James Graganella

James Graganella is a seasoned insurance executive and a pillar of the Tallahassee, FL, community. With over 40 years of experience, he has carved a niche in the insurance industry, particularly in the property and casualty sectors. His career began at The Prudential, where his leadership skills and strategic vision quickly propelled him to the top, earning numerous accolades including the prestigious Prudential President’s Citation award for ten consecutive years.

In 1996, James founded Capitol Preferred Insurance Company, marking the beginning of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Under his leadership, this venture expanded into a portfolio of four successful insurance companies, serving clients across Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi. His strategic leadership, focusing on proactive risk management, innovative customer service strategies, and rigorous regulatory compliance, has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the insurance industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, James is deeply committed to community service. He has served as Chairman and Board Member for the Florida State University Seminole Boosters, among other local organizations. His dedication to the community extends to his support for educational initiatives, health programs, and cultural activities in Tallahassee.

James’s passion for mentoring future leaders is evident in his active participation in industry conferences and seminars, where he shares his expertise on effective leadership and crisis management. His ability to adapt and innovate has earned him a reputation as a visionary leader, continually driving his companies towards excellence. James Graganella’s story is one of resilience, community commitment, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

What made you want to do the work you do?

My journey into the insurance industry started with a simple yet profound desire to help people. Growing up in Tallahassee, I saw firsthand how unexpected events could devastate families and businesses. This realization drove me to pursue a career where I could provide security and peace of mind to others. My early years at The Prudential reinforced this desire, as I learned how crucial proper coverage is in times of crisis. Founding Capitol Preferred Insurance Company allowed me to create a business that not only offers comprehensive insurance solutions but also actively supports the community. Each policy we issue, and each claim we process, represents a family or business we’ve helped safeguard, and that’s incredibly fulfilling for me.

 

 

Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your job.

Easy:

1. Connecting with Clients: Building relationships with clients comes naturally to me. Understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions is both rewarding and straightforward.
2. Team Motivation: Keeping my team motivated and aligned with our mission is relatively easy. A shared vision and open communication foster a productive work environment.
3. Community Engagement: Engaging with the community through events and sponsorships is something I deeply enjoy. It’s easy to give back when you genuinely care about the community’s well-being.

Difficult:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the ever-changing landscape of insurance regulations is challenging. It requires constant vigilance and adaptability due to the speed of the market changing, you must stay on top of the issues that arise and adapt to them quickly. There are always challenges associated with operating in a highly regulated industry. You must have an open line of communication with the department to ensure compliance without compromising service quality.
2. Crisis Management: Handling the influx of claims during natural disasters is incredibly taxing. It demands swift, decisive action and can strain resources, testing the company’s resilience.
3. Balancing Innovation with Tradition: Integrating new technologies while maintaining the personal touch our clients value can be difficult. It’s a delicate balance between modernization and preserving established client relationships.

What are the 3 things you like the least about your work and why?

1. High-Stakes Decision-Making: The pressure of making high-stakes decisions that can significantly impact clients’ financial well-being is immense. Ensuring that every decision is in the best interest of the client can be stressful and requires constant vigilance.
2. Handling Fraud: Insurance fraud is a significant issue that undermines the integrity of our work. It’s disheartening to see individuals exploit systems meant to help those in genuine need.
3. Natural Disaster Impact: The aftermath of natural disasters is heartbreaking. While it’s fulfilling to help clients rebuild, the sheer scale of loss and suffering is emotionally taxing and can sometimes feel overwhelming.

What do you think are your 3 biggest weaknesses and how are you overcoming them?

1. Adaptability: My brain works at hyper speed and often people who would work with me have to learn how to keep up with him being 5 steps ahead. I like to solve problems and move on to the next item and most people struggle to keep up with the speed. I delegate and then follow up to make sure they understand everything I want to accomplish.
2. Work-Life Balance: My dedication to work sometimes overshadows my personal life. I’m actively working on setting boundaries and making time for family and relaxation to maintain a healthier balance.
3. Firing People: It is not easy to have to let go of people. You must focus on the fact that “the firing makes good business sense and hopefully is in the best interest of the person and your team going forward.” While it will never be easy to deliver bad news, it must be done

Tell us about a time you were dead wrong about something.

