THE INTERVIEW

Where did it all begin?

Jose's path to insurance success began in an unlikely place—debt collections. "It wasn't fun, always talking to people at their lowest moments," Jose recalls of those early days. But rather than becoming hardened by the experience, he developed profound insight: most people weren't avoiding payment by choice, but because they simply couldn't afford it. With his naturally positive disposition, Jose transformed what could have been a transactional role into one of genuine problem-solving.

"I found out I was good at helping people figure things out, solving their problems, and helping them get out of difficult situations," he explains. When a layoff eventually came, what could have been a setback instead opened doors to making an even greater impact.

After obtaining licenses in life insurance, health insurance, and annuities, Jose found his way to Aflac through a simple Google search—a moment that began a 12-year (and counting) career with the company. But the Quintero team wasn't complete until Marie joined five years into Jose's journey.

Marie had been following a different path in cosmetology school, influenced by her mother's career in the hair business. However, watching Jose help people at their lowest points and witnessing the positive impact he made—staying with clients through every step of the claims process—inspired her to change direction. "I loved what he did," Marie shares, "so I studied really hard to get my license."

What truly sets the Quinteros apart in an industry that can often feel impersonal is their deeply personal approach. "A lot of people in this industry are cut and dry, and that's just not our style," Jose notes. This became particularly evident when he took on the challenge of revitalizing dormant accounts that other agents had abandoned.

Calling through a list of disgruntled clients, Jose found himself repeatedly calming frustrated customers and rebuilding their trust in Aflac's services. "I was just trying to make people happy again and provide the level of customer service they deserved," he says. His efforts paid off as he successfully turned accounts around, helped clients file claims, and ultimately received glowing testimonials that distinguished him from other agents.

This foundation of compassionate service became the cornerstone of the Quinteros' approach—one that continues to define their practice at their own company, J&M Benefit Solutions Inc.

Tell us about how you two joined forces in business?

"We do everything together," Marie says with a smile that reveals both professional satisfaction and personal joy. What began as admiration—Marie watching how Jose treated his clients and his commitment to providing top-tier service—evolved into a perfect business partnership that enhances their marriage rather than competing with it.

"We met here in Jacksonville, but I had to go down to Miami for school. Jose would visit me, and it worked out," Marie recalls. Despite pursuing cosmetology, her heart wasn't truly in it. The flexibility of schedule as an insurance advisor and the natural transition to working with Jose proved to be a better opportunity.

What makes the Quinteros truly exceptional is how they've orchestrated their professional dance around their natural abilities. They've found an effective rhythm where Marie excels at generating leads and answering client questions with precision and care, while Jose shines during presentations and closing deals. This division isn't rigid—it's fluid, based on intimate knowledge of each other's capabilities. "We know how to help each other because we know each other's strengths and weaknesses," Marie explains, highlighting how their personal connection creates a professional advantage that clients immediately recognize and appreciate.

Jose mentioned that they don’t outright say they are married during client interactions as a professional consideration but they wear name badges with a shared last name, so clients eventually do catch on. With admiration, I think their personal relationship is a huge advantage to their professional relationship and they are an inspiration for other married couples who aspire to be in business together.

What do you see for yourselves in business as you continue to grow?

As their clientele continues to grow, the Quinteros have given careful thought to expansion—but not at the expense of their core values. "We don't want to get so big that we can't give everyone the special attention they deserve," Jose explains, reflecting their commitment to maintaining the personal touch that sets them apart.

Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Marie and Jose are focused on thoughtful growth with the right team members. "We want to hire people with similar mindsets and values," Marie emphasizes. Their vision includes Jose focusing on training and bringing on new talent, while Marie would work alongside an administrative assistant to maintain their existing book of business—ensuring that current clients continue receiving the exceptional service they've come to expect.

Central to their business philosophy is creating a positive work environment that reflects their own values. "I was blessed in my first admin job, and I want to do the same for others. They paid me a good salary," Marie shares. The Quinteros are committed to not just hiring employees, but investing in people who love their jobs—providing competitive compensation and fostering an atmosphere where team members can thrive.

Their community engagement strategy mirrors this people-first approach. The couple has begun attending networking events and setting up informational booths to educate the public about their services. They regularly visit professional offices to share their expertise, and they are looking to volunteer their time at local churches, offering free consultations to congregation members. "It doesn't cost anything to talk to us," Jose points out, underscoring their accessibility and service-oriented mindset.

This balanced approach to growth—expanding their reach while preserving their personal touch—exemplifies how the Quinteros translate their values into every aspect of their business plan.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

5 Real Estate Advantages of Downtown Jacksonville for Insurance Advisors

1. Central Client Access - Located in the heart of Jacksonville's business district, providing easy accessibility for corporate clients and professionals working downtown.

2. Professional Image - Downtown office spaces project credibility and stability—important qualities for insurance advisors building trust with clients.

3. Networking Opportunities - Proximity to banks, law firms, and other financial services creates natural referral partnerships and business development opportunities.

4. Transportation Convenience - Well-served by public transit and major highways, making it easier for clients to visit and for advisors to make client calls throughout the region.

5. Growing Urban Development - Downtown Jacksonville continues to experience revitalization with new residential and commercial projects, increasing the potential client base within walking distance.

Now, let’s get back to the story.

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What’s your approach to protecting your senior clients?

The Quinteros have developed a special passion for serving retirement-aged individuals and those approaching their golden years, particularly in Jacksonville's lower-income Westside and Northside communities.

In an era where financial scams targeting seniors have become uncontrollable—often with devastating consequences that can wipe out life savings in an instant—Jose and Marie have positioned themselves as protective guides as much as insurance advisors. They take time to educate their clients about common red flags in financial offers, empowering them with the knowledge to protect themselves from predatory schemes.

What truly sets them apart, however, is their refreshing honesty and client-first mentality. "When we see that someone already has a plan that fits their needs perfectly, we tell them so," Jose explains. "We never try to force anyone to switch just to make a sale." This integrity-driven approach reflects their unwavering commitment to doing what's best for every person they meet with, regardless of whether it results in immediate business.

For many vulnerable seniors in their community, this rare combination of education, protection, and genuine care has made the Quinteros more than just trusted advisors—they've become essential advocates in navigating the complex world of retirement planning.

MUST-KNOW INFO

Contact The Quinteros

➡️ Facebook Profile

➡️ Phone: 

Jose Quintero: 904.525.9195 [Cell] | Marie Quintero: 954.993.2368 [Cell]

➡️ Email: [email protected] | [email protected] 

JACKSONVILLE FAVORITES

City Favorites: The Quintero Perspective
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Why Jacksonville? Marie and Jose have fallen in love with Jacksonville's vibrant community where diverse cultures create an incredible food scene that excites them. The outdoor lifestyle is unbeatable—they can spend time at the beach and exploring natural springs and parks, all within a short drive. Best of all, they are thriving professionally in one of the fastest-growing cities for young professionals, watching neighborhoods transform and feeling like they part of something special as Jacksonville blossoms around us.

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