Jerry McCarthy, owner of the State Farm Insurance office at 1531 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, worked for 13 years in the Florida educational system before he became an insurance agent.
Jerry graduated from college with a degree in English in 1972. A single telephone interview landed him a job in the Florida school system teaching language arts. Jerry continued his education receiving a master’s degree in counseling, and additional coursework to achieve certification in administration and supervision.
He worked three years as a guidance counselor and then opened the Pine View Middle School in 1978 and assumed the role of school principal for five years. “It was a brand new school,” says Jerry, “and a terrific learning experience.”
He finished his educational career as a high school principal. “The transition from teaching to sales isn’t that big of a leap,” says Jerry. “I always wanted to get into sales. The truth is that all great sales people are teachers.”
Jerry was born and raised in Chicago, the oldest of seven children. His mom is 92 and still lives there. His family visits up north are just long enough to remind him why he never wants to leave Florida.
This is Jerry’s 29th year with State Farm. He opened his own office in 1985 in the Land O’Lakes/Lutz area. “I started from scratch,” says Jerry. “That means I had no clients, no mailing list, just a strong desire to help people prepare for the unexpected.”
He moved to his current location on N. Dale Mabry Highway in 1990. Jerry has only one office. A lot of insurance sales people are independent agents who represent multiple insurance companies, but Jerry works only for State Farm. “It is our goal to be the first and best choice for your insurance needs,” says Jerry. “State Farm is a good wholesome company that provides excellent customer service.”
“State Farm is a great company for both employees and customers,” says Jerry. “They know the employees are an integral part of the problem resolution process. The claims people are very compassionate. They understand they’re helping customers at a time when they’re going through the worst situations.” Insurance is all about preparing for and protecting people from the unexpected. “No one expects to have an accident or a loss,” says Jerry. “The purpose of insurance is to help people recover from a problem. It feels good to know my customers are adequately covered.”
“These days change is the only constant,” says Jerry. “People need to be prepared for sudden and unexpected problems. Everyone needs homeowners insurance because things happen in a house. Years ago lightning was a huge source of loss in the home.”
Jerry is now insuring multiple generations. First he insured the parents and now the children are coming to him also. “State Farm is a great partner to have on your side when you have a problem,” says Jerry. “We strive to provide the very best coverage to our customers.”
Jerry is pleased with both of his career choices. He’s still involved in the school system, though now as a spectator watching his grandchildren participate in school events. And he’s still teaching, helping people prepare for their future in a constantly changing world.
His State Farm Insurance office is located at 1531 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. He can be reached at (813) 949-3669, or at .
– Mike Matthew
This story is a feature of the advertising department.
