Today we will take a few minutes talking to the secret weapon of E&M Global Insurance, Michelle Tunis. Michelle has a unique path that led her to E&M and her passion is evident.
So, tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in Peabody, Mass but moved to South Florida when I was 2. I’ve traveled quite a bit, yet always found Florida to be where I feel most at home. I am an only child, so you can say my friends are like my sisters.
My dad would travel a lot on business leaving my mom and I home alone quite a bit. My mom has a lot of health issues and all I wanted to do was help her. It’s was back then that I decided that whatever career I chose I would help people.
What sort of health issues did she have?
She suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and unfortunately there is no cure. She often would be holed up with a month for a neck surgery, followed by an elbow or foot-injury. Its truly an awful disease. Yet through it all she remained positive and happy. She is the strongest person I know.
What did you get your degree in?
I started my undergrad at Everglades University. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine. I also wanted to help individuals like my mom and this was a perfect place. Following my graduation, I decided to become an acupuncturist. I was accepted and enrolled at ATOM (The Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine). Upon graduation, I opened my own practice working with many individuals including athletes helping them with whatever ailments they had.
What did you learn most about being an acupuncturist?
The first thing is that you can have all the knowledge in the world about acupuncture but you need a solid business plan to succeed. I was learning on the fly and it was difficult. The other thing is that you need to accept that you are there to help as best as possible. No matter how many sessions or therapyies there are some issues that go beyond your scope. It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
How did you come to work with E&M Global?
After a few years of being a full-time acupuncturist I needed flexibility to take care of my young child. I was offered several positions, but the time value wouldn’t have worked. It was then I was recruited by Evan Tunis.
How exactly did that happen?
Well he did a lot of begging…LOL. Seriously, we had a conversation where he laid out the mission statement of the company and where I could fit in. I’ve always been an extrovert and him an introvert(Yin/Yang) so naturally it fit. It also fit my definition of helping people which is what I want to do in life.
What is your role with E&M?
My role is to be the marketing guru for all your actions whether it be Facebook, YouTube, etc. In addition, I regularly attend meetings with the Brazilian Business Group, AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) and many other trade groups. I love educating and communicating our message to prospective clients as well our referral partners.
Final question Michelle, where do you see E&M Global in the next five years?
We firmly believe that we will become the top agency for our market. We are beginning several different initiatives that we believe will accomplish this.
