About

About Don Bullard

Don Bullard retired from the insurance industry at the age of 71 in 2020 after 36 years with State Farm and later as agency owner of Don Bullard Insurance. During his insurance career, he held various certifications and degrees as a CPCU (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter since 1978), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter since 1980), CHfC (Chartered Financial Consultant since 1993), and a CASL (Chartered Advisor for Senior Living since 2005).

Today, his days are filled with traveling, boating, and cruising.

Don’s Bespoke Insurance Career

His Tenure with State Farm

Don Bullard began his insurance career in 1972 as a State Farm agent. Working tirelessly, including long days and nights, five days a week, Don built his State Farm agency during the next eight years and hired additional staff to help him grow the business. By 1995, he was the highest-ranking State Farm agent in the United States and Canada. In fact, during his tenure at State Farm, Don was one of the top 10 agents in the company for over ten years and ranked number-one agent several times.

Founded Don Bullard Insurance, Wilmington, NC

Don parted ways with State Farm in 2008 and started an independent insurance agency at age 59. He had to start all over, building a client list, obtaining insurance carrier appointments, and employing a robust marketing strategy to promote his agency, brand, and reputation throughout Wilmington, North Carolina.

After the first year, Don was able to build his book of business and gain policy count at an accelerated rate, eventually serving over 20,000 households. With three offices conveniently located for his clients, he offered a portfolio of personal lines insurance products, including auto, homeowners, flood, marine, motorcycle, ATV, RV/trailer, vacation, jewelry, and umbrella coverage. Don also provided clients with life insurance options.

By 2016, the Don Bullard Insurance agency was as large as his business with State Farm. That year, he was approached by Acrisure, a large brokerage company, and he sold his agency. Don continued to work for another 3 ½ years until retiring. Today, Don Bullard Insurance continues to serve Wilmington communities under the Acrisure brand. Acrisure is the fastest-growing brokerage in industry history, with $4.3 billion in revenue, 16,000 team members, and in 21 countries.

Recognition and Accolades

Don won every award available for production and profitability during his 36-year insurance career with State Farm. He was awarded the prestigious Presidents Club Trophy 12 times and qualified as a president’s club member over 70 times. He also traveled to over 15 different regions in the U.S. and Canada to share his practices and office procedures, as well as assist other agencies in their career development.

An Army Veteran who served in Vietnam

After graduating from New Hanover High School, Wilmington, in 1967, Don Bullard entered the Army as a Warrant Officer Candidate. He graduated from Army Flight School in 1968 as a Warrant Officer (helicopter pilot).

Don served in the military for more than four years and was a helicopter pilot for three tours in Vietnam. His first tour was in January 1969, and he was assigned to A Company 123rd Aviation Battalion Americal Division.

He flew various missions and eventually became the personal pilot of the Americal Division commander (Major General Lloyd Ramsey). Don extended his first tour into a second tour and was promoted to a 1st Lieutenant. He completed the second tour and returned to the United States in August 1970, where he took a basic officers training course. Don elected to return to Vietnam in January 1971 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division B Troop, 2nd of the 17th Cavalry. He was at Camp Eagle in the extreme northwest part of South Vietnam, where he volunteered to be a Scout Pilot covering the A Shau Valley near the border of Laos.

He was promoted to the rank of Captain at the age of 22 and two months later was shot down in the A Shau Valley for the second time, unfortunately seriously. Don spent nine months convalescing and elected to leave the Army after he could no longer fly.

Among other awards, he received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, 36 Air Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, and a Purple Heart.

An Integral Part of the Wilmington Community

Don has lived in the Wilmington area for more than 50 years. He has been a prominent member of the community, serving as Past President of the Seartoma Club and Past Treasure of the Port City Kiwanis. He has volunteered for various community-based and civic organizations, including Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Cape Fear Literacy Council, and the United Way.

He also volunteered as a school tutor for a special needs child who needed professional assistance in all skill areas. Don was able to get the child into a learning center and provided transportation and tuition expenses for 11 years, helping him to graduate high school with his class.