We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Schulte Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite quotes is, “Work hard. Stay humble. Be kind.” This simple yet powerful quote resonates deeply with me as a divorced mother of an 8 year old son and an 11 year old daughter.

It captures the values I strive to embody every day: working hard to provide a stable and loving home for my children, staying grounded despite life’s challenges, and treating everyone I encounter with kindness and respect. As a parent, I see it as my responsibility to lead by example, showing my children the importance of perseverance, humility, and compassion. I strive to show my employees the same.

This quote reminds me that success is not just about achieving personal goals but about fostering a sense of gratitude and love in everything I do. It is a guiding principle for how I approach life, ensuring I not only support my family but also teach my children the value of hard work, the importance of empathy, and the strength found in treating others well, no matter the circumstances life throws at you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Growing up with parents in the insurance industry, I never imagined I would follow in their footsteps. After graduating from LMU and working in a marketing job in Los Angeles, my dad asked if I’d consider coming back to San Diego to learn the family business. I thought I’d give it six months, assuming it would be a stepping stone to something else—but I quickly realized how much I loved the work. Helping people navigate the often-complicated world of insurance, especially during challenging times, gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t experienced before.

The history of our agency is something I’m incredibly proud of. My dad started it in the 1970’s after being laid off from a big insurance company on Christmas Eve with a newborn at home. That experience fueled his determination never to work for anyone again. He began building the business out of our house, and my mom soon joined him, answering phones and supporting him in every way she could. Together, they grew the agency into something special, moving from a home-based operation to a small office in Encinitas. Today, we’ve expanded to a larger office with a wonderful team of 11 employees who embody the same values of dedication and care that my parents instilled in the business from the start.

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Growing a book of business in this industry from scratch wasn’t easy—it took persistence, long hours, and a lot of learning. Balancing work with personal struggles like a divorce, managing my health with lupus, the death of my father, and a bad car accident for my mother, has tested me, but it’s also made me stronger and the person I am today. My focus on company employee health insurance benefits has become a true passion, and I take great pride in the relationships we build with our clients.

What I love most about this work is the opportunity to make a real difference. When you help a client through something as difficult as cancer treatments or other health issues, it is incredibly rewarding. Those moments remind me why I’m here and why this business matters so much. Our agency’s story is one of resilience, family values, and a deep commitment to serving our clients and community with integrity and heart. I feel honored to carry on the legacy with my cousin Matt that my parents built and we will continue helping others in meaningful ways.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I have out-of-town guests visiting San Diego, I love showcasing some of my favorite local spots that capture the beauty and charm of the area. One of the highlights is the touristy Seal Tour, which is always a hit—it’s a fun and unique way to see both the city and the bay, offering a mix of history and great views.

Of course, no visit is complete without a trip to the beach though. Whether it’s the sandy shores of Carlsbad, the laid-back vibe of Encinitas, or the scenic coastline of Del Mar, each spot has its own special appeal. I personally live in Carlsbad and one of my favorite activities is e-biking to the beach. It’s a great way to enjoy the ocean breeze and take in the stunning coastal scenery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my dad Kris, who was not only the original founder of Schulte Insurance Agency, but also my greatest mentor in both business and life. He built the foundation of the company with hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community.

My dad passed away at age 67 from glioblastoma brain cancer, but his legacy continues to guide me every day. His wisdom, compassion, and dedication to excellence are values I strive to uphold, and I’m forever grateful for the lessons he taught me—not just about running a successful business, but about leading a meaningful life. His influence has been the cornerstone of my journey, and I carry his spirit in everything I do.

Website: https://www.schulteinsurance.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insuranceguruforyou/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jschulte/

Twitter: https://x.com/insurancegurus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchulteInsurance/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/schulte-insurance-agency-encinitas

Image Credits
Headshot credit San Diego Headshots/Nicholas Andrews

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