Michele Wiley Expands Insurance Business

Michele Wiley at the Harvest Feast this October.

 —  by Margie Doyle , updated Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.–

Michele Wiley — island daughter, committed community volunteer and successful businesswoman — has moved three doors down from her former office to Suite 106 as her insurance business continues to grow.

Just two years ago, on Dec. 21, 2012, she bought Madrona Point Insurance from Sean Roach.That happened after putting her high-pressure telcom business in the San Francisco Bay area — with positions at MCI-World Com, Level 3, GE and 3M — on hold to come home to visit her dad, island painter Mike Wiley.

She expected to be helping him, but he advised her to stay on the island and start a new era in her life.

She started out working in reception at Eric Veldman’s insurance agency, and volunteering at the Orcas Chamber of Commerce office. This past year, she’s been seen in the thick of Chamber functions from the Shakespeare Fest Barbecue to the Christmas Tree Lighting.

She also serves as a member of the Orcas Historical Society Board and organized this year’s first Harvest Feast fundraiser at Red Rabbit Farm.

And her insurance business has “grown organically,” she says. As a licensed independent agent, she is steadily increasing her “appointments” as she becomes qualified to offer new insurance products.

“I’m in the people business,” Michele says, A high percentage of her business is from repeat customers and referrals. “We are not just protecting your assets; we are protecting your way of life — all the things you’ve gained through years of hard work.”

She maintains an office in the Arlington-Smokey Point area, where she also volunteers for that area’s Chamber of Commerce. Giving back just comes naturally to her. “I’m so appreciative of working with the community; it’s a wonderful reciprocal relationship.”

“I’m still here, still doing this and still really like it.”