Between Two Doors: Building Businesses with Heart & Horsepower, A Conversation With Dustin Paine of the Paine Insurance Group



Guest: Dustin Paine, Entrepreneur & Insurance Agency Founder

Host: Nate Carver

“I love coaching people—helping them make more money than they’ve ever dreamed of or get more time at home with family. My job is to figure out what they want and then help them get there.”
— Dustin Paine

Intro

On today’s episode of Between Two Doors, I sat down with Dustin Paine—a true cowboy at heart and a powerhouse entrepreneur. From founding his first insurance agency to scaling multiple ventures and now coaching fellow business owners, Dustin brings deep faith, hard-earned grit, and a servant’s heart to everything he does. We talked about his rural Texas roots, the lessons he’s learned building teams, how insurance is evolving in North Texas, and what’s next on the horizon for this purpose-driven leader.

Watch the full conversation here:  https://youtu.be/WT5kIJfii8A

Roots & Entrepreneurial Spark

  • Ranching pedigree: “I didn’t realize I was entrepreneurial until my mom reminded me my grandpa had been a 4th-generation rancher and farmer.”

  • First career leap: After college baseball and a stint in oil & gas, Dustin realized he wanted meaning, not just a paycheck—and reconnected with his former coach who’d become an insurance district manager.

From Sales Agent to Agency Owner

  • Learning on the fly: “I was a great sales agent but a terrible business owner—I hired people without training them. Over time I learned to coach, not just manage.”

  • Coaching philosophy: “My goal for my team could be ‘make more money than you’ve ever dreamed’ or ‘get more time at home with family.’ I find out what they want, then help them achieve it.”

Insurance in Today’s Market

  • Carrier specificity: In the past carriers competed broadly; now they’re laser-focused on location, construction, roof age, and exposure—especially in rural North Texas.

  • Roof considerations: Roof age, material (metal vs. asphalt vs. recycled-tire rubber shingles), and impact-resistant “fortified” installations can make or break coverage options.

  • Deductible dynamics: Many lenders cap the homeowner’s deductible at 5%, but Dustin walks clients through the math: “If raising your roof deductible saves you $1,000/year but costs $6,000 in potential out-of-pocket, you need six claim-free years to break even.”

  • Bundle or unbundle: Bundling home, auto, RV, and other policies can save 10–20%, but for agricultural exposures (cattle liability, pipe breaks during Texas freezes), specialized “farm & ranch” products may require separate carriers.

  • Claims as affirmations: “I love claims—not for our profitability, but because it reminds people why they work with us. We don’t just sell a policy; we deliver on our promise when disaster strikes.”

Community & Chamber Involvement

Since moving his family to Van Alstyne in 2015, Dustin has served on the local Chamber of Commerce board. He focuses on membership growth, educational workshops, and connecting businesses with city leaders to support Collin County’s booming economy.

Life on the Ranch & Family Ventures

  • Family first: Dustin and his wife raise their five kids on a small “ranchette” east of town, complete with horses and cattle grazing just outside their windows.

  • Farm-to-Fork: Their side venture, Farm-2-Fork, offers locally raised chicken and beef—“providing good nutrients and a fun way to share our love of animals.” 

  • Faith & service: Actively involved in their church’s ministries, Dustin and his wife lead worship and women’s groups, grounding their businesses in purpose.

What’s Next

  • Agency growth: Over the next five years, Dustin aims to add 5–10 more producers to his insurance team—scaling with the same coaching ethos that built his success.

  • Passive income: He and his wife plan to expand their rental-property portfolio, leveraging their insurance-driven cash flow for long-term wealth.

Key Takeaways

  1. Entrepreneurship is in your roots: Sometimes you just need someone to point it out.

  2. Coaching > managing: Invest time in training your team, understand their goals, and facilitate their growth.

  3. Insurance is evolving: Location, roof specs, and coverage nuances matter more than ever—work with an expert.

  4. Claims build trust: Delivering on your promise in a crisis is the ultimate value you provide.

  5. Balance heart and horsepower: Drive results with a high-energy mindset while keeping relationships first.

Connect with Dustin:


Host: Nate Carver
Podcast Name: Between Two Doors
Podcast Description: Talking to Realtors, industry leaders, and community influencers about their journey—fostering connections that help home buyers and sellers choose partners based on shared values and personality.
Podcast URL: https://www.betweentwodoors.com
Sponsor Name: Premier Lending, Inc.
Sponsor URL: https://www.natecarver.com
NMLS: 130562 | LO NMLS: 2004738
Equal Housing Opportunity | https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com
Contact Number: 972-832-5761

Powered By: Premier Lending, Inc.

Greater Texoma Association of Realtors (GTAR): https://www.gtar.org
Social Media:

Thanks for tuning in—see you next time “Between Two Doors”!

Location: Van Alstyne, TX, USA

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