In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christina DeGregory, an independent insurance broker with Health Markets, to talk through her journey from a biology major (!) to health insurance and how she’s using her science background to educate and empower clients. Christina shares that she holds a master’s in biological sciences and once worked as a teaching assistant in cell biology and microbiology. That experience, she explains, helped shape her ability to explain complex topics—like health insurance—in clear, simple terms. She’s now channeling that same teaching energy into her role as a broker, with a personal motto: “Insurance is hard, let me make it easier for you.”

We talk through how she transitioned out of academia and into insurance after facing a stagnant job market post-grad school. What drew her to this career was the opportunity to connect with people, educate them, and help them understand their options. As an independent broker, Christina runs her own business under the Health Markets umbrella, helping individuals find coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She explains open enrollment, special enrollment periods, and how certain life events can trigger eligibility to enroll outside the standard window.

We also touch on the most common challenges her clients face, such as confusion around deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Christina emphasizes her goal of making sure clients truly understand their coverage, payments, and what to expect in case of hospitalization or routine care. She works primarily with people who aren’t eligible for employer-sponsored insurance—1099 workers, part-time employees, or those in between jobs—and particularly helps those in lower-income brackets who may qualify for subsidized or even $0 monthly premium plans.

Christina also works with supplemental insurance like dental, vision, and indemnity plans that offer payouts for accidents, illnesses, or hospital stays. She outlines how these offerings can protect against crushing medical debt, especially for vulnerable populations. Soon, she’ll also be licensed in Medicare to help retirees navigate yet another complicated health care system.

Outside of work, Christina’s passionate about music and community. A long-time fan of Detroit’s EDM scene, she talks about attending Movement and Electric Forest every year. We also learn about her positive experience joining the Royal Oak Chamber and her love for being involved in local networking events.

Throughout the episode, it’s clear Christina brings not only technical knowledge to her work but also empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for helping people navigate the confusing world of health insurance.

Call Christina: 248-981-3610

Visit her website: https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/cdegregory/

Or find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_degregory/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Mark Friday of RJ Telecommunications to explore how his company has grown from a family-run operation to a full-scale managed service provider. Mark walks us through the company’s origins, starting in 1996 and his joining in 2004 as a teenager. Back then, RJ focused mainly on physical phone systems, but with the rise of VoIP and the decline of traditional systems like Nortel, the company evolved. By 2013, they were developing their own phone software and expanding into managed internet services, fiber, and network infrastructure.

We learn how this growth led RJ to become a true MSP, offering IT services, cybersecurity, and full network management while maintaining a commitment to transparency. Mark emphasizes his mission to grow honestly, in contrast to other IT vendors who often sell fear-based solutions or unnecessary services. His goal is to provide practical, effective, and affordable tech solutions—especially for fellow small businesses.

Mark also shares his experiences working with family, explaining that trust has been critical to the company’s culture and customer service. His older cousin, who once babysat him, now plays a key role in the business. As RJ has scaled from three to nine employees in just two years, he’s been able to delegate roles while ensuring the customer-first approach remains central to their work.

Looking ahead, Mark is focused on growing RJ’s presence in the IT space with integrity. He wants to build a team that can run day-to-day operations, freeing him up to engage more with the community, attend networking events, and explore interests in real estate investment. He shares his past ventures, including flipping a house and running a sandwich shop and video store before returning to RJ and becoming the sole owner.

We also touch on RJ’s approach to security camera installations, which is guided by customer needs and budget, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. Mark speaks positively about his experience with the Royal Oak Chamber and how its lively, supportive environment has helped RJ build local relationships.

You'll also find our how actor Donald Faison enters our conversation. More on him here:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0265668

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Faison

More on RJ Telecommunications: https://now.rj10.com/

Phone: 248-442-2100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/RJ-Telecommunications-inc/61554279984531/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rj-telecommunications-inc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjtelecommunications/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christine Scott from Paul Scott Plumbing to talk about her journey in the plumbing industry, the importance of clean water, and the value of careers in the trades. Christine shares how she transitioned from the car business to plumbing after meeting her husband, Paul, and how she eventually became a licensed journeyman and contractor to help run the family business. After Paul's passing in 2016, she took over operations, continuing the legacy with the help of her two sons, who are now licensed master plumbers.

We discuss the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and how plumbing offers a rewarding career path without the burden of student loan debt. Christine emphasizes the need for both men and women in the trades and actively mentors young professionals. She also highlights the importance of maintaining clean and safe water, referencing the ongoing presence of lead water lines in communities and the impact of the Flint water crisis. She advises homeowners to install water filtration systems, not just for drinking water but for household use as well.

Real estate plays a big role in plumbing concerns, and Lisa shares her experience with buyers who assume city water is always safe. Christine stresses the importance of sewer inspections before purchasing a home, as unexpected repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. She explains the value of sewer scopes, which Paul Scott Plumbing provides for $450, and preventative maintenance like hydro jetting to keep pipes clear.

Beyond plumbing, Christine shares her love for scuba diving, describing her experiences exploring the underwater world, including a recent trip to Hawaii where she swam with manta rays. We wrap up with a lighthearted fishbowl question about fashion trends, where Christine reveals her appreciation for vintage 50s styles.

Paul Scott Plumbing serves Oakland, Macomb, and parts of Wayne and Genesee counties, offering 24/7 emergency services. To contact them, visit www.paulscottplumbing.com or call (248) 547-9334.

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/