Direct: 252-467-2750

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"My grandfather began working with Standard Insurance in 1935, followed by my father in 1952, and I joined the company in 1982. I focus on property and liability insurance to individuals, families and businesses."
 
Buckley has been a licensed Property and Casualty Agent since he joined the agency in 1982. He graduated from the United States Fidelity & Guaranty's (USF&G) School of Insurance in 1985.

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Buckley graduated high school from Rocky Mount Academy and received his BS in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is Past President and a former board member of numerous nonprofits and foundations.  He is currently President of the Rocky Mount Community Foundation and has served on agents advisory councils for Companion, Builders Mutual and Metlife Home and Auto Companies. In 2012 Buckley successfully completed Appalachian State University's Insurance Executive Program, which is a management development program designed specifically for independent agents.

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Buckley enjoys travel and spending time on the coast at Nags Head, NC. His oldest daughter, Tyler, died in a tragic climbing accident in 2015 in Jackson Wyoming.  A website has been created in her memory. http://tetonty.com

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His daughter Blair is a PA and the mother of two boys and a girl. His daughter Josie joined the agency in 2024 as a 4th generation Strandberg and is the mother of a baby girl.  Both daughters reside in Charlotte.

Direct: 252-467-2755

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"My specialty is creating and maintaining risk management plans for companies large or small. We bring value added services to our clients ideally to identify the cost of risk, reduce risk and increase that company’s bottom line. Implementing and maintaining the proper risk management plan is crucial to the success of any business."

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John T. Smith has been a licensed insurance agent and broker since 1991 and joined Standard Insurance in 2001. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1990 with a BA in Political Science he went on to the Hartford School of Insurance in Hartford, Connecticut and completed risk management studies in 1993. 

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John T. started his career with Associated Insurers, a large independent insurance broker in Raleigh and in 1996 went to work for another large agency in Rocky Mount, Betts & Company, which was later purchased by RBC Centura. He joined Standard Insurance as a partner in 2001 and has been awarded the professional insurance designations of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) by The Institutes; the Agribusiness Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) by IBA West Education and the Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI) by The Institutes.

 

John T. is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilson, a founding member of the Wilson YMCA, member of the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and is an annual Sponsor for Ducks Unlimited and participates in various non-profit organizations within his community. He enjoys outdoor activities including travel, hunting, fishing, boating, and coaching. John T. and his wife Stephanie live in Wilson with their three children, John T. Jr., Carr and Louise.

Direct: 252-937-6913

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"My efforts revolve around Life, Health, Disability, Long Term Care, Property and Liability Insurance to individuals, families and businesses."

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Gus has been a licensed agent since 1989. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1966 with a BS in Business Administration. Gus is a current Board Member of the NC Department of Transportation. He is Past President of the NC Jaycees and the Rocky Mount Rotary Club. He is currently Chairman of the Deleon Cater Foundation and Past Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Gus is Past President of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, and a former member of the University of NC Board of Governors. He is Past Chairman of Benvenue Country Club and a former Honoree of the East Carolina University Alumni of the Year award. In 2016 Gus was the recipient of the Rocky Mount Distinguished Citizen Award. Gus is a member of the Local, State and National Association of Life Underwriters. In addition to his affiliation with Standard Insurance & Realty, Gus owns his own business, Gus H. Tulloss Insurance Agency located in Rocky Mount. Gus has two grown children, Harrison and Kim Tulloss, and four grandchildren.

Direct: 252-467-2472

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Nick joined Standard Insurance in 2018 and operates from our office in Nags Head. Graham was born and raised in Southern Shores. He graduated in 2014 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in History and a minor in Spanish. Graham then enrolled at the Wake Forest University School of Business for a one-year business program. Upon graduation with a degree in Management, he began working with a Healthcare Consulting Company in Atlanta, Georgia. After two years in Atlanta, Graham decided to return to his hometown.

 

Graham works with both Personal Lines and Commercial Lines prospects to analyze and recommend the best property and liability insurance for their homes, property, automobiles, boats and businesses. His Personal Insurance Lines focus is on high-valued primary, secondary and rental homes located predominately on the Outer Banks. Graham’s business insurance focus is on special program classes developed by the agency’s selected insurance carriers - for example: automotive service and repair, restaurants, hotels, nonprofits and contractors.

Direct: 252-467-2762

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"I’m here to protect your business and family with tailored insurance solutions, closing liability gaps and securing the best coverage at competitive rates, all while building lasting partnerships." – Dawn
 
Dawn, a seasoned insurance professional from Wilson, NC, brings a wealth of expertise to her work across North Carolina. Holding Property & Casualty (P&C), Life, and Health licenses, she is dedicated to crafting personalized insurance solutions. Her mission is to support you, your family, or your business while fostering enduring relationships with her firm. 
 
Starting her career in 1997 with a direct writer, Dawn gained critical industry knowledge but found her passion in an independent agency, where she can secure optimal coverage, competitive rates, and customized insurance plans for her clients. Licensed since 2000, she joined Standard in January 2003 as a Customer Service Agent, moving into a sales role in 2005 focused on Commercial and Personal Insurance. In 2011, she earned her CBIA (Certified Builders Insurance Agent) designation. Within her agency, Dawn skillfully balances dual roles: supporting John T. Smith in managing his accounts and driving sales across North Carolina while attentively serving her own clients’ needs.
 
While specializing in the healthcare sector, serving long-term care facilities, hospices, assisted living centers, and more, Dawn is equipped to assist all sectors requiring insurance. She welcomes the opportunity to enhance your business’s risk management portfolio with her comprehensive expertise. As a committed risk manager, she meticulously identifies and addresses liability exposures, ensuring robust protection for both commercial and personal insurance needs.
 
In 2019, Dawn and her husband, Peter, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief, relocated to Brevard, NC. Together, they enjoy an active lifestyle, indulging in camping, hiking, kayaking, live music, fly fishing, and gardening. A proud mother to her grown daughter, Madison, Dawn values quality “unplugged” time with her family.
 
A passionate community advocate, Dawn has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Veterans Residential Services, the Red Cross, and the Rocky Mount Area United Way. She has also served as President’s Council Ambassador for the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce and is a former member of the Lions Club and Wilson Jaycees, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Direct: 980-771-2211

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Josie joined Standard Insurance in the summer of 2024. Being the daughter of the Agency Principal,  the decision to follow in her father’s footsteps did not come immediately. After graduating in 2016 from North Carolina State University she moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she began working with a local commercial real estate firm. After two years in Atlanta, she decided to return to North Carolina where she worked for a residential real estate firm and most recently a local mortgage lender in Charlotte, NC. With this experience, Josie is a perfect fit for the Insurance Industry and plans to be the Fourth generation to have a presence in the future of Standard Insurance.  

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Being a native of Rocky Mount and still having ties here allows her to consistently maintain connections with our long standing clients and local events. While she currently resides in Charlotte, Josie will focus her sales efforts across the state. Josie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to the coast, and trying new restaurants in the city. Josie and her husband Drew live in Charlotte, NC with their daughter Libby and their two pups Nelly and Winnie.