Today we’d like to introduce you to Deswick Bonds Jr.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
There was a time when I had nothing—no home, no stability, and no clear path forward. I experienced homelessness in multiple cities, struggling to survive while holding onto a vision that my circumstances did not define me. Today, in those same cities, I am hiring and employing people, providing opportunities for others to build careers, create financial security, and change their own lives—just as I changed mine.
My journey into business didn’t start with insurance. I’ve always been passionate about creating solutions and opportunities, whether through launching businesses, securing grant funding, or advocating for underserved communities. I founded Eldercare Harmony Initiative in Jackson, TN, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and support for seniors. I’ve also been fortunate to receive grant funding for multiple ventures, including being named a 2023 grant recipient of the Ford Motor Company “Blue Oval City” West Tennessee initiative in partnership with Builders & Backers and Heartland Forward. But despite my entrepreneurial success, I wanted to build something greater—something that would not only change my life but impact generations to come.
That’s when I found the insurance and final expense industry. Partnering with the largest final expense company in the nation, Lincoln Heritage & the Funeral Advantage Program for Seniors, I quickly realized this was more than just a business—it was a mission. Within my first year, I helped over 250 families secure financial peace of mind, ensuring their loved ones wouldn’t have to struggle with end-of-life expenses. I worked my way up, not just as an agent, but as a leader—breaking production records at Memorial Gardens Insurance Services with over $43000 in production in just my second full month. By March 2025, I’ll reach my first anniversary in the industry, but in many ways, I feel like I’m just getting started.
What truly sets my story apart isn’t just the numbers or achievements—it’s the transformation. I went from having nothing to helping others build something. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you gain, but about how many people you lift up along the way. That’s the foundation of Memorial Gardens Insurance Services – Southeast—not just selling policies, but changing lives, providing career opportunities, and helping others not leave a financial burden behind on their loved ones.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? Not at all. This journey has been anything but easy.
Right now, we’re building our new agency in Nashville, but I haven’t fully relocated yet. That means every morning, I’m making the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Jackson, Tennessee—and at the end of the day, I’m making that same trip back. Spending five hours on the road daily isn’t just tiring—it forces you to be disciplined, mentally strong, and fully committed to the vision. Being in the car that long, getting in and out all day, and constantly staying on the move can take a toll if you’re not keeping yourself physically active and mentally sharp.
But the travel is just one part of the journey. Building an agency while recruiting, training, producing, and managing a growing team requires a level of dedication that goes beyond a traditional workday. There’s always another agent to coach, another client to help, another city to travel to. You don’t clock in and out—this business becomes a part of you.
And here’s the thing: being an agency owner and managing partner isn’t just a role—it’s a calling. It requires persistence, sacrifice, and a deep belief in what you’re building. The long hours, the travel, the exhaustion—it’s all worth it because I know we’re creating something bigger than just an agency. We’re building careers, changing lives, and making sure families have the financial security they deserve.
So, has it been easy? No. But the challenges, the miles, and the sacrifices are all part of the process, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I give all the credit to God, my community of business partners, and those who have provided invaluable guidance: Marty Rosson and Wade Phillips of the Rosson Phillips Group, Earnest Wells Jr., Chandra Scott of Memorial Gardens Insurance Services, Corey Williams , of The William’s Group headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and my mentor, Earnest Wells Sr. of Wells Roofing and Remodeling. Thank you all for your tremendous and inspiring support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Memorial Gardens Insurance Services – Southeast, our mission is simple: protect families, provide peace of mind, and create opportunities for those seeking financial independence. We specialize in final expense insurance, ensuring that families are financially prepared when the unexpected happens.
We make the process as easy as possible with a one-page application and a 99% approval rate, covering individuals from 6 weeks old to 85 years old. Unlike other insurance options that involve long waiting periods or complicated medical exams, our policies provide immediate peace of mind—ensuring that loved ones are not left with financial burdens.
More Than Just Insurance – A Full Support System
What truly sets us apart is that our clients receive more than just a policy. They also gain access to the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS), an exclusive service designed to help families make final arrangements without the stress and confusion of navigating the process alone. FCGS assists with price comparisons, funeral planning, and ensuring that beneficiaries maximize their benefits, helping them avoid unnecessary costs during an already difficult time.
An Opportunity for Agents to Thrive
Beyond serving families, we also empower insurance agents by removing the common obstacles that make this career challenging. Agents joining our team benefit from:
• Hands-on training from professional trainers – We provide real, structured support to ensure every agent has the tools to succeed.
• No upfront lead costs – Our corporate office provides high-quality, compliant leads at no upfront expense, making it easier for agents to build their business.
• Leadership built from experience – Our managers and leaders didn’t start at the top; they began as agents, built their careers, and are now committed to mentoring others.
A Legacy of Protection and Growth
At Memorial Gardens Insurance Services – Southeast, we’re not just selling insurance—we’re providing security, opportunity, and a future. The same cities where I once struggled are now places where I’m hiring, mentoring, and giving others a fresh start. By partnering with the largest final expense company in the nation, we’re able to provide unmatched support for both families and agents.
Whether you’re looking for financial security for your loved ones or a career opportunity with no limits, Memorial Gardens Insurance Services – Southeast is here to help.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people recognize me as a top-producing agent and the youngest, fastest-promoted agency owner and managing partner of Memorial Gardens Insurance Services – Southeast. But what many don’t realize is just how deeply involved I am outside of the insurance industry.
I’m not just about business—I’m about building people, communities, and legacies. I am an author of a dozen books, an ordained and licensed faith leader, and a dedicated community advocate. My work extends beyond insurance; it’s about empowerment, service, and leadership.
Many assume that success in business comes from numbers, strategy, and sales alone. But for me, it’s always been about action. I don’t just talk about making a difference—I live it. Whether it’s providing resources for seniors through Eldercare Harmony Initiative, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, or leading faith-based initiatives, my purpose has always been bigger than any single title.
What surprises people the most? This level of involvement isn’t a side project—it’s what it takes to truly build something meaningful. I believe that leadership isn’t about what you say; it’s about what you do when no one’s watching. That’s the philosophy I bring to everything I touch—whether it’s business, faith, or community work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deswickbondsjr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deswickbondsjr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deswickbondsjr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deswickbondsjr/
- Twitter: https://x.com/deswickbondsjr/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Deswickbondsjr
- Other: http://memorialgardensinsuranceservices.com/
