Finding Purpose Beyond the Stares: How My Insurance Career Became the Pathway to My True Calling

Finding Purpose Beyond the Stares: How My Insurance Career Became the Pathway to My True Calling

The Search for Purpose

Many of us spend years searching for meaning in our work, believing that our careers define our purpose. We pour time, energy, and passion into our professions, thinking that success and fulfillment go hand in hand. For over two decades, I believed my purpose was in the insurance industry. I devoted myself to helping businesses mitigate risk, protect their assets, and navigate the complexities of commercial insurance.

But as the years passed, I realized that while insurance had been my career, it was not my calling. It was the pathway to something much greater. My true purpose was born from personal experience, shaped by my family’s journey in raising a child with developmental disabilities.

Beyond the Stares is more than a name—it’s a mission. It’s about advocating for families like mine, creating awareness, and building a support system for those who face the daily realities of raising children with unique challenges. And as I look back, I see how my insurance career was not an end, but a means to something far more significant.

From Profession to Passion: The Evolution of Purpose

The Early Years: Chasing Success in Insurance

When I first entered the insurance industry, my focus was clear: become the best at what I did. I dedicated myself to mastering the intricacies of commercial insurance, learning how to build relationships, prospect effectively, and provide real value to my clients.

Insurance gave me financial stability, professional recognition, and the ability to help businesses navigate risk. I found purpose in the work, but deep down, I always felt there was something more I was meant to do. I just didn’t know what it was yet.

The Turning Point: When Passion and Purpose Collided

Then, my son Ethan was born. And my world changed.

Ethan was diagnosed with Low White Brain Matter, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, and other developmental challenges. As a family, we faced obstacles that no business meeting or sales call could prepare me for. We encountered judgment, misunderstanding, and systemic barriers that made everyday life harder than it needed to be.

I began to see the world differently—not just through the lens of an insurance professional, but as an advocate, a fighter, and a father determined to make a difference. My career in insurance didn’t lose its importance, but it took on new meaning. I saw it as the foundation that would allow me to step into my true purpose.

How My Insurance Career Prepared Me for My Purpose

Insurance and Fundraising: The Art of Relationship Building

At first glance, insurance and fundraising for a cause may seem worlds apart. But when you strip them down to their core, they share a critical similarity: both are built on relationships and trust.

In my insurance career, I’ve spent years educating business owners on risk management, policy structures, and long-term protection strategies. Success in this industry isn’t about selling a product—it’s about building relationships and helping people make informed decisions.

That same skill set has translated seamlessly into the work I do with Beyond the Stares. Raising awareness and securing support for families with developmental disabilities requires the ability to tell a compelling story, inspire action, and create genuine connections. Just as I guide clients toward protecting their businesses, I now guide families and communities toward embracing and supporting those with unique challenges.

Financial Freedom: Using My Career to Fund My Purpose

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that money is a tool. My success in commercial insurance has allowed me to fund Beyond the Stares without relying on outside donations or grants.

Because of my career, I’ve been able to:

• Create digital content that educates and connects families facing similar challenges.
• Organize events that bring families together, creating safe spaces for children to thrive.
• Partner with brands and organizations that can provide life-changing opportunities.
• Invest in building a community that gives families the support they need.

This isn’t just a side project—it’s something I can fully commit to because my career has given me the financial foundation to pursue it without hesitation.

The Power of a Flexible Schedule: Doing More, Being Present

One of the greatest advantages of working in the insurance industry is the flexibility it provides. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, my role allows me to control my schedule, prioritize my time, and be present for the things that matter most.

This flexibility has given me the ability to:

• Travel to meet other families and advocates, strengthening our network.
• Attend events and conferences that raise awareness for children with disabilities.
• Spend quality time with Ethan, ensuring that he has the resources and support he needs.

If I were in a rigid corporate structure, I wouldn’t have the ability to pursue this purpose at the level I do today. My insurance career has provided not only financial stability but also the freedom to be present for my family and my mission.

Building a Digital Community to Support Beyond the Stares

One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed over the years is the ability to build loyal digital communities. Whether in insurance, sales, or entrepreneurship, I’ve helped create spaces where professionals connect, share insights, and grow together.

This experience is now serving a larger purpose—helping families of children with disabilities find the same sense of connection and support.

Beyond the Stares is more than a cause; it’s a community-driven movement that thrives on engagement across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, podcasts, and live events. We know how to build online spaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported, and we’re applying that expertise to create a network that makes a real difference for families everywhere.

By leveraging technology, social media, and digital marketing, we’re reaching parents, advocates, and organizations worldwide—ensuring that no family feels alone in their journey.

Conclusion: Your Purpose May Already Be in Front of You

I never set out to create Beyond the Stares. I set out to build a career in insurance. But in doing so, I gained the skills, financial stability, and flexibility to step into my true calling.

Purpose isn’t always found in a radical career shift—it can often be unlocked by the very path you’re already on. If you’re searching for meaning in your work, take a closer look. Your experiences, relationships, and skills may already be preparing you for something greater.

And if you believe in the mission of Beyond the Stares, I invite you to be part of it. Together, we can change the narrative and build a world that sees beyond the stares—into the limitless potential of every child and family.

Normally I ask you to consider subscibing and sharing with your peers. This week, I am simply asking you to do it. I put out a new newsletter each Tuesday morning. This is probably one of the most important I have every written. Too many people in our industry are floundering around not knowing how much they can actually impact the world.