Don Bullard
Don Bullard retired in 2020 at the age of 71, concluding a distinguished 36-year career in the insurance industry. His journey began with State Farm, where he rose to prominence and later continued as the founder of Don Bullard Insurance. Throughout his career, he earned notable certifications, including CPCU (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter) in 1978, CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) in 1980, CHfC (Chartered Financial Consultant) in 1993, and CASL (Chartered Advisor for Senior Living) in 2005.
Building Success with State Farm
Don started his insurance career in 1972 as a State Farm agent. Through sheer dedication and long hours, he grew his agency significantly within eight years. By 1995, he was the top State Farm agent in the United States and Canada. For over a decade, he consistently ranked among the top 10 agents at State Farm, securing the number-one position multiple times.
Establishing Don Bullard Insurance in Wilmington, NC
In 2008, Don decided to venture out independently, founding his insurance agency at the age of 59. Starting from scratch, he built a new client base and secured carrier partnerships. He launched a strategic marketing plan that quickly established his agency as a critical player in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Within a year, the agency experienced rapid growth, eventually serving over 20,000 households. Offering a comprehensive range of personal insurance products, including auto, homeowners, flood, and life insurance, the agency grew to rival the success he had achieved at State Farm. This success caught the attention of Acrisure, a leading brokerage firm that acquired the agency in 2016. Don continued to work for another 3 ½ years before retiring. The agency remains a vital part of the Wilmington community under the Acrisure brand.
Accolades and Industry Recognition
Don’s career was marked by numerous awards, including the prestigious Presidents Club Trophy, which he won 12 times. He also qualified as a president’s club member over 70 times. Beyond these accolades, he shared his expertise with other agents across the U.S. and Canada, helping them enhance their practices and achieve tremendous success.
Military Service: A Veteran’s Courage
Don’s dedication to service extended to his time in the U.S. Army. After graduating from New Hanover High School in 1967, he joined the Army as a Warrant Officer Candidate and completed Army Flight School in 1968 as a helicopter pilot. He served three tours in Vietnam, flying missions with the A Company 123rd Aviation Battalion Americal Division and later with the 101st Airborne Division.
During his service, he was promoted to Captain at the age of 22. His bravery earned him numerous military honors, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, 36 Air Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, and a Purple Heart. Unfortunately, his military career was cut short due to severe injuries sustained during a mission in the A Shau Valley.
A-Pillar of the Wilmington Community
For over 50 years, Don has been a dedicated member of the Wilmington community. His contributions include serving as Past President of the Seartoma Club and Past Treasurer of the Port City Kiwanis. He has also volunteered his time with organizations such as Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and the Cape Fear Literacy Council.
In a particularly impactful act of service, he tutored a special needs student for 11 years, providing transportation and tuition support to help the student graduate high school. Now retired, Don Bullard enjoys his time traveling, boating, and cruising, reflecting on a life filled with professional achievement, military courage, and community service.