Cody Garcelon on Time Management and Growth in Insurance

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Cody Garcelon from Ellis Insurance Agency about his work in personal and commercial insurance. Cody shares that he got his start nearly five years ago after meeting Danielle from the agency, who gave him the opportunity to join. He’s stayed with it ever since, helping businesses protect the work they’ve built. He explains that many people don’t realize how quickly a single event can threaten everything they’ve worked for if they’re not properly insured.

Cody reflects on his early days and how he had to learn organization and time management the hard way. During his first year, he realized that as his client base grew, so did the pace of work. That forced him to tighten his systems and stay structured to keep up. Now, his biggest ongoing challenge is time. He admits there’s never enough of it, but he’s working on improving his public presence through content and outreach to help his business grow.

We talk a bit about that process, since I’ve been helping him create some video content. Cody mentions that being in front of a camera was outside his comfort zone at first, but once he started, it became easier. The key lesson he took from it was to start, even if it’s awkward at first. Taking the first step matters more than getting it perfect.

He also clears up a common misunderstanding people have about insurance — that the cheapest policy is always good enough. He points out that state minimum limits may be legal, but they don’t always provide real protection. Those limits can be exhausted quickly, leaving personal assets at risk.

When I ask what activity drives his business most, Cody says it’s simple: talking to people. Building relationships and staying active in the community are what bring in new opportunities. People remember him, trust him, and reach out when they need coverage.

He closes with a principle that guides him: always remembering his “why.” When times get tough, having a clear purpose keeps him focused and moving forward. For Cody, that mindset and consistent effort are what keep his business strong. Anyone wanting to reach him can call or text 304-982-8194 or email him at cody@insurewithellis.com