Ten years ago, Marc Hughes discovered something unexpected about the insurance business: the real reward comes from helping people on some of the hardest days of their lives.
The Metuchen-based State Farm agent, who previously worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, says much of insurance work is routine — until someone suddenly needs help. It’s about protecting what matters most to people — their families and property — and helping them plan for their unique future.
“Most of what we do is everyday stuff,” Hughes said. “But on people’s worst day, they reach out to us, and we get to make it a little bit better.”
Whether it’s a car accident, a flooded home, or a family preparing for the future, Hughes and his five-person team focus on keeping clients calm during the most challenging times and helping them move forward.
After a decade as a State Farm agent, Marc Hughes (pictured above) says the greatest reward is being there for clients during life’s most difficult moments. After a young couple lost their home in a fire, Hughes handed their daughter her teddy bear and assured her that he and his team would take care of them. “It’s about understanding what makes the most sense for each person and each family,” he says of the personalized service he and his team provide.
“When someone just got rear-ended and is crying on the side of the road, we can reassure them that we’ve got their back,” he explained. “We help them get their car repaired, arrange a rental, and guide them through the process so they can get back to normal.”
Hughes credits his career mentor from Enterprise, Dave Roy, for introducing him to the insurance industry. When Roy opened a State Farm agency, Hughes followed his lead. A year later, Hughes launched his own office in Metuchen.
Opening the agency allowed Hughes to focus on what he enjoys most: helping people and building relationships. A cum laude graduate of Syracuse University in 2002, Hughes has now spent a decade serving clients as a State Farm agent.
Outside the office, he enjoys playing golf and, since 2014, has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, mentoring and supporting local youth.
Today, Hughes’ office handles far more than home and auto insurance. In addition to traditional coverage, his bustling State Farm agency also insures boats, RVs, motorcycles, jet skis, and other recreational vehicles. “We cover all those fun toys, too,” he said with a laugh.
He also points out that State Farm is the nation’s leading individual life insurance provider. Hughes is licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and also serves as a notary public.
Whether clients are reviewing existing policies or starting from scratch, Hughes aims to make the process simple and approachable. “Ultimately, one of the most important things that we do is help families protect themselves in the long term,” he said.
Life insurance policies vary widely depending on a client’s needs and health history, but Hughes believes there is an option for nearly everyone. His office offers both in-person and private virtual appointments to discuss home and auto policies, life insurance, retirement planning, and other financial goals.
In recent years, the office has expanded into retirement planning services through partnerships that include BlackRock and Jackson.
One of the most emotional experiences of Hughes’ career involved helping clients after catastrophic home losses.
“I will never forget when I was helping a young couple who had lost everything in a house fire,” he recalled. “Their daughter was standing there after they lost all of their belongings, and I handed her a teddy bear and told her we’d take care of them.”
Moments like that reinforce why he loves the work. “Being able to reassure people that things are going to be okay again — and then seeing them move into a rebuilt home 18 months later — is powerful,” Hughes said.
Another growing service is pet insurance through Trupanion, something especially meaningful to Hughes and his family as owners of a frisky five-month-old Bernedoodle puppy named Derry.
“This is essentially health insurance for your pet,” he explained. “It can help families avoid difficult financial decisions later in a pet’s life. Pets are important members of the family.”
Like many people in the insurance industry, Hughes has become accustomed to hearing jokes and comments about the wildly popular Jake from State Farm commercials.
“Most days I’m wearing a red State Farm polo or sweatshirt,” Hughes said. “Inevitably, someone asks me about Jake from State Farm.”
Fortunately, he embraces the connection. “I love the commercials,” he said. “I think they’ve done a great job in building awareness and helping people recognize our brand.”
Recently, Hughes attended the national State Farm convention, held every four years, where agents discussed expanding awareness about the company’s broader financial and insurance offerings, along with emerging technology in the industry.
“I think you always have to find ways to differentiate yourself,” Hughes said. “The fact that so many people know Jake from State Farm is a huge advantage.”
Longtime State Farm customer Jim Devaney, an area sales manager for a software-as-a-service company, was a bachelor with one car, renting in an apartment, when he bought his first policy from Hughes.
“Marc has helped me through many stages of my life, providing me with the most competitive rates and exemplary service,” Devaney said. “As we progressed, he has been there for everything, guiding me toward the exact coverage I need without inflating anything.”
Now married, driving a pickup truck, and a homeowner with a pool, he said his insurance coverage needs have evolved and increased over the years.
“When we first bought our house, he made sure we had the right coverage,” he explained. “We had massive rain damage just three months after we bought the house and had to make a claim. Marc guided us through the entire process, making it comfortable instead of painful.”
In addition, Hughes provides insurance coverage for most of his family members. “Anything I need is provided in minutes. That personal touch from Marc and his staff is awesome. I often hear his staff say what a great leader he is.”
Reflecting on the past decade, Hughes says owning his State Farm agency has been one of the most rewarding and educational experiences of his life.
“It was the first time I was truly my own boss and running my own business,” he said. “I also learned insurance is much more complicated than most people realize because there are so many factors that affect policies and coverage.”
Still, he believes the heart of the business comes down to personal relationships. “My business card has my personal cell phone number on it because I want my clients to call me,” Hughes said. “Personalized service matters. It’s not just about price — it’s about finding the right coverage for all of your needs.”
That approach has helped generate significant word-of-mouth referrals throughout the community. “When people trust you and feel taken care of, they tell their friends and family,” he said.
In addition to online quotes through State Farm, Hughes frequently attends street fairs, bridal expos, and local events to meet potential clients.
“I enjoy meeting young couples going through different stages of life,” he said.
No two days at the office are ever the same. “One day we’re helping new parents get life insurance before their first child is born,” Hughes said. “The next day, we are helping parents add a teenage driver to their auto policy or guiding first-time homebuyers who have hundreds of questions.”
His office also assists renters, homeowners, small business owners, and families planning for college or retirement through 529 plans, IRAs, and other financial products.
“We’ve had customers with us for a decade now, and it’s rewarding to grow alongside them,” Hughes said.
Above all, Hughes wants clients to know they are treated as individuals — and not policy numbers.
“My team and I are here to help. That’s what we enjoy doing,” he said. “It’s not about selling products. It’s about understanding what makes the most sense for each person and each family.”
As Hughes sees it, good insurance is ultimately about preparation, trust, and relationships. “We want people to know they can reach out anytime,” he said. “We’re here to help them plan ahead, and stay ready for whatever comes next.”
