GRATEFUL FOR THE INFLUENCE OF OTHERS

Texas agency owner appreciative of those who

helped shape his journey

By Christopher W. Cook

In the insurance industry, certain dedicated

young professionals stand out among their peers and

are members of an elite squad of individuals.

These are their stories. “Dun dun.”

As I mentioned last month, a number of individuals “fall” into the insurance industry, but for Charles McDade, owner of McDade Insurance Brokerage Group, LLC, in Houston, Texas, he joined out of spite.

The back story…

“I grew up in the Clear Lake area of Houston, surrounded by NASA families; one of my neighbors was Steven Wayne Lindsey, an astronaut,” McDade says. “After graduating from Clear Brook High School, I earned a full football scholarship to Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Professional Sales. During that time, I represented my university at the National Collegiate Sales Competition, an experience that laid the foundation for my career in sales.

“After I graduated from Nicholls State University in 2011, my goal was to help my grandfather sell software licenses for his cybersecurity company, which was working with NASA. Things were tough financially, and he never wanted me to know how bad it was. So, instead of asking for help, he belittled me. He said, ‘I’ve hired people from top universities like Texas A&M and UT. How are you going to do any better?’

“That hurt, but it also lit a fire in me,” he continues. “I told him, ‘Because it’s my family, and I will work harder than anyone else.’ He laughed, told me to get out, and handed me a $300 gas card, saying that’s all the support I’d get. I left angry, flipping him off on the way out.

“A week later, I got a call from Adam Rust, offering me an opportunity at Liberty Mutual. He dangled the chance to win awards, and I took it—not just to succeed but to prove to my grandfather that I could. Two years later, the family business, Naknan Inc., went bankrupt, but that experience set me on a path to where I am today.”

In 2013, McDade was named the Rookie of the Year nationwide at Liberty Mutual. “I climbed the ranks quickly, becoming a Lead Sales Representative while consistently being in the top 5% of the company,” he says.

The following year, he earned his LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) designation, stressing the importance to “never stop learning. Be a student of your craft. We owe it to our clients and those who paved the way before us to constantly improve. Insurance isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trust, and trust is built on expertise,” McDade says.

Ready to apply everything he’d learned along the way, and after a break to work in payroll solutions and recruiting, McDade launched McDade Insurance in 2020.

As the owner, he wears numerous hats. “My core responsibilities revolve around leading our agency with a commitment to service and excellence; this means overseeing operations, developing and maintaining client relationships, and driving growth through innovative strategies,” McDade says.

“My role requires balancing sales, marketing, and leadership, but the most important aspect is ensuring that our clients receive the best protection possible. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of mentorship within my team and empowering each member to exceed their potential, just as I expect from myself.”

Involvement, advice and activities

McDade is active in his local Houston Chapter of NAAIA (National African American Insurance Association). “I’m a Board Member,” he says. “I focus on helping the chapter grow through marketing strategies but, more importantly, I help others see themselves in an industry that has been transformative in my life.

“Being part of NAAIA gives me the opportunity to uplift and mentor others, particularly those who may not have seen someone like them succeed in this field,” McDade explains.

He’s also a member of the IIAH (Independent Insurance Agents of Houston). “It’s a space where we can share insights, tackle common challenges, and support each other in what can often feel like an isolated journey,” he says. “I find camaraderie with other independent agents.”

For a young professional starting out their career, McDade advises to “serve your clients with integrity,” he says. “The insurance industry is built on promises made and kept. If you commit to giving your best, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard, you’ll build a career that stands the test of time.

“Take that time to know your clients and understand their needs,” he adds. “Always seek to over-deliver, and your reputation will carry you far.”

When he isn’t doing “insurance stuff,” McDade can be found spending time with his family.

“Outside of work, my life revolves around my family, my wife, Dr. Allison McDade, and my two kids, Aaliyah (9) and Charlie (4); they are my world,” he says. “Weekends are spent cheering on the kids in sports, cooking together, or just enjoying our time as a family. My wife’s a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and we often joke that I’m her longest-running project! We’ve been together for over 15 years and have been married for 10.”

When time calls for unwinding, McDade can be found reading, playing video games or Dungeons & Dragons, or hunting.

Appreciations

There are numerous people whom McDade appreciates for helping to shape him along his work and life journey.

