Let us introduce you to the new Young Agents Committee Chairman — recently selected by The Virginian-Pilot as one of the Top 40 under 40. Nothing better to introduce you than his profile listed in the newsletter.
Name: Michael Nusbaum
Job title: Vice President
Employer: Nusbaum Insurance
At work: I work with individuals and commercial entities to protect their personal items and businesses from a variety of different risks. On the personal side, we handle home, auto, flood and umbrella policies; while on the commercial front, I work with many government contractors, restaurants, nonprofits, tech companies and startups emerging out of the incubators in our area. I am also heavily involved with finalizing and implementing our agency's transition to the next generation of leadership and hope to ensure our continued success for another 70-plus years.
Home and family: I was born and raised in Norfolk. After an 8 year sojourn in Nashville, where I met and married my wife Rachael, we moved back to Norfolk and currently live in the Larchmont area with our 8-month old son Parkes, and 2 labs: Jeb and Cova
Volunteer activities: I serve on the boards of Norfolk Crime Line, Norfolk Innovation Corridor and Ohef Shalom Temple. I also chair the Young Agent's Committee for our state trade organization, Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia
Motivating factor: I am blessed to have a tremendous team to work with every day and a very supportive family, both locally and afar, that provides a daily reminder of my WHY. The tireless effort my team puts toward helping our clients is inspiring and without their support, we would not be able to achieve our goals. I am also keenly aware of the family legacy of business leadership in our region and am proud to uphold that tradition while also looking for ways to innovate that heritage and serve as a beacon for others.
Advice to young people: Get involved with community groups and don’t be afraid of a leadership position. You never know who you might meet and the social capital it brings; sweat equity is just as needed as financial contributions.
Professional goal in five years: To have successfully navigated our agency succession into the 3rd generation while growing our internal team
The one thing I'd change about Hampton Roads: We need more collaboration among the different cities, including business recruitment and the quality of life of its citizens. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Region's biggest asset: The 757 has tremendous diversity in spaces — from waterfront to rural, from suburban to urban; there is a space for everyone.
Downtime: I am a basic dude in my 30s: I am an avid sports fan, especially college football and lacrosse, walking the ERT with my dogs and son, exploring the local food scene with my wife and friends, and trying to catch as much live music as possible.
What really gets under my skin: People unwilling to listen to others' opinions and not checking their ego at the door.
Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia