In Episode 31 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel McVay sits down with Jason Garraway, founder of 316 Health Insurance, for a transparent conversation about building trust in a broken system. Jason's story spans from a strict Christian upbringing in upstate New York through a theology degree in Oklahoma, followed by an unexpected pivot into commission-based insurance sales in 2003 after realizing ministry wasn't his calling. What makes this conversation compelling is how Jason leveraged his natural gift of communication-and his genuine desire to help people-to reshape how families navigate health insurance. The episode digs into a pivotal life shift in 2015 that fundamentally changed both his faith perspective and business philosophy, transforming 316 Health from another insurance operation into a mission-driven company. Samuel highlights Jason's ability to balance boldness with humility, recognizing when his communication style needs recalibration while staying unapologetically true to his core values. This is a masterclass in building a business that actually prioritizes customer wellness over profit margins, and how authenticity becomes your competitive advantage in an industry plagued by skepticism.
Jason Garraway didn't plan to disrupt the health insurance industry. Growing up in Syracuse, New York, in an independent Baptist household, his trajectory seemed locked: Christian education, theology degree from Oklahoma City, ministry career. But life had other plans-and a newspaper ad in 2003 changed everything.
"I thought, my gosh, what's a guy from New York with a gift to gab and a nonaccredited ministry degree supposed to do?" Jason recalls. "I know-I'll go sell something." That impulsive decision launched a 20-plus year career in insurance that eventually led to founding 316 Health Insurance, a company built on principles that directly challenge the industry norm of prioritizing premiums over patients.
From Commission-Based Sales to Mission-Driven Leadership
What Jason picked up over two decades in insurance was a rare skill set: the ability to genuinely connect with families at their most vulnerable moments. While most insurance brokers treat health coverage as a transactional product, Jason built his reputation on transparency and advocacy. His communication gifts-the same ones he once considered wasting outside ministry-became tools for demystifying complex insurance options and actually helping people understand their coverage.
The turning point came in 2015. A major life shift forced Jason to reckon with how he was doing business. Was he simply another salesman pushing policies, or was he living out his core calling to be transformational in people's lives? That realization led to a fundamental restructuring of 316 Health's mission: stop selling what's profitable and start selling what's right.
Building Trust in a Skeptical Industry
Samuel McVay, the Killer Growth podcast host, observed something critical about Jason's approach: he's unapologetically himself while remaining humble enough to recognize when his communication style overshoots. That balance-boldness paired with self-awareness-is rare in any industry, but especially in insurance, where skepticism runs deep.
"People don't trust insurance companies because they've been burned," Samuel notes. "But when you meet someone genuinely trying to help, it changes everything." That's where 316 Health operates. By combining authentic communication with transparent business practices, Jason has created an online presence and reputation that stands apart from competitors. For local businesses and healthcare providers working with insurance brokers, this model offers a template: earn trust through radical honesty, not marketing spin.
Jason's journey also reveals a larger truth about business growth: scaling doesn't mean compromising values. Whether you're building a healthcare company or running a local service business, customers can sense the difference between someone who's genuinely invested in their wellbeing and someone just hunting commissions. That authenticity becomes your actual competitive advantage.
What is 316 Health and how is Jason Garraway trying to fix health insurance?
316 Health is a health insurance company founded by Jason Garraway focused on putting patient health first instead of prioritizing profits. Unlike traditional insurers that care about insurance sales over actual health outcomes, 316 Health operates with a mission-driven approach combining faith and innovation to reform how health insurance works from the inside.
How does the health insurance industry benefit from digital marketing and local SEO?
Health insurance brokers and providers need local SEO to reach people actively searching for affordable coverage, comparing plans, and seeking transparent pricing information. Digital marketing helps insurance businesses build trust, educate consumers about plan options, and generate qualified leads in their service areas through targeted Google Ads and optimized websites.
How does KillerGrowth help health insurance businesses and brokers get more clients online?
KillerGrowth uses local SEO to rank insurance brokers and health plan providers for high-intent keywords like 'health insurance near me' and 'affordable coverage in Wichita.' We build conversion-focused websites, run Google Ads campaigns to capture search traffic, integrate GoHighLevel CRM to nurture leads, and manage social media to build authority and trust with potential clients.
What makes KillerGrowth different from other digital marketing agencies in Wichita?
KillerGrowth specializes in local service businesses and understands their unique challenges. We deliver measurable results through data-driven local SEO, proven Google Ads strategies, and integrated CRM systems that turn leads into paying clients. Our founder Samuel McVay works directly with clients, and we focus on ROI-not vanity metrics-for HVAC, roofing, plumbing, healthcare, legal, and insurance businesses.
How can a health insurance broker or provider get started with KillerGrowth?
Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Samuel McVay at killergrowth.com/booking. During the call, we'll audit your current digital presence, identify missed opportunities to attract more clients online, and show you exactly how local SEO and targeted advertising can grow your insurance business.