Spotlight on Carter Hawkins, Licensed Agent: Valley Trust Insurance Group

‍

Valley Trust Insurance Group, with offices in Staunton and Lexington, Virginia, is a full-service insurance company dedicated to serving individuals, families, farms, and businesses. Standout Arts spoke with Licensed Agent Carter Hawkins to learn what drew him to Valley Trust, what drives his passion for serving his clients, and what he believes has contributed to the company’s ongoing success.

‍

Hawkins brings to Valley Trust a lifelong respect for farmers and a genuine love of agriculture. His first introduction to farming came from spending time on a close friend’s farm. “I fell in love with it from day one and I knew I wanted to do something in the ag field,” he said. Over time, the friendships he built within the farming community helped deepen his understanding of what makes agriculture so vital.

‍

“Farming, to me, is one of the greatest examples of a natural entrepreneur and it is the backbone of our entire country,” Hawkins shared. “We got our independence on the back of farmers, and I honestly think that farmers are the unsung heroes.”

‍

He credits farmers for their tireless work and selflessness. They often forgo vacations, financial gain, and prestige to be good stewards of the land. “They’re not doing it for a dollar; they are doing it to provide food and to be caretakers of the land. That’s what I got into farms for and that’s my passion behind it.”

‍

Just as he values the dedication of farmers, Hawkins holds the same appreciation for small business owners. He approaches commercial insurance with the same care and respect, noting that entrepreneurs play an equally important role in strengthening their communities and the economy.

‍

When asked about how he determines the best coverage for each client, Hawkins explained that his approach is the same whether he’s working with a farm or a business. He believes it begins with listening. “Whether it is a farm or a business, there are always a lot of moving parts, and those moving parts need to be protected,” he said. “The only way to find out what those moving parts are is to take the time to sit down and learn about what the client does. Once you understand what’s critical to their success, you can recommend the best coverage to keep them protected.”

‍

When it comes to what drew him to Valley Trust, Hawkins didn’t hesitate to answer. “Jake,” he said with a laugh. “Before I came here, hearing Jake’s name a lot was very aggravating. All I was hearing was ‘I’ve got Jake’ or ‘I’ll get Jake to do it.’” He added that, since joining Valley Trust, he’s developed great respect for both co-owner Jake Schindler and co-owner Mark Dorton. He credits them as strong mentors who are not only deeply knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in the growth of their team and the well-being of their clients.

‍

Another factor that drew Hawkins to Valley Trust is the strength and range of insurance products available to him. While his heart lies in farm and commercial insurance, he values being able to provide trusted coverage in home, life, auto, and health insurance as well. “It gives me the confidence to take care of every aspect of my clients’ needs,” he noted.

‍

Speaking about the culture at Valley Trust, Hawkins’s appreciation for his workplace was clear. “To work in a place where you are not a number, where people know you and actually care about knowing you, that’s big,” he said. “Let’s face it, sometimes you see the people you work with more than you see your own family. The first day I walked in here, it went above and beyond a welcome. To come here, wow, it’s insanely great. I know the people here will work hard for the company and for our clients because they love this place and will defend it like a bear.”

‍

Carter Hawkins brings to Valley Trust a rare mix of confidence, humility, and gratitude. He continually credits his mentors, both past and present, for shaping his approach to service. “Yes, I’m a farm and commercial insurer, but it’s because of everyone else around me that I’m able to do this,” he said.

‍

To learn more about Valley Trust Insurance Group and the products and services they provide, visit valleytrustinsurance.com.