In the early days of Capitol Preferred, I was convinced that traditional marketing methods would suffice to grow our client base. I underestimated the power of digital marketing and social media. As competitors began to outpace us online, I realized my mistake. I handled it by hiring a digital marketing expert and embracing new strategies, which led to a significant boost in our visibility and client engagement. This experience taught me the importance of staying current with market trends and being willing to pivot when necessary.

What is the biggest challenge you face each day and how do you handle it?

The biggest challenge I face daily is balancing immediate operational demands with long-term strategic planning. Running multiple insurance companies means there are always urgent issues requiring my attention, from client claims to regulatory updates. To handle this, I prioritize tasks meticulously and delegate effectively. I ensure that I carve out dedicated time for strategic thinking and planning, often early in the morning before the day’s chaos begins. This approach helps me stay focused on both short-term objectives and long-term goals, ensuring sustained growth and stability for the business.

What is a habit you try to stick to and how has it helped you?

One habit I consistently stick to is starting my day early with exercising. It clears my mind, relieves stress and after that I prepare for the day. I usually wake up around 5 AM and spend the first hour of my day reviewing my goals, tasks, and priorities. This practice sets a positive tone for the day and ensures that I am focused and organized. It allows me to address urgent matters early on and allocate the rest of the day to strategic thinking and team engagement. Over the years, this habit has significantly enhanced my productivity and decision-making capabilities, enabling me to lead more effectively and manage my time efficiently.

What are 3 of your goals?

1. Professional Growth: I aim to further expand our insurance companies by integrating advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to streamline operations and enhance customer service. This will ensure that we remain competitive and continue to provide top-notch services to our clients.
2. Community Involvement: On a personal level, I am committed to increasing my involvement in community service projects. I plan to support more local educational and health initiatives, as I believe in giving back to the community that has supported me throughout my career.
3. Work-Life Balance: Another goal is to achieve a better work-life balance. I want to spend more quality time with my family, ensuring that I am present and engaged in their lives. This balance is crucial for personal happiness and maintaining a positive outlook, which ultimately benefits my professional performance.

What is your favorite movie and why?

My favorite movie is “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith. This film resonates with me on many levels because it portrays the incredible power of perseverance and resilience. The protagonist’s journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity through determination and hard work. It reminds me of the challenges I faced when founding my first insurance company and the importance of never giving up, no matter how tough the circumstances. The movie is not only inspirational but also a powerful reminder of the value of persistence and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

What advice would you give to your younger self and why?

The advice I would give to my younger self is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. In the early stages of my career, I often viewed failures as personal shortcomings, which led to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Over time, I realized that every failure is a chance to learn and grow. By adopting a mindset that views challenges and setbacks as valuable experiences, I became more resilient and innovative. I would also advise my younger self to seek out mentors and build a strong network of support early on, as these relationships are invaluable for personal and professional development.

Are you willing to be a mentor? If yes, what is the best way to reach you?

Yes, I am very much willing to be a mentor. Mentoring is a way for me to give back and help the next generation of leaders navigate their career paths. The best way to reach me is through my professional email, jgrag36@gmail.com. I encourage those interested in mentorship to send a brief introduction about themselves, their career goals, and specific areas where they seek guidance. I believe that through mentoring, we can create a positive impact and contribute to the growth and success of future leaders in the industry.

Just for fun, what is your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert has to be classic New York cheesecake. There’s something about its rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness that makes it irresistible. I have fond memories of enjoying cheesecake with my family back in New York, and it remains a beloved treat to this day. Whether it’s plain or topped with fresh berries, a slice of cheesecake is the perfect way to end a meal and always brings a smile to my face.