2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Josh Peck, 39

Josh Peck started Hometown Benefits Group LLC with a friend out of their homes. Through hard work and persistence, within six months the company moved into an office. Fast forward nine years and Hometown Benefits Group now employs nearly two dozen and ranks No. 10 on Springfield Business Journal’s list of the area’s largest independent insurance agencies. Peck also maintains a charitable hand in the community. He donates to numerous causes including families seeking adoptions, local sports teams and the Killuminati Foundation. Peck believes as a business owner, it is important to understand what drives his employees and how to continually support them. He demonstrates this through continually trying to get to know his agents better via one-on-one training and yearly bonuses.

What was your first job? Country Kitchen as a dishwasher

What is your theme song? “Regulate,” by Nate Dogg and Warren G 

When did you realize you had grown up? I actually never want to grow up and probably never have, but I had to grow up some when MCI shut down in 2006. That ended up to be a blessing in disguise and led to me opening up a business.

What did you learn the hard way? It’s really important to listen to what your wife says. Things don’t turn out well if you don’t.  

What is your best productivity hack? Keeping all of your clients in an easy to use database. I know everyone does this, but it really helps me get through the day. I also drink a lot of coffee.