A Conversation with Adela Townley

Adela Townley of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants inspires us. Adela believes in the power of dreams as well as the beauty of hard work, and attributes much of her success to a powerful influence: her parents’ work ethic. Having spent a bit over two decades in the insurance industry, the New York, NY resident reminds us that no matter the circumstances of your start, with dedication, you can reach any goal.

Q: What words do you live by?

Adela: I live by these words: you can be a dreamer, but also be a doer. No matter how humble your beginnings, regardless of the disadvantages you start with in life, the combination of ambition, enthusiasm, hard work, and optimism will get you everywhere!

Q: Who inspired you growing up? Who inspires you now?

Adela: As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I am a first generation American. My parents immigrated to the United States as a young, married couple and started their life here as farm workers in the fields of central California. They spent long days in varying weather doing back-breaking work picking fruits and vegetables. Regardless of how exhausted they were, every evening they found the energy to make a home cooked meal and spend quality time with us kids watching telenovelas. I had no way of knowing it then, but their courage and work ethic has always been the inspiration and driving force in my life.

Q: Of what accomplishment or decision are you most proud?

Adela: I am most proud of my decision to leave my lovely and comfortable life in Laguna Beach, CA to move to New York City. I had to be brave to do it, though I had always been captivated by this electrifying and iconic city. I always felt like it called to me. My ambition and my energy (both personally and professionally) felt limited everywhere else. Moving to NYC was intimidating, but I chased the life I had envisioned for myself because I did not want to have any regrets. It was the best decision I ever made!