Today we’d like to introduce you to Val Rodriguez.
Val, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got into insurance because I wanted to help my community, and honestly, it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Having freelanced for most of my twenties, I knew firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate healthcare as an independent worker. The system is messy and confusing, full of gatekeeping, misinformation, and enough paperwork to make your head spin. Too often, people are left completely on their own when they need help the most, and the support that’s supposed to be there is basically missing.
That’s why I became an independent broker. I help creatives find coverage for themselves and their friends, and I make insurance simple and manageable. I’m there year-round, not just during open enrollment. I go the extra step, whether that’s waiting on hold with insurance companies so my clients don’t have to, following up after procedures, or connecting them with local resources that support their overall health and wellbeing. At the end of the day, my goal is to make insurance approachable and reliable so people can focus on their work, their lives, and the people they care about without losing their minds in the process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’m not new to entrepreneurship, but learning the ins and outs of the healthcare industry was a whole different challenge. It’s complex, constantly changing, and heavily influenced by politics and policy shifts that impact what people can access and afford.
Staying on top of those changes while still making things simple and approachable for clients has been the biggest learning curve. But it’s also what keeps me motivated — helping people cut through all that noise and understand how these changes actually affect them day to day.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an independent insurance broker, which means I work for my clients, not the insurance companies. I help people navigate health, dental, vision, and supplemental coverage, whether they’re enrolling through the Marketplace, Medicare, or private plans.
I specialize in working with creatives, freelancers, and independent contractors who often don’t have access to traditional employer coverage and feel overwhelmed trying to figure it out on their own. My goal is to make the process clear, approachable, and stress-free.
What really sets my business apart is the focus on education, transparency, and ongoing support. I don’t just help someone find a plan during open enrollment and disappear. I’m available year-round to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and make sure clients know how to actually use their coverage with confidence.
I also pride myself on going the extra step. That might mean waiting on hold with insurance companies so my clients don’t have to, following up after procedures to make sure everything went smoothly, or connecting them with local resources that support their overall health and wellbeing.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that people describe working with me as refreshing. Insurance doesn’t have to feel complicated or intimidating, and I want my clients to feel confident and supported every step of the way.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I really want to focus on reaching creatives who are caregivers supporting their aging parents. I’ve seen how overwhelming it can be for independent workers to navigate Medicare, supplemental coverage, and long-term care options while also managing everything that comes with caregiving and running their own careers.
My goal is to be a resource for these families — to help them understand their options, feel confident about their choices, and take some of the stress off their plate. I plan to create more education and outreach specifically for caregivers in the creative community, so they have guidance and support year-round.
Ultimately, I want to continue growing my business in a way that meets people where they are and makes a real difference in their everyday lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamvalrodriguez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coverageforcreatives
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamvalrodriguez
