By Chris Mitchell, Founder of The Mitchell Insurance Group
From Country Clubs to Coverage
Launching my own insurance agency wasn’t part of the original plan. At the time, I was working in the restaurant industry at a country club, realizing more and more that it wasn’t sustainable—especially if I wanted to build a family life where I could actually be present. So I threw my resume into the world.
That’s when I got a call from Farmers Insurance. They told me I’d make a great insurance agent. Honestly? I doubted them. I didn’t know much about insurance, but I knew everyone needed it. I also knew people deserved someone they could trust when it came to protecting their lives and livelihoods. So I thought: “Why not? How hard can it be?”
Spoiler alert: It was a lot harder than I expected.
Starting from Scratch
I began with exactly one client—myself—and no name recognition in the industry. But a few close friends and family members took a chance on me, and that trust gave me hope. I realized I could make a difference.
I’m naturally competitive and a little stubborn, which worked in my favor. In July 2014, I opened my Farmers agency. Over six years, I built a strong client base, but I started to feel boxed in. My product lineup was limited, and I couldn’t always serve people the way I wanted to.
That’s when some trusted peers encouraged me to explore the independent broker model. The idea of offering broader solutions through multiple carriers resonated deeply. After a lot of conversations (and prayers), my wife and I made the difficult decision to leave the captive model and start over again. And once again, I was my own first client.
Here’s a picture of me from the Farmers’ agency days:
A New Beginning—During a Pandemic
In May 2020, in the middle of the COVID lockdowns, The Mitchell Insurance Group officially launched.
From day one, the difference was clear. I was helping more clients than ever before—delivering better coverage, better rates, and better relationships. The growth was exciting… and a little overwhelming.
That’s when Dani joined the team. She’s been instrumental, especially in our renewals process—an area where many agencies drop the ball. Around the same time, my wife Natasha, who had spent years as a nurse practitioner, decided to join the agency full-time. That was a full-circle moment for us—she went from skeptical about my career shift to all-in on our mission.
Our Team Today
We’re now a team of five humans: Dani, Natasha, Kevin, Amy, and I—plus our Golden Retriever, also named Kevin, who serves as the official office greeter. Each team member brings unique strengths to the table. It’s that blend of skill and heart that makes our agency something special.
We treat people like people—not policies. We care deeply about our community, and we partner with others who share that same heart for service. That’s what sets us apart.
Say hi to Kevin, our office mascot:
5 Lessons from 5 Years
1. Betting on Yourself Is Worth It
Leaving a captive agency and launching a new business during a global pandemic was risky. But believing in our vision—and surrounding ourselves with people who believed in it too—made all the difference.
Lesson: Growth starts with courage. Betting on yourself is never wasted.
2. People Remember How You Make Them Feel
Insurance is technical, but relationships are personal. Clients don’t just stick around because of price—they stay because they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Lesson: Service isn’t just about policies—it’s about people.
3. Community Over Competition Always Wins
We’ve grown by partnering with other local businesses and investing in Littleton. Supporting others has built stronger roots than any marketing campaign ever could.
Lesson: When your community thrives, so does your business.
4. Your Team Is Everything
From Dani’s early days to Natasha’s career shift and now a full team, our people are what make this business work. Every one of them brings something unique, and together, we create something greater than the sum of our parts.
Lesson: Hire people who share your heart—and build something meaningful together.
5. Renewal Is Where Trust Is Earned
Many agencies focus on the sale. We focus on the relationship—especially during renewals. That’s where we prove our value, year after year.
Lesson: It’s not just about getting clients. It’s about keeping them, with honesty and follow-through.
To our clients, our community, and everyone who’s supported us—thank you. We’re just getting started.
Here’s to the next five (and beyond),
LinkedIn: Chris Mitchell
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