Axis Insurance Services is proud to celebrate 21 years of working with Executive Vice President Javier Gonzalez. Javier’s story with us began in 2005, straight out of Fordham University, where he not only earned a degree in Business but also distinguished himself as a scholarship football player. His initial role as a sales assistant quickly evolved as he demonstrated his ability to understand and excel in the insurance industry, rapidly ascending through the ranks from producer to executive. His first eight years were filled with accolades, including multiple Top Producer awards, recognition as a ‘30 under 30’ standout by Business Insurance, and a role on the Professional Liability Underwriting Society’s (PLUS) national education committee. His influence extended to the Eastern Chapter of PLUS, garnering him respect and recognition within the underwriting community, which proved instrumental in his subsequent rise to partnership and executive leadership.
Per Mike Smith, Founder and CEO “Javier has been an invaluable asset to our company from the very beginning. His unwavering dedication, innovative strategies, and unparalleled expertise have not only driven our growth but have set new standards in the industry. As a partner and Executive Vice President, Javier consistently leads by example, inspiring his team and securing landmark deals that have taken our company to new heights. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of his caliber and commitment on our team.”
On reflecting over his long career with Axis, Javier had this to say, “Looking back, the past 21 years have been a great experience and I’m grateful for the support from Mike, our management team, all our company team members, and equally as important to me are the relationships created along the way with our clients and carrier partners during my time here. I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today without support from all of them. I’m looking forward to what the next several years have in store for us as we continue to focus on growth and continue adapting to the constant changes within our industry.
About Javier
Upon graduating from Fordham University in 2005, where he played scholarship football, Javier came in on the ground floor of the company having only four employees and has held many jobs in the company since, supporting its rapid growth to over fifty employees. In 2010, Javier was promoted to Sales Manager where he oversaw developing new sales staff, implementing sales and marketing strategies, carrier relations and marketing. Recognizing his value, he was offered a partnership and promoted to Executive Vice President in 2012, a position he has held since then. In 2013, he was selected by Business Insurance as a "40 under 40". This prestigious award is given only to those outstanding industry professionals nominated by their peers. He has served on the Professional Liability Underwriting Society’s national education committee and various other industry groups and is a frequent speaker at many industry events.
In addition to his responsibilities as a partner and manager, Javier continues to produce new business and is most frequently the top producer despite managing a sales staff of over 10 producers. In 2023, he secured the largest deal in the 25 years of the company’s history as a producer.
Having close to 20 years’ experience on both the retail and wholesale sides of the business has positioned Javier to consistently provide solutions for complex and hard-to-place risks and understand the insureds’ needs. Countless numbers of executives have been grateful to have Javier providing them with insurance solutions they had failed to obtain from other brokers throughout the years.
When Javier is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He is an avid sports fan, golfer, and fisherman.
Other Accomplishments:
- National 40 Under 40 Broker Leader designated by Business Insurance
- 50 Rising Stars of the Insurance Industry – Reactions Magazine December 2013/January 2014 edition
- 3-time CLM (Claims Litigation & Management Alliance) professional liability panel speaker/participant
- National Association of Realtors for Professional Liability Guest Speaker
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society Member
- 4-time million-dollar producer recipient
- B.S. in Business Administration, Fordham University, NYC
- 3-Year Varsity Letterman, Fordham University Football
About PLRisk
PLRisk Specialty Insurance Agency, LLC is a leading wholesale insurance brokerage covering the professional liability market. Our featured policies include:
- Errors & Omissions insurance for a variety of professions
- Directors & Officers insurance, for private and public companies
- Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
- Cyber Liability
- Commercial Crime
- Fiduciary insurance
We have fostered strong partnerships with the top-rated carriers across the U.S. These powerful relationships enable us to find coverage for even the hardest-to-place risks. Our years of expertise in the industry have given us the credibility and stellar reputation that many agencies have come to trust.
Mike Smith, founder of PLRisk Specialty Insurance Agency, LLC, has been in the Professional Liability insurance business for over 20 years and believes that it is crucial to be intimately involved with every client. In this ever-changing landscape where regulation and increased litigation concerns are constant, you and your clients need a partner that understands how these regulations have the potential to increase exposure and how to mitigate risk. That partner is PLRisk Specialty Insurance Agency, LLC.
