Star City 6: Joseph Easley
UNICO Group (unicogroup.com) is the area’s largest independently owned insurance and financial services agency. Joseph Easley is a Benefits Advisor at UNICO Group’s Lincoln office.
Tell us a little about your business. – We’re an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) company, so our growth has come from the exceptional people who work here and their commitment to success – and that’s made us one of the fast growing agencies in the nation. We’re a one-stop shop agency for employers and individuals, but specifically I’m a broker on our employee benefits team helping employers manage all aspects of their group benefit programs.
How did you get started in the business? – I started as soon as I graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University. I worked for Ameritas selling dental and vision insurance, first in Chicago then in Omaha. Being a broker was something I always wanted, so after moving the family home to Lincoln I was excited to join the UNICO team.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Sally, and I have been married for 7 years. We have two young boys, Henry (4) and Johnny (1), and a third child on the way. There’s also a dog and cat running around our house.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Having children. They are the greatest things to ever happen, but as all parents know it’s a big change. Until that point it was my wife and I, and I could spend as much time as needed to achieve all my professional goals. But then the kids came in and took over our whole world…it’s a wonderful thing, but definitely changed everything.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I’ve still got that kid inside me, so playing with my boys. I also like getting the handyman things done around the house and outside.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’m the youngest of 12 kids, with the best parents possible. My siblings aren’t too shabby either, and all of us have families of our own…36 children between us all. Holidays typically resemble an unorganized circus more than a family gathering.
What are you the most proud of? – My parents. I could write a novel about all of the things I’m thankful for and proud of, but I wouldn’t get much else done for a few years. My mother, Joanne, passed away a few years back but raising 12 children, everyone graduating college and having families of their own is a small example of her guidance as a mother. My father, George, is actually still working as a financial advisor in town at the young age of 78, and he’s the person I try to imitate most. I owe everything to them both.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I play the piano…and harmonica. Neither very good, but my kids think I’m a celebrity.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is one. The philosophy is simple: feed the hungry. Most take it for granted, but many people right here in Lincoln don’t have the luxury of getting regular meals. It’s one of the most impactful and logical ways to make a difference in our community.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Give me a call at (402) 434-7280 or email me at jeasley@unicogroup.com. Or you can learn more about our services at unicogroup.com.
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