Justin Toner

Vice President and Sales Manager

Basin Pacific Insurance and Benefits

Age and current hometown: 38, Kennewick

Briefly describe your company: Basin Pacific Insurance and Benefits is a full-service insurance and benefits brokerage. Our agency was formed in late 2010 by my parents, Brad and Debbie Toner, and they still own the company. Today we have 23 employees, are growing rapidly, and have a culture that is second to none.

How long have you worked at Basin Pacific?

 Almost 10 years.

Education: Kennewick High School, class of 2001; bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in marketing, Eastern Washington University; national producer school through Brown & Brown, one of the largest insurance brokerages in the nation.

Family? Pets?

My wife Nikki, 8-year-old son Vincent, and one young boxer named Odie.

Did you grow up here?

I was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. I always wanted to settle down in Tri-Cities because I love the mix of community, living, weather and opportunities.

Planner or procrastinator?

I am more of a planner than a procrastinator, but it does happen at times.

Favorite movie?

Too many choices…so a family favorite…“The Great Outdoors” (1988, comedy).

Favorite sports team?

Seattle Seahawks #GOHawks

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Enjoy the sun any way I can!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I once had a pet tarantula, and it was almost as big as my hand.

Describe your job and how you got into it: I grew up with a dad who was and still is a successful commercial insurance agent and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. I am a commercial insurance agent focusing on construction, property owners and developers, and nonprofit industries.

As we grow, I am taking on the role of sales manager so I will be responsible for recruiting, developing, supporting and managing our agents.

Toughest career decision?

The toughest decision of my career was when I chose to move to Seattle to work for a national broker. Looking back, it gave me a strong foundation of knowledge, relationships and sales techniques that have played a big part of my success.

How did you earn your first dollar? Chores!

How do you achieve work-life balance?

I achieve balance by getting to work early, staying flexible and being home each night for dinner. Weekends are spent with friends and family enjoying all that the Tri-Cities has to offer.

Community involvement and service: My community involvement is focused on two boards. I am on the Leadership Tri-Cities board and have been the director of Ag Day for the last three years. I am also on the Goodwill Industries of the Columbia board, as well as two sub-committees.

Dream vacation?

Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas

Favorite music?

Country music

Favorite website or app?

Twitch.com