An insurance professional by day and a ballroom dancer by night, alum Jack Hoedeman ’12 is leading the insurance industry in Grand Rapids. Following his dad’s footsteps who started an insurance agency in 1969, Jack founded Compass Insurance Agency in 2009 to provide customized solutions for clients. After work, Jack performs as a professional ballroom dancer and former member of the Dancing with the Stars roadshow. Learn more about Jack and his passions below.

Tell us about yourself, Jack!

I am married with three kids. We live in Byron Center. I graduated from Davenport University in 2012 with my BBA in Business Management. I went to school full-time while working full-time in the insurance industry. I started as a sales agent in 1999 and worked my up. While attending DU I decided to start my own insurance agency called Compass Insurance Agency. It started with just me, now we have 18 full time employees.

 Why did you want to start an insurance agency?

I wanted to start an insurance agency for multiple reasons. Insurance is in my blood. My father, brother, uncle, and cousins all work in the insurance industry. Having more than 141 years of combined family experience in the industry equipped me with the resources and expertise I needed to create an agency. Our goal is to provide customized insurance solutions to clients that are affordable, easy to understand, and reliable. As the CEO, I am able to mentor and guide insurance sales and service agents to develop the structure of the agency. Plus, I also liked the idea of running my own business and the flexibility that comes with it.

 What makes you unique?

We are the “Kayak” of insurance agencies. We focus on car, home, life, renters, and health insurance, but our specialties are auto and home. When a client approaches us with their need, we explore more than 12 different insurance providers to give them the best plan and rate for their situation.

 What advice do you have for recent grads?

Network. Get out there. Meet professionals in the field you want to get into. You can apply what you learn in college, but it is all about the relationships. Things do not just fall into your lap.

 What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am a ballroom dancer. I was on the Dancing with the Starz Road Show. My wife and I spend many of our nights dancing the waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep.