Jeff D. Johnson, Clf Vice President Of A Non-Profit At Medsend is a Our mission is to strategically fund qualified healthcare professionals to serve the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. at MedSend. Colleagues describe him as "My name is Tim Cruz. Owner of Cruz Insurance & Financial. I have been an insurance agent since 2017.
I made the switch to insurance in 2017 because of my interactions with Jeff Johnson, who later recruited me into the insurance industry. I did not know a thing about insurance or running a successful business, however I knew my road to success would be less difficult because I had Jeff Johnson in my corner.
Jeff was always stopping by my office or calling me on the phone to see how I was doing. I remember one day he invited me to participate in a training seminar that he was conducting in NM. Jeff’s seminar was completely sold out, but he told me I was invited and so I attended. Through Jeff’s Defender Series I learned how to be an advocate for my clients. I learned how to overcome everyday hurdles and ALWAYS do what is right for the client. I was fortunate to learn from a person who not only ‘talked the talk but he walked the walk.’ In the first 3 months of our agency, we were awarded the Blue Vase Award thanks to some of the practical suggestions I learned from Jeff Johnson and the Defender Series. I had started a scratch agency, hired one employee and won the Blue Vase Award within the first 3 months. I felt unstoppable!
Our agency had a goal to win the prestigious “Presidents Club Award” and during one of our calls I asked Jeff…what else I could do to ensure that we win this award. Jeff immediately scheduled time out of his busy schedule to visit potential commercial clients with me and show me firsthand. I was able to watch Jeff Johnson and the way he interacted with business owners which in turn taught me what needed to be done. I was so motivated after watching Jeff’s interactions and how he did not sell clients, but how he educated business owners. I thought this is a no brainer! I started to reach out to business owners on a weekly basis. Our commercial sales grew to about 15% of our book of business. Our agency was awarded Presidents Club that same year!
On Sept 16th, 2021, our agency made a decision to move to the independent insurance market. We have written over $1M in NEW revenue in our first year and we are still growing! I have put into action the many steps I have learned from the Defender Series and Jeff Johnson. Without Jeff or his training our agency would not have been able to accomplish all the aforementioned items above. Jeff has a rare ability to inspire his team to achieve extraordinary results. He suggests incremental shifts in behavior to help groups tackle large undertakings which otherwise seem daunting. He motivates you to be your best every day. Jeff is a true professional delegating accountability and responsibility with commensurate decision-making authority. He is a coach and a mentor. His Defender Series is a must have for any new or seasoned insurance agent.
Tim Cruz" and "During the past 25 years in my role as the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, I have been fortunate to be supported and mentored by talented insurance leaders like Jeff Johnson who have influenced not just my career, but who’s vision has shaped RMIA.
Jeff Johnson’s fifteen years of service on RMIA’s Board of Directors helped chart the long-term course of the organization. Jeff is a true change maker and strategic thinker. As RMIA President he developed our association mission statement committed to insurance industry advocacy and consumer education. Jeff inspired me and other board member to think about the bigger picture, identify strengths and opportunities for success. In fact, during his RMIA board tenure, he served as President twice, President-Elect and Treasurer. Jeff was never one of those board members who just show up—he put in the work and dedicated himself to RMIA’s industry goals, all while navigating his own company and agency owner responsibilities. On a board of high-ranking insurance executives who are also competitors, he was a well-liked and respected thought leader who always worked toward consensus—not a simple task!
For many years I also observed first-hand, his deep commitment to his employees and agents in leading the region for American National. It was inspirational to watch him constantly elevate the people around him as a talented team builder investing in shared success.
I highly recommend Jeff Johnson for any position that requires a strong, visionary leader to focus on teamwork, mentoring and strategic business solutions.
Carole Walker, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Insurance Association"
