“I find it incredibly fulfilling that I get to assist people when they have a claim,” Paul Barker shares. “Take, for example, July of 2022, we had a hailstorm in Green Valley with one-and-a-half inch-sized hail! The storm damaged 189 homes, two condo complexes we insure, and 128 cars in total. We experienced a catastrophic loss, and at the end of the day, it really hit home for me… 

“My agency was able to help people, especially retirees, that needed new roof estimates,” he continues. “It made me feel good, all that hand-holding during a very stressful time. Let’s call a spade, a spade — nobody loves insurance! But when it’s time to file claims, it’s important.”

In an industry where timely responses and understanding are crucial, Paul and his team’s devotion to helping others, whether through a hailstorm or everyday life, ensures that their clients are always in good hands at Paul Barker Agency, Inc. doing business as American Family Insurance.

Founded on the principles of service and reliability with a legacy stretching back to 1927, American Family Insurance, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has built a reputation for excellence over the past century. With over 18 years of service in the industry, Paul has been instrumental in upholding and expanding that legacy at the local level.

Before finding his calling in insurance though, Paul was immersed in the trucking and transportation business for nine years. "I started out as a diesel mechanic and have been doing sales ever since I was 24 years old," he recalls. 

Paul's transition to insurance came in 2003. It was a pivotal moment in his career. His move was driven by a desire to find a more fulfilling career path that allowed him to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. 

“I was introduced to the industry way back then, and have been with American Family since 2005,” Paul notes with pride. "Ensuring that we have the right coverage for the right person drives me,” he continues. “Not all contracts are created equal, and my agency knows we need to mold a solution for every individual."

One of the standout features of Paul Barker Agency Inc. is its impressive attention to personalized service. With two offices and a dedicated team of seven members, the agency prides itself on its exceptional customer service and efficiency. Licensed in 10 states, Paul’s agency also serves as a hub for secondary homes in Arizona, ensuring year-round support for clients, no matter where they are.

“We can write property policies from old to new, suburban to rural. Additionally, we offer great policies for rentals of all kinds,” Paul points out. “I also hold my Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation to ensure clients are getting the insurance plan that is tailored to their situation.

“Our team prides itself on customer service and I think much of that was lost during COVID. That is our entire goal. It’s been said it’s easier to retain a customer than find a new one, and that is really true!” he affirms.

Paul’s agency also sets itself apart from other insurance agencies through its swift response times and dedication to finding the best solutions for clients, even if that means recommending a different provider. 

“We want to help you find a solution — even if we are not a great fit for your specific needs,” Paul shares candidly. In an industry that is often seen as impersonal, Paul’s approach is refreshingly human and he wants Top Producing agents to know he doesn’t take referred business lightly either. “Getting referrals is huge for us, and we jump on them. We get things back right away, too; we’re extremely efficient to keep things moving along,” he emphasizes. 

Beyond his busy office, Paul’s life is filled with family activities. His wife, Lisa, and their four adult children — Michael, Meghan, Micayla, and Zachary — form the bedrock of Paul’s world, and he cherishes every moment spent with his young grandson and granddaughter. The Barker family also includes a playful goldendoodle puppy named Ellie, who adds endless entertainment to their household.

When not working, Paul is an avid reader and chooses to focus on gratitude as a daily practice. 

“You’re not gonna be mad at what you cannot control,” he wisely notes. His personal philosophy of focusing on what truly matters is reflected in how he runs his business as well.

“The competitiveness has always been there,” he remarks of other insurers. “There’s a switch and save tactic with most agencies, so make sure clients ask how long the policy is going to last. Severity and frequency rates in our business are up due to COVID, and labor rates are up as well. The bottom line is, not all coverage is created equal, so read your contracts.”

Looking ahead, Paul’s future outlook is grounded in a desire to continue growing on all levels.

“I don’t see myself going anywhere for a very long time. Business-wise, I want to continue running a professional team that takes care of clients and tries to grow every year,” he concludes. “We will always be committed to staying forward-thinking and bringing state-of-the-art techniques and offerings to our clients — that will never change.”

Insurance that goes beyond just a policy and offers peace of mind