David Pérez

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is David Pérez, and I’m an entrepreneur and insurance professional based in Washington State, serving clients across Washington, Oregon, California, and Texas. My professional background spans the insurance, hospitality, and e-commerce industries, where I’ve developed experience in business development, operations, sales, and management.

I specialize in commercial insurance, working with business owners, restaurant operators, and real estate investors to help protect their businesses and assets. In addition to commercial insurance, I provide a wide range of personal insurance solutions.

My entrepreneurial experience also includes involvement in La Vida Social, a restaurant and hospitality venture in Kirkland, Washington. Having worked across multiple industries has given me a broader understanding of business ownership, risk management, and the challenges entrepreneurs face.

I’m passionate about building businesses, developing meaningful professional relationships, and continuously finding opportunities for growth and innovation.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I appreciate most about Washington State is its entrepreneurial environment. There’s an incredible diversity of businesses, industries, and communities, which creates opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds.

From small family-owned restaurants to established commercial operations and real estate investors, Washington has a strong business community. Being surrounded by that entrepreneurial energy has played an important role in my professional development.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

My insurance agency provides a wide range of insurance solutions, including personal auto, homeowners, renters, life, and commercial insurance. While we serve clients across multiple insurance categories, my primary specialization is commercial insurance.

We work with business owners across Washington State, helping them protect their operations, employees, properties, and financial interests. Our commercial clients include restaurants operating in Southcenter Mall and other locations throughout Washington, as well as real estate owners and businesses requiring specialized property and liability coverage.

Our experience extends to commercial real estate insurance, including policies for investment properties and other commercial buildings. These types of risks often require a more detailed understanding of property exposures, business operations, and coverage requirements.

My journey in insurance developed from an interest in business, financial protection, and building long-term client relationships. Over time, I recognized that commercial insurance offered an opportunity to combine my knowledge of entrepreneurship with my ability to help other business owners.

Having also been involved in the restaurant industry through La Vida Social in Kirkland, I understand firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face. That experience gives me a valuable perspective when advising commercial clients because I understand both the insurance side and the operational realities of running a business.

My goal has always been to provide more than an insurance policy. I want clients to have a trusted professional who understands their businesses and helps them make informed decisions about protecting what they’ve built.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My advice is to start before you feel completely ready, but make sure you understand the financial responsibilities and risks involved.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through entrepreneurship is that having a good idea isn’t enough. You need discipline, financial awareness, consistency, and the ability to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

I’ve been involved in different industries, including insurance, hospitality, and e-commerce, and each has taught me something valuable about leadership and decision making.

I would also encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on building relationships and understanding their customers. Revenue is important, but long-term success depends on creating real value, maintaining trust, and managing your business responsibly.

Most importantly, don’t let the fear of failure prevent you from pursuing an opportunity. Mistakes are part of the process, but the ability to learn from them is what ultimately makes you a better entrepreneur.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

Some of the most meaningful feedback I’ve received has come from business owners who expressed appreciation for taking the time to understand their operations rather than simply trying to sell them an insurance policy.

Commercial insurance can be complicated, particularly for restaurant owners and real estate investors who have specific coverage requirements.

Knowing that a client feels confident and informed after working with us is extremely rewarding. It reminds me that insurance isn’t simply about transactions; it’s about building trust and helping people protect businesses they’ve invested years of hard work into.

That kind of feedback motivates me to continue improving the service we provide.

Where do you see your company in the future?

My long-term vision is to continue expanding my presence in the insurance industry, particularly within commercial insurance and business risk management.

I see opportunities to develop stronger relationships with business owners, real estate investors, contractors, and hospitality operators throughout Washington, Oregon, California, and Texas, and potentially beyond.

I also want to continue incorporating technology and more efficient business processes to improve the customer experience and make insurance more accessible.

Beyond insurance, I remain interested in entrepreneurship, strategic investments, and business development. My ultimate goal is to build sustainable businesses that create value, generate opportunities for others, and have a lasting impact.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about insurance is that the cheapest policy is always the best option.

Many people focus primarily on the monthly premium without fully understanding what their policy covers or, more importantly, what it excludes.

This is especially important in commercial insurance. A restaurant, commercial property owner, or contractor can face significant financial exposure if their insurance isn’t structured appropriately.

Insurance should be viewed as a risk management strategy rather than simply another business expense.

My responsibility as an insurance professional is to help clients understand their coverage, identify potential gaps, and make informed decisions that protect their financial interests.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to balance growth with the operational and financial responsibilities of running a business.

Entrepreneurship often requires you to make important decisions without having all the answers. Whether it’s managing expenses, developing a team, acquiring customers, or navigating unexpected challenges, there’s always something new to learn.

Having experience in multiple industries has taught me that every business operates differently, but many of the fundamental challenges are the same.

I’ve dealt with those challenges by focusing on adaptability, improving my financial understanding, and becoming more disciplined in how I approach decisions.

I’ve also learned that setbacks don’t necessarily mean failure. Sometimes they force you to reevaluate your strategy, become more resourceful, and identify opportunities you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

I believe some of the most valuable business lessons come from navigating difficult situations rather than experiencing immediate success.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Growing up, I was inspired by individuals who demonstrated discipline, confidence, and the determination to become successful in their respective fields. I’ve always admired people who push themselves beyond their circumstances and build something meaningful through consistency and hard work.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I’d like to recognize the people who have supported me throughout my entrepreneurial journey, including my family, colleagues, business partners, and the clients who have trusted me with their insurance needs.

I’m especially grateful to the business owners throughout Washington State, Oregon, California, and Texas who have given me the opportunity to work with them and learn about their industries.

Building a business is never an entirely individual accomplishment. The relationships, support, and opportunities you receive along the way play an important role in your success.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers interested in learning more about my professional background, entrepreneurial experience, and work in the insurance industry are welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn under David Pérez.

I’m always interested in connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, real estate professionals, and individuals interested in business development and commercial insurance.