For James Bryan, leadership is about serving others and never quitting on yourself.

Originally from Hagerstown, Maryland, now based in Swansboro, North Carolina, James spent most of his career working with a Fortune 500 company before retiring. But retirement didn’t feel complete. He missed purpose, structure, and the feeling of making a difference. So when he came across a remote opportunity in insurance, something about the mission of protecting families while building freedom resonated deeply.

“I wanted something that allowed me to give back to my community and loved ones,” he recalls.

James joined under the mentorship of Triston Strickland. With no prior experience in the industry, he relied on faith, humility, and belief in the process. Within just over a year, he achieved the title of Agency Owner, proving that consistency and coachability can outlast any challenge.

His turning point came when he realized leadership wasn’t just about helping clients, it was about helping people build lives of impact. “You can’t lose here if you don’t quit,” James says.

James credits much of his development to mentors like Brian Delaney, whose example of servant leadership continues to inspire him. “Brian pours into people constantly,” James says. “He’s a mentor, a friend, and a model of what a true leader looks like.”

Today, James leads with that same energy: building his team, serving families, and reminding new agents that every struggle is a setup for strength. He’s created a culture of unity through team trips, Lakehouse weekends, and conference gatherings that remind everyone what this business is really about: freedom, community, and growth.

His advice to anyone starting out:
“Stay the course. When it gets hard, ask for help. Every leader here will pour into you but you’ve got to keep showing up. Freedom is on the other side of persistence.”