CEO
Conversations David Dennis
David Dennis believes in hustling , from selling drinks to golfers through the course fence in his hometown of Dothan at age 12 to soon celebrating 30 years at Harmon Dennis Bradshaw , Inc . and five as the insurance company ’ s president . But he knows it ’ s not just about hard work ; it ’ s about smart work and sticking to the work . It ’ s his definition of leadership , and put in action , it ’ s proven the solution to overcoming challenges HDB has faced .
What are the main responsibilities of your role at HDB ? Production , management and company oversight .
What first drew you to a career in insurance ? The commission compensation , but also the demand for client problem solving .
What ’ s the No . 1 challenge HDB faced last year , and how did you and your team deal with it ? Labor , labor , labor . Underqualified candidates with unrealistic salary expectations , plus good historical staff members facing pressure to go elsewhere because other desperate employers are poaching them due to similar labor shortage issues . Pay raises , work-fromhome options , summertime free days and the creation of work teams are a few of the solutions we ’ ve implemented that were well received .
What ’ s currently trending in the insurance industry ? Pricing is soaring ; insurance carriers are very difficult currently and not much help if you are in a “ rush ” predicament .
What does leadership look like to you ? Do it by example : Out hustle , out work , don ’ t complain and get it done .
What ’ s the most fulfilling aspect of your work ? Helping staff and clients find solutions .
What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Twenty-seven years of marriage to my one and only , Kim . She ’ s very patient !
Personal Matters :
Best business book : “ Who Moved My Cheese ?” by Spencer Johnson
Alternate career path : I really enjoy the outdoors , so probably working with my hands , maybe in landscaping or as a hunting or fishing guide .
If you could have dinner with anyone , dead or alive , who would it be ? That is easy , Jesus .
Favorite quote : “ Never quit . Win or lose , always finish .”
Out of office : I enjoy competitive exercise like tennis , pickleball , bike riding and turkey hunting with my boys . I also enjoy a cooler of beer with music and a book , either over a lake or beach view if possible .
68 CentrAL Inc !
Photography by Grace O ’ Connor .