Jim Folks began his career with Willis Faber North America, a reinsurance broker and a division of the Willis, Group Ltd., where he worked in both the New York and Greensboro, NC offices. He worked with many regional and mutual insurance companies placing various degrees of risk in both the domestic and international markets. With a long-term goal of becoming a retail broker, Jim took a position with American International Group, during which time he worked for National Union's Directors' & Officers' Liability Division as an underwriter. In this capacity, Jim became astute in the procedures of risk management as he researched, evaluated, and finalized decisions concerning the assumption of risk for Fortune 100 companies. In addition, Jim successfully passed the "Certified Insurance Counselor" designation, courses and examinations. Prior to his pursuit of the CIC designation, Jim began course studies for the CPCU and has four exams to his credit.

Barbara Lyons is the Vice President and Manager of the Personal Lines Department for Folks Insurance Group. Barbara has been with Folks Insurance Group since they opened their doors in September 2001. As a licensed insurance broker and agent, seasoned office manager, and executive, Barbara has demonstrated expertise directly related to over twenty-seven years of experience. Barbara has built a career specializing in dedicated support of her customer's needs. She was awarded an academic scholarship upon graduating with Distinction with her Associates in Arts degree from Suffolk Community College. Barbara continued on to earn her Bachelors in Business Administration degree two years later from Dowling College. Additionally, Barbara has earned the designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and is a member of the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research.