Axis Insurance Services and PLRisk Specialty are proud to shine the spotlight on Javier Gonzalez, our Partner, and Executive Vice President of Sales. This month, we celebrate Javier’s remarkable 19-year journey with us, a tenure marked by his pivotal role in transforming our firm from a modest five-person regional insurance brokerage into a preeminent national brokerage specializing in professional and management liability, with a team of 50 and over half a billion dollars in insurance premiums sold.
Javier’s story with us began in 2005, straight out of Fordham University, where he not only earned a degree in Business but also distinguished himself as a scholarship football player. His initial role as a sales assistant quickly evolved as he demonstrated his ability to understand and excel in the insurance industry, rapidly ascending through the ranks from producer to executive. His first eight years were filled with accolades, including multiple Top Producer awards, recognition as a ‘30 under 30’ standout by Business Insurance, and a role on the Professional Liability Underwriting Society’s (PLUS) national education committee. His influence extended to the Eastern Chapter of PLUS, garnering him respect and recognition within the underwriting community, which proved instrumental in his subsequent rise to partnership and executive leadership.
In 2012, Javier embraced the challenge of partnership and the role of Executive Vice President. Under his guidance, PLRisk, our wholesale division, was born. Starting from nothing, Javier’s vision, and leadership nurtured PLRisk into a thriving entity with over 30 employees and an annual premium volume surpassing $50M. His innovative approach to distribution, market engagement, and marketing strategy has been central to this success.
Currently, Javier oversees our sales team, fostering key carrier and retailer relationships and developing the companies’ strategic marketing initiatives. His proactive approach during the pandemic led to the doubling of our company and achieving our 5-year sales goals in under three years. This is a period that also saw the birth of a new cannabis division. His roles as both a producer and an executive has been a cornerstone of our company’s achievements and an inspiration to our sales team to have a leader that can actually “do it.” Today, Javier dedicates much of his effort to transactional insurance in the M&A space, where he continues to lead as the top producer, while also guiding a team of 10 producers.
Since his start in 2005, Javier has been at the forefront of delivering quality insurance solutions in professional, management, and cyber liability across diverse industries. His recent focus on M&A-related risks, including Reps & Warranties and tail coverage, has provided invaluable support for transactions of all magnitudes. At PLRisk, Javier’s leadership ensures the continued growth and direction of our sales force, as well as the cultivation of strategic partnerships and relationships with retailers and insurance companies. His efforts have consistently doubled our company’s size every five years, a testament to his and his team’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Mike Smith, President, and CEO had this to say: “I knew from the start that Javier was going to be a shining star. My first clue was early in his tenure when he asked me if it was ok to for him to come to the office to work over the weekend to catch up. Although, funny at the time it was a testament that he just wanted to get the job done, whatever it took. It has been a pleasure watching him grow from a sales assistant to a national player and leader. On behalf of myself and the company it would have been impossible to achieve what we have without him.”
In addition to his role in the company and our community, Javier is a husband and father of two. He has an active role in coaching in several sports and is an avid golfer and fisherman.
Other Accomplishments:
- Cyber Insurance Panelist: 2017 PA Bar Institute 23rd Annual Business Law Conference
- 30 under 30 Award Winner from Business Insurance
- Cyber Insurance Panelist: NetDiligence Cyber Liability Conference 2017- Santa Monica
- Cyber Insurance Panelist: 2016 PA Bar Institute 22nd Annual Business Law Conference
- Cyber Insurance Panelist: 2016 Bringing the World to You, Lehigh University
- 3-time National CLM E&O/D&O panel speaker/panelist
- National Association of Realtors guest speaker for E&O
- PLUS, Member/2 Time Int’l Conference Committee Member
- B.S. in Business Administration, Fordham University, NYC
- 3-Year Varsity Letterman, Fordham University Football
Please join us in applauding Javier Gonzalez for his outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence not only in our company but in the insurance industry and his community. His journey is a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the heights we can achieve through dedication and leadership.
