In the summer of 2005, Michael Cokins was at a turning point as Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans. The restaurant he managed was shuttered indefinitely, its doors closed as the floodwaters rose. Chaos reigned, and Michael, like so many others, faced a choice—leave the city or stay behind to pick up the pieces.
Michael stayed.
As the floodwaters receded, he found himself working shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers, helping rebuild a city that had been reduced to ruins. It was in these long, exhausting days that Michael’s career took an unexpected turn. He began working closely with insurance adjusters, witnessing firsthand the critical role insurance played in helping people rebuild their lives. The power of financial recovery spoke to him in a way that nothing else had before. Michael then realized his true calling: he wanted to help others rebuild their lives, not through food or hospitality, but through insurance.
Michael’s path to becoming a leader in the insurance industry wasn’t a typical one. As a kid, he was passionate about both sports and performing arts, dividing his time between the football field and drama club. In a Houston high school, he developed leadership skills, learned to handle pressure, and connected with people from different backgrounds—skills that would prove valuable in his future career.
After high school, Michael studied hospitality management and enjoyed leading teams and creating great experiences for guests. He quickly advanced and began managing a restaurant in New Orleans. However, when Hurricane Katrina hit and destroyed the restaurant, Michael was forced to rethink his career path.
Rather than giving up, Michael threw himself into the recovery efforts, helping rebuild the city he loved. In the process, he discovered that while he enjoyed the restaurant industry, it wasn’t his true passion. He wanted to help people in a more tangible way. The experience of working with insurance adjusters, seeing how they helped people rebuild their homes and lives, planted a seed in his mind. Insurance was about more than just policies and paperwork—it was about giving people hope in the aftermath of disaster.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Michael pivoted his career. He dove headfirst into the insurance world, starting from the bottom and working his way up. It wasn’t easy. He had to learn an entirely new industry, and there were many challenges along the way. But Michael was no stranger to hard work, and he was determined to succeed. Slowly but surely, he built a reputation as someone who not only understood the intricacies of insurance but also cared deeply about the people behind the policies.
Fifteen years later, Michael is a trusted leader in the insurance field. He has worked with countless individuals and businesses in Houston, helping them recover from fires, floods, and other disasters. But Michael’s success isn’t just measured by the number of policies he’s written or claims he’s processed. It’s also about the lives he’s touched, the people he’s mentored, and the impact he’s had on the industry as a whole.
Throughout his career, Michael has made it a point to mentor young professionals entering the insurance world. He knows firsthand how daunting the industry can be and how important it is to have someone guide you through the complexities. His experiences in New Orleans shape his leadership style—he leads with empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it means to rebuild after a loss.
In addition to his work in insurance, Michael is preparing to launch a podcast and write a book, both aimed at helping others navigate the often confusing world of insurance. In a recent interview with Business Journal, Michael shares that through his podcast, he hopes to demystify insurance for everyday people, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions. His book, which will combine personal stories with practical advice, is intended to inspire others to find their path in the industry, just as he did.
Michael didn’t always plan to work in insurance, but it has become his true calling. He views it as a way to give people a fresh start and help them rebuild when they face tough times.
Reflecting on his journey from a high school athlete and restaurant manager to a leader in the insurance field, Michael is proud of the unexpected path that has allowed him to make a real difference in people’s lives.
As he looks to the future, Michael is excited about mentoring young professionals and sharing his insights through his podcast and book. Most importantly, he remains dedicated to helping people recover from disasters, a mission that began after Hurricane Katrina.
For Michael Cokins, insurance is not just a job—it’s a way to make a lasting impact and help others.
