Michael Cokins is a seasoned insurance professional with a diverse career. A graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, class of 1997, Michael excelled both athletically and academically, lettering in baseball and basketball while actively participating in the drama club. His passion for sports extended into his early career as he began working at Memorial Golf Club, where he was promoted to caddy in 1998, allowing him to gain valuable insights into strategy and even meet prominent professional golfers.
In 1999, Michael started at the University of Houston, where he graduated in 2003 with a degree in Business Administration. During his time there, he developed leadership skills through programs like LeadUH and Ignite Leadership, while also staying involved in golf with the Golf Club of Houston.
After college, Michael became the general manager of Golden Corral in New Orleans, managing 70 employees and helping with local marketing. But in 2005, Hurricane Katrina changed everything. After evacuating to Houston, Michael returned to New Orleans to assist in relief efforts, volunteering for nine months with HandsOn New Orleans Volunteer Center. His work there led to interactions with insurance companies, sparking his interest in the industry.
In 2007, Michael started working in insurance as a claims adjuster with State Farm. Over the years, he moved up in the company, and in 2015, he joined the Corporate & Business Development team in Houston. Michael believes having a mentor during this time helped him grow professionally, and he encourages others entering the insurance industry to do the same.
In 2021, Michael was promoted to Claims and Investigations, where he continues to help individuals and businesses recover from disasters and navigate challenging times. His role involves extensive travel, which allows him to explore new places, meet diverse people, and continue his passion for golf, playing on some of the most prestigious courses across the United States.
