James E. Boyd, AAI - Chief Executive Officer

After his graduation from Florida State University in 1978, Jim joined Boyd Insurance & Investment Services. Since that time he has held various positions within the firm, and is presently the Chief Executive Officer and co-owner. Jim achieved the Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI) in 1988, and has actively continued his education by seminar and workshop attendance. He holds Property & Casualty, Life & Health Insurance Licenses as well as the Surplus Lines Brokers License.

Jim is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker and is President of, The Boyd Group, a Commercial Real Estate Brokerage firm.

Active in community affairs, Jim has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce and Library Foundation and also has served on the Board of the Red Cross and Palmetto Rotary Club. He is also active in the First Baptist Church of Palmetto.

From 1989-1993 Jim served as Palmetto City Councilman, Vice-Mayor and Mayor.

Jim and Sandy Boyd reside in Bradenton with their two children Ansley, a junior at Florida State University and Austin who is a sophomore at Florida State. Born and raised in Manatee County, Florida, when he can get away, Jim enjoys playing golf and vacationing in the North Carolina Mountains.

L. Pat Osburn, AAI, President

Pat graduated from Florida State University in 1976 with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to graduation he was drafted and signed by the Cincinnati Reds where he spent seven years playing professional baseball.

He joined Boyd Insurance in the fall of 1976 and in 1990 was named President of Boyd Insurance and Investment Services, Inc. Being introduced to Bradenton to play baseball for Manatee Community College, Pat decided to make Manatee County his permanent home in 1971. He and his wife, Dina Mercadante, enjoy spending time with Pat’s five children and their 2 golden retrievers.

His hobbies include, golf, tennis, physical fitness and reading. As an All-American for the 1970 Seminole baseball team, Pat and Dina enjoy attending Seminole sporting events and cheering on their alma mater. Pat holds an Accredited Advisor of Insurance designation and has served on the Agent Advisory Board of Hanover Insurance Company. Pat served nine years on the Board for the Desoto Boys and Girls Club and held the position of Board Director. Continuing his love for baseball, Pat served as the President of Manatee County Babe Ruth League for 3 years and has coached various youth baseball teams.  

Richard G. Gross, AAI,
Vice President of Sales & Operations

Richard (Dick) Gross, AAI, entered the insurance business as an underwriter trainee with the Maryland Casualty Company, Tampa, Florida in 1957. He joined The Aetna Insurance Company in 1965 and became an Underwriting Manager. Dick joined a local agency here in Bradenton in 1973, retiring in 2003. Deciding to go back to work, Dick joined Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Inc. as V.P. of Sales and Operations in December 2006. Dick taught and received his AAI designation in 1982.

Married to his wife Joyce for 48 years, they are the proud parents of 5 children and have 10 grandchildren. Dick is a past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis and has served on many local Boards. He is presently the Treasurer of Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, Inc. Members of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Palmetto, Joyce and Dick serve as Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors.

Kristin D. Smith, Vice President – Client Relations

Kristin began her career in the insurance industry in 1979. After becoming a licensed Property & Casualty agent in 1981, she joined the group at Boyd Insurance in 1983. She earned the designation of Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI) in 1985.

Kristin has worked in all areas of the Property & Casualty business, having held positions as receptionist, personal lines CSR, commercial lines CSR, bookkeeper and office manager. Her present position as Vice President - Client Relations provides her the opportunity to use her experience to make sure our office operations are handled with maximum efficiency, and to work with employees to provide outstanding service to our clients.

Kristin in an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, where she has served on the vestry, as a Sunday School Teacher, a youth leader and a member of the choir, as well as having served on numerous committees. While her hobbies of gardening, home improvements and crafts provide her relaxation; her greatest joy comes from spending time with her three children.

Nicholas J. Zec, Jr. LUTCF, CFS,
Vice President of Financial Services

Nicholas J. Zec, Jr. is the Vice President of Financial Services & Employee Benefits.

Nick, a native Chicagoan, has been part of the agency since 1984, and in the Insurance and Investment Industry since 1981. After finishing at Buffalo Grove High School in Northwest Suburban Chicagoland, Nick graduated with a Business Marketing Degree from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois in 1981. He also played NCAA College Football for North Central from 1977-1980. He started his business career with Aetna Life and Annuity Company as a Career Agent in Oakbrook, Illinois.

Nick is a member of many civic and social organizations in our area. He is a 1992 graduate of Leadership Manatee, and has served on the Board of Directors of the Leadership Alumni Association. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Manatee Gator Club, the East Manatee Education Foundation, and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. He continues his role with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce on the Tourist Tax Committee, and Manatee Children’s Services Advisory Committee.

Nick and his wife Vicki live in East Manatee County with their two children Alec and Cassie. They are members of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, and are supporters of youth sports for baseball, basketball, and football.