“My grandfather, Doug Finley, was my first mentor in life, though at times the lessons were hard,” he says. “He taught me about resilience and the importance of putting in the work, even when no one is watching. Our relationship had its tough moments—he pushed me in ways I didn’t always appreciate at the time, but I’m thankful for it now.

“His impact on my work ethic and drive to succeed is undeniable,” McDade adds. “I lost him to cancer this year in February.”

Previously mentioned, Adam Rust with Liberty Mutual was “like an older brother to me when I first entered the insurance world,” McDade says. “He saw potential in me that I didn’t fully see in myself and gave me my first big break at Liberty Mutual. He trusted me to deliver, and that trust meant everything. His belief in me fueled my early successes, and I’m forever grateful for his mentorship during those critical formative years.

“Chris Paradiso is more than a mentor—he’s been a transformational figure in my career since I first met him at Soup Live 2022 after hearing him speak,” McDade says. “Chris has an incredible ability to see the future of the insurance industry and to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

“He opened my eyes to the power of data, not just for the sake of numbers, but for understanding people better, serving clients better, and ultimately making the world better. His influence on my business—and my life—cannot be overstated.”

Going back to Liberty Mutual, Nancy Loder, also known as “Momma Bear was my branch manager, and she was exactly the kind of leader I needed during my early years,” McDade says. “She created an environment where growth wasn’t just expected; it was nurtured.

“She was tough but fair, pushing me to be the best version of myself. Nancy believed in me when I needed it most, and she held me to a high standard that shaped how I approach my career today. Her nickname is fitting because she fiercely protected her team while holding us accountable.”

McDade also thanks Taylor Dobbie, the founder of Insurance Soup, an online insurance agents’ community. “Taylor and I connected in a unique way—through our shared passion for firearms,” he says. “What started as some good-natured ribbing in a Facebook group turned into a deep friendship. Insurance Soup has been instrumental in my career.

“Taylor was the one who told me, ‘One day, you’ll want to go independent. When that day comes, give me the last at-bat, and I promise to knock it out of the park.’ Four years later, that’s exactly what happened. His foresight and belief in me gave me the confidence to strike out on my own.

“Ron Wadley, founder of Insurance for Texans, and David Carothers, who hosts The Power Producers Podcast, are two individuals I admire deeply, both as professionals and as fathers. They remind me of the kind of man I want to be, for my family and my clients.

“Ron sets the standard for what I want to achieve in my own agency, and his commitment to his clients and family is something I strive to emulate every day,” McDade continues. “Appearing on The Power Producers Podcast gave me an incredible platform to share my story and learn from David. The way he combines mentorship, fatherhood, and business inspires me every day to be better in all aspects of my life.”

McDade adds the following nods of appreciation to:

• Shawn M. Walker, vice president of Premier Group Insurance. “His support has been invaluable as I’ve grown my agency. From guiding me through tough decisions to simply being there as a sounding board, Shawn’s sincerity and genuine care have made a huge impact.”
• Carey Wallace, founder of Agency Focus. “Carey is one of the sharpest financial minds I’ve ever encountered. She has a knack for cutting through a Profit & Loss statement to identify potential pitfalls that most people would miss. Her insight and wisdom have been a lifeline at critical moments in my journey.”
• Mick Hunt, CEO of Premier Strategy Box. “He’s a force of nature. Every time I talk to him, he shatters my understanding of what’s possible. His way of thinking pushes me to question everything about myself and my business. He has an incredible ability to simplify complex ideas and make you reconsider the limits you’ve set for yourself.”
• Roda Murray-West, president of the NAAIA Houston Chapter. “Her leadership is nothing short of inspiring. She selflessly gives her time and energy to help others, always asking for the very best from everyone around her. She’s been a driving force behind the success of NAAIA in Houston, and her passion for helping the African American community thrive in insurance is something I deeply admire.”
• Daniel Seong, owner of Great Park Insurance; Scott Howell, owner of iPROTECT Insurance & Financial Services; Deon Williams, owner of 4J Insurance Agency; Wessly Anderson, co-founder of Agency VA; and Mike Stromsoe, founder of Unstoppable Profit Producer. “These are all people I’ve come to admire over the years for their professionalism, the way they interact with their families, and how they uplift others. Each one of them has played a role in shaping the way I approach my work and my life, and I’m grateful for their influence,” McDade concludes.