Joel Shapiro is a seasoned insurance professional with a passion for excellence and a track record of success. After graduating from Jacksonville University in 1989 with a BA in Finance, Joel embarked on his insurance career journey with State Farm Insurance as a Customer Service Representative and sales agent. Through dedication and relentless pursuit of knowledge, he quickly obtained his license and honed his skills, gaining invaluable training and sales experience.
In September of 1990, Joel seized an opportunity to build a scratch, captive agency with Nationwide Insurance. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence propelled him to remarkable success, earning him recognition as a Presidents and Champion conference qualifier each year, placing him among the top 5% of the agency force companywide.
By 2008, Joel’s agency, Shapiro Insurance Group (SIG), had expanded to two locations with 13 employees. However, a pivotal decision by Nationwide Insurance to transition all Florida agents to the independent channel presented a new challenge.
Joel led SIG through a period of remarkable growth, expanding to over 75 employees across 10 locations throughout Florida between 2009 and 2018. His strategic vision and leadership were instrumental in navigating the transition and positioning SIG as a leading independent insurance agency in the region.
In 2019, Joel joined Patriot as its second Property & Casualty (P&C) and operations partner, establishing it as the premier platform operation in the southeast. Over the following four years, Joel spearheaded approximately 21 deals, facilitating significant expansion, and quadrupling the size of the operation. His exemplary performance earned him the Partner of the Year award in 2021 and recognition in the Circle of Excellence twice within the PGIS organization.
In 2024, Joel was appointed to the prestigious role of Regional President for the southeast, a testament to his leadership prowess and industry expertise.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Joel is dedicated to his family, celebrating more than 30 years of marriage and cherishing time with his four grown children. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoys staying active through golf, tennis, and regular workouts, as well as indulging his passion for travel.
Deeply committed to his community, Joel has served on several local boards, including the JCA and Jacksonville Country Day School, and remains actively involved in philanthropic efforts, making a positive impact on both local and regional communities.