Jeffrey B. Campbell, State Farm Insurance
by Kevin Fritz
Fourty and 1.
That’s how Jeffrey B. Campbell, longtime owner/agent of State Farm Insurance in Oviedo, looks at his life up to this point.
40 and 1, Jeffrey explains, is his take on a phrase used by legendary college football coach Eddie Robinson of Grambling State University. During an interview with a reporter, Eddie was asked about the key to his success. The coach noted that he measured success not in wins or championships but rather in being married to the same woman and having the same job for 50 years. 50 and 1, he said.
On July 26, Jeffrey and his wife, Monica, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
“That’s my 40 and 1,” says Jeffrey with a smile. “Success goes with success.”
Love Is All You Need
The Campbells’ love story began when they were both studying at the College of Central Florida in Ocala. While living in Crystal River, Jeffrey sometimes took a 40-minute bus ride to school to save gas money. Monica rode to school with her mom, who worked for the college. One day after taking the bus, Jeffrey had some free time before class, so he went to the school’s student union. That’s where he met Monica, and they have been together ever since.
The couple married and started a family – first a daughter, Jasmine, followed by a son, Jeffrey. Today, their daughter is a mental health counselor – as is Monica – and their son is a tour guide and python hunter in the Everglades. Jasmine and her husband are parents, too, with a four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter.
The Campbells’ early years were rewarding yet challenging. Jeffrey began his State Farm journey in 1989, and as he worked to build a strong business, Monica focused on raising the kids.
“When you start a business, it is important that everyone is on the same page,” says Jeffrey. “The support of a spouse is so important. I think I did a decent job as a father, but if I could do it all again, I would have spent more time with my kids.”
After working at two different locations, Jeffrey bought land and built an office at the corner of Tuskawilla Road and Aloma Avenue, which has been his State Farm headquarters for 24 years.
Like a Good Neighbor
As a small business owner, Jeffrey respects those with similar entrepreneurial dreams.
“I have insured so many small businesses, from landscapers and plumbers to masons and auto mechanics,” he says. “So many mom and pops. Many were successful, some were not. I don’t turn anyone down because I think they won’t make it. I believe they will.”
Jeffrey also actively supports his community. He served on the Oviedo Medical Center Board of Trustees, is a founding member of the Oviedo Police Foundation, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Oviedo.
As Jeffrey looks back on his 37 years with State Farm, he is pleased with what he has accomplished.
“As long as I have my health and can be helpful and productive for our clients, I will keep on working,” he says. “I think about how many people I have met, and it is just amazing how fast the time goes.”
Jeffrey has not only helped people throughout Greater Orlando with their insurance needs, he has also provided a stable working environment for dozens of people.
“I am so proud of the fact that I have never missed payroll in 37 years,” he says. “I couldn’t have gotten this far without my staff.”
Or without Monica, for that matter. His 40 and 1.