When Don came home, he got to work. He completed his associate degree in risk management and earned the licenses he needed to enter the insurance industry. The early days were not easy. Starting a business rarely is. There were long hours, uncertainty, and plenty of lean moments. At times, Don and Alyssa were rolling coins just to keep moving forward, believing that their sacrifices would be worth it. Alyssa eventually left her career in the school system to join him in the business. They pushed forward with a simple philosophy: take care of people like neighbors, not numbers. 

For Don, health insurance was never a product to sell. It was personal. When he had gone looking for coverage for his own family, he experienced firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the process could be. There were endless options, unfamiliar terms, and the constant question of whom to trust. If it felt that difficult for him, he knew it had to be a challenge for others. 

That experience not only brought Don into the industry, but also shaped the way he approaches his work. He aims to be a guide, advocate, and steady voice in a process that can often feel stressful. He listens to a client’s needs, explains their options clearly, and helps them make confident decisions about something that affects their health, finances, and future. He explains his tactic, “my clients are real people living lives, not just checking boxes. I don’t consider myself a salesman. I’m someone that finds a solution.” Clients do not spend any extra cost when shopping for insurance through Don. He’s truly a trusted resource for the community. As clients referred friends, families, and neighbors, the business grew. People who had once felt overwhelmed by the process found someone local they could call, sit down with, and trust. 

That trust means everything to Don. He knows people come to him during important moments. Sometimes they are retiring and trying to understand Medicare. Others are self-employed and need coverage for their family. Some are running a business and want to do right by their employees. Some are facing health concerns and need to know their doctors, prescriptions, and care are protected. Don understands these decisions carry real weight, and he does not take that responsibility lightly. 

As the business has grown, Don and Alyssa have continued looking for ways to serve clients better. Their recent office move within the same building is one example — a move designed to create a more private, comfortable experience for the people who come to them for help. It is a practical change, but it also reflects the heart of the business: keep improving, keep listening, and keep making the process easier for the community they serve. 

For Don, Wayne County is more than a place to do business. It is home. It is where he and Alyssa were raised, where they chose to raise their family, and where they have been given the opportunity to grow a local business rooted in relationships. The support of the Wooster community has made that possible, and Don is deeply grateful. Through his relationships, he’s been able to start another small business, Lucky Stone Logistics, delivering fresh potable water to Wayne County since 2023.

 To every client who has trusted him with their health insurance needs, referred a friend, asked a question, or walked through the office door, Don offers a sincere thank you. He knows that trust is earned, and he is proud to continue earning it. Located at 127 E Liberty St, Suite 260 in downtown Wooster, HealthMarkets is by appointment only. Call Alyssa at (330) 439-4111 to get scheduled!

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated based on your enrollment. HMIA007193 8/2019