Commercial Insurance Division Account Director
Cole Hairston is a Commercial Insurance Division Account Director for Harden, one of the Southeast’s leading insurance, risk management and employee benefits firms, where he leads the Construction Practice Group and specializes in construction risk management. In his role, Cole is responsible for originating and retaining client relationships, defining and articulating client objectives, and leading efforts to provide the best solutions for clients.
Prior to joining Harden in 2017, Cole was the Director of Sales for Florida Bonded Master Pools, where he led the team to exceed company sales objectives by training three new consultants thoroughly in new procedures, overcoming the learning curve to allow for consistent increases in quarterly goals; promoted and modified a unique sales system to new employees to achieve and maintain team objectives; and assured timely conveyance of important information to and from the sales team to construction teams, ensuring critical engagement and productivity of construction teams in a largely production-based industry. In addition, Cole previously worked with Stelmet Zielona Gora Basketball Club in Zielona Gora, Poland, as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, where he challenged players through innovative, engaging and highly effective training programs to improve team performance by up to 27%; was valued for providing consistent feedback and input and improving decision-making, team evaluation, and goal setting; and advised team members on improvements to technique, meeting or exceeding 100% of industry objectives.
Cole is a graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Exercise Science and was a four-year starter on the Men’s Basketball team. He holds a Florida General Lines (2-20) license and is working toward his Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. Cole is an involved member of the business community, participating in Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA). Cole works with clients such as general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and trade associations.
An active member of the community, Cole currently serves on the board for YoungLife and regularly volunteers his time with Habitat for Humanity and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
