Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Boles.
Hi Shayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from college with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a field entirely different from insurance. Like many graduates, I had a plan — but life presented a different opportunity. Rather than following the traditional path tied to my degrees, I chose to enter the insurance industry immediately after graduation.
From the start, I focused on mastering the fundamentals of the business — building relationships, understanding risk, and earning trust. What began as a professional pivot quickly became a long-term vision. I recognized early that insurance is not simply about policies; it is about protecting livelihoods, preserving assets, and providing long-term security for families.
As my production and experience grew, so did my ambitions. I committed to expanding my impact. Five years ago, I opened my own GEICO Local Agency.
What began as a career decision outside my original field of study has evolved into business ownership and leadership. Today, I am proud to lead an agency committed to professionalism, performance, and protecting what matters most to the individuals and families we serve.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Fortunately, I have not faced extreme hardship in my career, but opening my own insurance agency in 2021 — during the COVID-19 pandemic — was a significant challenge.
The uncertainty at that time was unlike anything our industry had experienced. Launching a new agency in that environment required resilience and confidence.
Beyond market uncertainty, there was also the challenge of building an office during a time when fear and unpredictability dominated the headlines. Opening a new office, I had to establish credibility, generate new business, and create long-term relationships in an environment where people were hesitant and protective.
Opening during COVID ultimately strengthened me as a business owner. It required adaptability, discipline, and unwavering commitment from day one. Most importantly, it reinforced a core belief: insurance matters most when uncertainty is highest — and that is when strong leadership matters most as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of GEICO Local Office-Garland-SPB Agency LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
In May, my GEICO Local Agency will celebrate five years of serving our community. While we represent a nationally recognized brand, each local GEICO office is independently owned and operated — which means we are a small business rooted in the community we serve.
We specialize in personal lines insurance, offering coverage for auto, home, renters, condo, boat, RV, and motorcycle policies.
As the only local GEICO office in Garland, we provide accessibility and personalized service that sets us apart. Instead of navigating a 1-800 number, clients can call our local office directly or visit us in person to speak face-to-face with our team. We combine the strength and resources of a national carrier with the accountability, responsiveness, and service mindset of a locally owned business.
How do you think about luck?
People often talk about luck in business — good luck, bad luck, being in the right place at the right time. In my experience, luck has certainly played a role, but I’ve learned that it rarely stands alone.
I’ve found that the harder I work, the luckier I seem to get. Preparation creates opportunity. Consistency builds momentum. The more disciplined I’ve been in developing my skills, building relationships, and strengthening my agency, the more “fortunate” outcomes have followed. What may appear as luck from the outside is often the result of sustained effort behind the scenes.
At the same time, I recognize that part of luck is proximity — being surrounded by the right people. Throughout my career, I’ve had the benefit of mentors, colleagues, team members, and clients who have contributed to my growth. Meeting the right people at the right time, learning from their experience, and building strong professional relationships has played a meaningful role in my success. There is certainly luck in crossing paths with individuals who challenge you, support you, and elevate your standards.
As the owner of my agency, I’ve experienced market shifts, industry changes, and evolving business conditions. Some circumstances have been favorable, others more challenging. But I’ve come to believe that luck is often less about chance and more about response — showing up prepared, staying disciplined, and surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow.
In both life and business, I don’t rely on luck. I rely on effort, relationships, and readiness. The rest tends to follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.geico.com/garland-boles
