Meet Mikquez Berry | Agency Owner | Insurance Agent | Business Law major proud Grad of University of Cincinnati

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikquez Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikquez, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in both inspiration and realization. After spending several years in the insurance industry and holding various positions, including claims adjusting at State Farm and sales at Allstate, I found myself constantly observing how the business side operated. Seeing professionals in leadership roles—particularly African Americans—walking through corporate environments in places like Dunwoody fueled my ambition.

But the key moment of clarity came while working as a licensed sales professional (LSP) at Allstate. I realized I was using my skills and license to sell policies for someone else’s business, but I had the tools and experience to do it for myself. That realization, combined with the desire for independence and the ability to build something of my own, pushed me to take the leap. I decided to invest my savings into starting my own insurance agency, which allowed me to take control of my career and destiny.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, The Financi Agency co, is something I’ve poured my heart into. We provide a variety of insurance products, including life, auto, commercial, and home insurance. What sets us apart is the genuine care we offer each client—our focus isn’t just on selling policies, but on providing real protection and peace of mind. We strive to make sure individuals and businesses feel confident knowing their assets and loved ones are covered.

Starting the agency was far from easy. After working in the insurance industry for years in both claims and sales with companies like State Farm and Allstate, I realized that I had the tools and the experience to do it on my own. So, I took the plunge, investing all my savings into creating The Financi Agency.

One of my proudest moments was when my grandmother became my very first client. Having her believe in me from the start, along with my mom, has been incredibly meaningful. My mom played a huge role in guiding me through the process of obtaining my insurance license. She supported me through everything—studying late nights, encouraging me when things were tough—and those moments are the foundation of my success today.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but the challenges I’ve faced have taught me valuable lessons. Building a client base from scratch, facing financial hurdles, and navigating a competitive industry weren’t simple tasks. But I learned to bet on myself and stay resilient. The relationships I’ve built, both personal and professional, have been crucial. My colleague Roc, who’s joined me in this business, and my family have been key pillars in helping me push through tough times.

What I want people to know about The Financi Agency is that we’re not just another insurance agency. We’re here to genuinely serve and protect families, businesses, and individuals. My story is one of perseverance, family support, and the drive to create something meaningful, and that’s what The Financi Agency stands for

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to show them the best of what LaGrange has to offer—starting with food, drinks, and entertainment. Here’s how I’d plan the itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to LaGrange

Breakfast: We’d start the day at a local café, maybe Mare Sol, known for its Southern-inspired breakfast dishes.
Afternoon: After breakfast, we’d take a stroll around downtown LaGrange to explore the shops and local art scene. The vibe downtown is laid-back and welcoming.
Dinner: I’d definitely take them to the LaGrange Winery. They have amazing food paired with locally crafted wines, and it’s a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Day 2: Relax & Taste the Best Catfish

Lunch: We’d hit up Cooter’s Catfish. This place is a must for anyone visiting—great catfish, hush puppies, and an even better vibe. The food is so good you’ll want to go back for seconds.
Evening: For the evening, we’d hang out at The Social. It’s an awesome spot for live music, good drinks, and a chill, fun atmosphere. We’d spend the night enjoying the energy, dancing a little, and unwinding.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure & History

Morning: I’d take them to Callaway Gardens, just outside of LaGrange. It’s a beautiful spot for hiking, biking, and taking in the scenery.
Afternoon: For a bit of history, we’d check out the Hills & Dales Estate, an incredible mansion with stunning gardens that offer a glimpse into the area’s history.
Dinner: We’d grab dinner at C’sons Restaurant, which serves up fantastic modern Southern cuisine.
Day 4: Day Trip to Atlanta

Morning: We’d head to Atlanta, just an hour away. I’d take them to some of my favorite spots like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.
Lunch: We’d grab lunch at Ponce City Market—there’s such a variety of food and a rooftop with great views of the city.
Evening: We’d head back to LaGrange for a quiet dinner and drinks at the winery.
Day 5: Explore More Local Gems

Morning/Afternoon: We could spend the day checking out West Point Lake—perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water.
Dinner: For dinner, we’d stop by Cart Barn Grill, a hidden gem with delicious Southern comfort food.
Day 6: Arts & Culture

Morning: I’d take them to visit LaGrange Art Museum to check out the local exhibits.
Afternoon: We could head over to Sweetland Amphitheatre for some live entertainment or a concert if there’s one happening.
Day 7: Relax & Reflect

Breakfast: We’d end the trip with a big breakfast at A Taste of Lemon, a quirky spot in an old church that serves great comfort food.
Afternoon: After a relaxing morning, we’d visit the winery one last time to enjoy lunch and some downtime before their departure.
LaGrange has so many hidden gems, from the fantastic food at places like Cooter’s Catfish to the beautiful outdoor spots like Callaway Gardens. The Social is always a great way to end any night with good music and a laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give all the credit to my mom and grandmother—two of the most important women in my life. Growing up I come from very humble beginnings, I never shied away from my roots. I’m proud of where I come from because, despite the challenges, my family’s love and support gave me everything I needed to push forward. My grandmother has always been my anchor. She supported me through every phase of life—from high school to college—and she was even my very first client when I launched my insurance agency. That moment was so special to me because it symbolized how much she believed in me, not just as her grandson, but as someone capable of building something on his own.

But my mom—she’s truly my hero. I always say I have the world’s best mom, and I mean that with everything in me. She’s the one who guided me through the process of getting my insurance license. Even though she had her own license and never really used it, she was the one who saw the potential in me to go after it. She helped me study, sacrificed her time after long days, and gave me the encouragement I needed when I felt unsure of myself.

My mom’s support wasn’t just about the technical stuff either. She was my emotional backbone. She’s the one who constantly reminded me of my worth, my abilities, and my potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself. Her belief in me has been unwavering, and every time I’ve hit a milestone or overcome an obstacle, I know it’s because she was right there beside me, cheering me on.

I can never forget my better half, my Anyah. She truly is the best partner a person could ever ask for. From those late nights spent studying together, where her support and encouragement light up the room, to the early morning messages that greet me with a gentle reminder that I’ve got this, she’s been my unwavering source of strength.

Her late-night study sessions are not just about hitting the books; they’re filled with laughter, deep conversations, and the kind of camaraderie that makes every challenge feel lighter. She has this incredible ability to make even the toughest subjects seem manageable, always ready with a word of encouragement when I start to doubt myself.

My success today isn’t just mine—it’s theirs, too. Every step I take forward is a testament to their love, sacrifice, and belief in who I am. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today, and I am forever grateful for the role they’ve played in my journey.

Website: https://thefinanciagency.co/

Facebook: The Financi Agency