In 1979, Jim began his career by earning a BBA from the University of Georgia with a major in Risk Management & Insurance. He gained valuable industry knowledge and experience by completing the St. Paul Insurance Company underwriting training program and by holding underwriting and marketing positions with the company from 1980 to 1984.

Since 1998, Jim has served as the President of the Real Estate Insurance Network, (RIN), a specialized network of joint venture insurance agencies integrated within the residential real estate industry. RIN is a wholly owned division of The Norton Agency, an independent insurance agency based in Gainesville, GA. Jim is a Vice President/Principal of The Norton Agency and in 2008 was named the General Manager.