Certified Insurance Counselor at Naught-Naught Insurance Agency
Naught-Naught Agency opened its first insurance office in 1972, before Jeff Naught was even born. Naught grew up watching his father and uncles establish their business in Jefferson City and build connections in the community. Now, he is doing the same thing himself.
“I had so much respect for my dad and my uncles,” Naught says. “I loved the idea of having a career that allowed me to be an active member in this community.”
Naught began working at his family’s agency part time while he was attending the University of Missouri. His time at MU is marked by two significant documents: a degree in business management and his pilot’s license. When asked for three words to describe himself, Naught says “avid aviation fan.” He dreamed of being a pilot before he dreamed of being a certified insurance counselor.
That’s not to say Naught doesn’t love his job; he had passed the requirements for his insurance license by his sophomore year of college, at which point he already knew his calling.
“Navigating the insurance world alone can be very frustrating for our clients,” Naught says. “Sometimes claims happen, and if they do, then it’s motivating to know that I’m helping someone who’s having a bad day. I hate not being able to help everybody who walks into my office.”
Naught-Naught has expanded since 1972 and now has 12 locations throughout mid-Missouri. Naught, however, still loves being deeply in touch with his hometown.
“I love meeting with business owners to talk about their business,” Naught says. “They are so passionate about their businesses, and I like being able to help protect them.”
Naught and his wife, Kristi, have one daughter and another child due in August. Kristi says her husband is patient and a good listener, things that go a long way when listening to clients.
Naught was nominated for the 2015 Ones to Watch by his friend Bill Plank, who says Naught is “involved with pretty much every charitable organization in Jefferson City.”
Family: Wife, Kristi; daughter, Keller; baby due in August 2015
Charity of choice: American Cancer Society and Boost BBQ
Naught-Naught Insurance Agency has hosted the Boost BBQ, benefitting cancer patients, for 22 years. Naught-Naught employees grill food and raffle off items to raise money. Jeff Naught is proud of the event and motivated by the cause, saying it provides “much-needed nutritional supplements for those battling cancer.”
Community involvement: Naught is an enthusiastic member of the Jefferson City Airport Advisory Committee and volunteers with the United Way, the American Cancer Society and the Goldschmidt Cancer Center. He is a current member of the West Side Business Association and a former board member of the Downtown Jefferson City Association.