homeplace. She finds joy researching her family genealogy and getting to know close relatives previously separated by adoption - it is like finding hidden treasure!
Mike joined Jones Insurance in 2016 as a property & casualty account manager. He has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry holding both property & casualty and life & health licenses.
Mike graduated with honors from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Finance.
As an account manager, Mike is focused on providing superior customer service and ensuring that our valued customers have an experienced insurance professional as their advocate.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, mountain biking and just generally being outside in the sunshine.