Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunni Boenker.
Hi Sunni, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I graduated from TCU in 2001 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. Two weeks later, 9/11 happened and the economy shifted quickly, so I continued waiting tables and bartending, which I had done throughout college, while figuring out my next step. In early 2002, I decided to pursue insurance, even if it was not something I initially saw as a lifelong career. I came from a family familiar with the industry, which gave me confidence to open my own agency. What started as a practical decision turned into a career I truly love, especially at a time when there were very few young people and women in the industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely not been smooth. I actually entered the insurance industry during a challenging time, when Texas was dealing with the black mold crisis and many carriers stopped writing home insurance or pulled out of the state altogether. That environment became my norm early on and really shaped the foundation of my career. Because I started during a hard market, I learned quickly how to adapt, problem-solve, and manage through uncertainty.
Like any industry, insurance is closely tied to the economy. During downturns like the recession in 2007 through 2010, we absolutely felt it. When people stop buying homes or household income is impacted, insurance decisions become much more scrutinized, and some people are forced to focus solely on price, sometimes at the expense of coverage.
The most challenging period by far has been since COVID. Almost overnight, everything that could go wrong did at the same time. Inflation, increased labor and material costs, supply chain delays, and rising auto repair costs all hit simultaneously. Replacement costs skyrocketed, claims became significantly more expensive nationwide, and delays increased expenses like rental cars across the board. At the same time, carriers tightened underwriting, restricted certain areas, and reinsurance pressures added another layer of complexity, especially in high catastrophe regions like Dallas–Fort Worth.
That said, things have improved over the past several months and will continue to stabilize. Navigating hard markets has always been part of my career, and those experiences have made me more resilient, adaptable, and strategic. When times are good, they feel great, and when times are tough, I know how to manage through them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an independent insurance agency owner, and I specialize in helping individuals, families, and business owners protect what they’ve worked so hard to build. I focus primarily on personal lines, high-value homes, complex risks, and business insurance, and I’m known for being extremely hands-on, relationship-driven, and proactive. My clients know that I don’t just place policies, I educate, advocate, and show up for them, especially when it matters most, like during a claim.
What sets me apart is that I truly believe the way you do anything is the way you do everything. I lead with integrity, consistency, and care in my business and in my life. I believe deeply that when you put good into the world, it comes back to you, and that philosophy shapes how I operate my agency and how I show up for people.
Community involvement is very important to me, and it’s something I prioritize both personally and professionally. I’m actively involved with several nonprofit and community organizations in my area and always happy to show up, support, and help wherever I’m needed. I enjoy being engaged with groups like the Southlake Women’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and multiple animal welfare nonprofits. Giving back and staying connected to my community is something I truly value and consider an essential part of who I am.
Outside of insurance, I’m also a fitness instructor at Life Time Westlake and Form YPS in Southlake and an active animal welfare volunteer and foster. Teaching fitness allows me to help people build strength, confidence, and resilience, both physically and mentally. Volunteering and fostering rescue animals keeps me grounded and reminds me daily of the responsibility we have to give back and protect those who cannot protect themselves. These roles are not separate from my career, they are an extension of who I am.
I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients and community over the years. Whether I’m helping someone navigate a major loss, coaching them through a tough workout, or saving a dog’s life through rescue, my goal is always the same: to make a positive impact. That combination of professional expertise, personal passion, and service-driven values is what truly sets me apart.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continued growth with intention. In my insurance business, I plan to keep expanding thoughtfully, adding strong carrier partnerships, deepening relationships with clients, and continuing to evolve with the industry while staying rooted in personalized service. I want to grow without ever losing the trust, accessibility, and advocacy that define how I do business.
I’m also looking forward to continuing to build community through fitness and wellness. Teaching allows me to connect with people in a very real, human way, and I plan to keep growing in that space by helping others prioritize strength, movement, and resilience as they move through different seasons of life.
On the personal side, I’m committed to staying involved in animal welfare and rescue, fostering and advocating for animals in need and using my platform to encourage others to do the same. Giving back will always be a part of my future.
Overall, I’m excited about the next chapter being less about chasing and more about alignment. I’m planning for a life and career that feel balanced, purpose-driven, and impactful, where growth, service, and fulfillment coexist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boenkerinsurance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunniboenkerinsurance
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sunni.boenkerwheelwright/
