A Journey from Ministry to Insurance Leadership
Jeff Dromeshauser's career path wasn’t a straight road—it was more of an unexpected journey that led him to insurance. With a background in youth ministry, Jeff never imagined he would one day become a key player in our industry. Yet, through a mix of chance, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt, he found himself in a leadership position at Sovereign Insurance Group, specializing in insuring houses of worship, nonprofits, and educational institutions.
From Youth Ministry to Insurance
Jeff’s early career began with a passion for working with young people. He pursued graduate studies in youth ministry and spent time working at a church, where he thrived in mentoring and guiding students. However, as time went on, he felt a pull toward a different path. The transition came unexpectedly—during a casual round of golf with a friend who worked in insurance. The friend jokingly asked if Jeff was looking for a job, not knowing that he actually was. That lighthearted conversation led Jeff to Sovereign, where he would embark on a new professional adventure.
Learning the Ropes
Despite having no prior experience in sales or insurance, Jeff quickly adapted. His background equipped him with valuable skills—communication, problem-solving, and the ability to understand people’s needs. Selling insurance was intimidating at first, but he soon realized that, much like his previous work, it was about building relationships and providing guidance. Over the years, he grew into his role, helping to expand his agency’s reach by developing new programs and taking innovative approaches to servicing clients.
A Passion for Growth and Learning
One of Jeff’s defining characteristics is his curiosity. He loves to learn, whether it’s understanding how systems work, finding better business solutions, or figuring out how to improve existing processes. His involvement with NetVU provides an outlet for this curiosity. Through NetVU, he connected with industry peers who shared insights, strategies, and challenges, reinforcing his belief in the power of community-driven learning.
Balancing Work and Family
Jeff's professional growth has paralleled his personal journey. When he started at Sovereign, he was single. Today, he is married with six children—a responsibility that has made him even more intentional about work-life balance. Early in his marriage, he and his wife made an agreement: he would prioritize being home for dinner, which meant adjusting his schedule to start work early in the morning. This structure allowed him to be present for his family while continuing to grow his career.
A Unique Perspective on the Industry
Unlike many in the insurance world, Jeff approaches the business with a sales-driven, entrepreneurial mindset. While he acknowledges the importance of budgets and financial management, he firmly believes that revenue generation is key. His focus is always on finding ways to grow, innovate, and create new opportunities rather than getting stuck in the minutiae of expense management.
The Future of Independent Agencies
Jeff has strong views on the future of the insurance industry, particularly for mid-sized agencies. He sees a gap in resources and strategy for firms that are too big to operate like small agencies but not large enough to compete with major brokers. He believes that NetVU can play a crucial role in providing the tools and knowledge needed for these agencies to thrive, rather than being forced into acquisition by larger firms.
Looking Ahead
Jeff’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. What started as a chance encounter on a golf course evolved into a fulfilling career where he is not only a leader in his field but also an advocate for the independent agency model. Through his work with Sovereign and NetVU, he remains committed to helping others navigate the complexities of the industry while staying true to his core values of growth, curiosity, and community.