Q and A with Patrick Del Medico, Executive Partner, Owner and the Chief Operating Officer of Shepherd Insurance: Gulf Coast CEO Board of Directors

In a region fueled by innovation, leadership and growth, the Gulf Coast CEO Forum has stood as a catalyst for transformation since 2011. This exclusive organization brings together the region’s most dynamic business minds who understand that leadership is not a solo journey, rather strategic collaboration and curated learning experiences foster success. At its core, this community empowers leaders to make better decisions, build stronger companies and have a greater impact in the Southwest Florida area. 

Patrick Del Medico, the Executive Partner, Owner and the Chief Operating Officer of Shepherd Insurance as well as the Gulf Coast CEO Board of Directors (as well as Board of Directors for Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, USF Risk Management & Insurance Industry Board and Advisory Board for Cardinal Mooney High School) offers insight into his experience with the Gulf Coast CEO Forum in this exclusive Q&A.

Q: Can you tell us more about your role with Shepherd Insurance?

A: I support and manage 100+ teammates for sales and operations in Florida and Arizona. I am responsible for growing and maintaining the trust we’ve established with our current clients and carrier relationships within each market we serve, while also identifying future partnerships that align with our mission and values.

Q: How does Shepherd Insurance differ from other insurance companies in the area?

A: It sounds cliche, but our people are truly exceptional. Their commitment, empathy, and expertise consistently go beyond expectations. The protection and peace of mind our team delivered to our clients during the devastating storms and volatile insurance market has truly been unparalleled. Additionally, we’ve been able to combine our local market knowledge with national carrier resources to deliver personalized, reliable protection to Southwest Florida residents and businesses for over 40 years.

Q: How has the Gulf Coast CEO Forum helped you and your business?

A: There is truly nothing like this group in this area. It’s absolutely helped transform me as a leader and helped both my business and my employees through the lessons and insight I have gained. It’s unique, insightful, helpful and energizing. Unique – because its exclusively CEO’s and business owners so the commonality of challenges with growing yourself, your business and your people is similar. Insightful and helpful because every experience I have encountered while being with the CEO Forum I walk away with a new idea, a new solution or new relationship. It’s energizing because I get the opportunity to learn from other extremely smart, dynamic and successful leaders while at the same time having the chance to offer some value of my own.

Q: What would you tell others who may want to join the Gulf Coast CEO Forum? 

A: Before you make an investment in any other organization or leadership opportunity, I would highly suggest you come for a meeting, with 125+ members from Southwest Florida, and experience this group first hand. Unlike other groups, ours is built on engagement, collaboration and mutual support of each other. You have the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders who understand the day-to-day challenges you face. In this trusted environment, you're encouraged to share openly, gain fresh perspectives and collaborate toward a common goal — to walk away with a solution.

Q: In December, the Gulf Coast CEO Forum is hosting a Big Event featuring Jesse Itzler. What are you most looking forward to?

A: To say I'm looking forward to December 10th, is an understatement. If you haven't already registered, you need to. Jesse is a unique blend of honesty, vulnerability and humility — at the same time one of the most incredible success stories an entrepreneur can learn from. His path to success is unconventional, unorthodox and a bit volatile but that is what makes him so real, so intriguing and so relatable. I can confidently say that those who attend will be challenged, in the best possible way, to think differently and strategically. They’ll leave with valuable insights and thought-provoking takeaways that can be applied both to their personal leadership development and to driving meaningful impact within their organizations.

For more information about membership or sponsorship with Gulf Coast CEO Forum, contact Rene Hebda, Executive Director, at [email protected], or visit www.gulfcoastceoforum.com.