Emily Gruening is a brand strategy and organizational culture expert who empowers elite performers and teams to build championship-level brands that connect, inspire, and convert. As co-author of the bestselling “Dynasty: Building a Championship Insurance Team” and host of “Branding Blitz” and “The Game Plan”, Emily has personally coached hundreds of insurance agency owners and 6-, 7-, and 8-figure brands nationwide on how to build a brand that truly speaks for them.

With nearly two decades of experience spanning hospitality, entertainment, and insurance leadership, Emily is renowned for her time designing and delivering high-impact training and culture programs for iconic organizations such as Ryman Hospitality Properties, Grand Ole Opry, and Ole Red Nashville. There, she onboarded and coached thousands in the art of guest experience, internal culture, and leadership—developing curriculum and delivering transformational trainings for all levels, from front line to director to C-suite.

Her unique ability to translate vision into momentum has made Emily the go-to advisor and creative force behind the execution of dozens of annual conferences and events serving 100+ agents, coaches retreats, and partner experiences under the COACHG banner, building intentional cultures of engagement, alignment, and performance.

Emily Gruening’s expertise has been featured in the The New York Times, and she has shared stages and conversations with top performers across multiple industries, including appearing on Coach Burt’s podcast and interviewing Luke Combs. She has spoken to audiences from Vanderbilt University classrooms to executive boardrooms and is a trusted voice behind internal recognition programs and strategic initiatives for high-performing organizations.

Above all, Emily’s superpower is helping leaders and teams feel connected to their mission and confident in their brand voice. She believes a brand is more than how you look—it’s how you lead, serve, and inspire. Through her work, she continues to empower elite performers and teams to build legacies that last.

Chris Hunt is the connector, closer, and coach behind the scenes—making sure the business relationships around COACHG move with precision, purpose, and long-term strategy. Born and raised in London, England, Chris moved stateside in 2006 to attend Millikin University, where he played football and earned his degree in Business Management before going on to complete his MBA at Louisiana State University.

With a background in finance, commodity trading, and energy procurement, Chris brings a rare combination of corporate-level polish and gritty, get-it-done hustle. As CoachG’s Director of Business Development, he manages key external partnerships, maintains the bridge between CoachG and its FMO network, and serves as the point man for agency owners inside the program—helping them navigate opportunities, resources, and strategic growth initiatives.

Whether he’s negotiating deals, guiding new agency owners through the system, or repping CoachG in high-stakes conversations, Chris is the guy you want in your corner when it’s time to expand your footprint and level up your business.

He currently lives in Nashville with his wife Courtney and their two daughters, Collins and Camden. When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him hunting, cheering on England Rugby, or spending quality time with family and friends.

“Growth isn’t luck—it’s built, one smart move at a time.”

Travis Goveia brings a team-first mindset and a deep playbook of practical knowledge to every rep inside COACHG. Growing up in a big family with four brothers—including his twin—competition, leadership, and hard work were built into his DNA. A three-sport athlete through high school, Travis went on to play football and earn his MBA from Millikin University.

Since 2018, Travis has been in the Medicare trenches—working directly with clients and coaching agents on how to win in one of the most technical (and rewarding) spaces in the industry. Today, as the National Director of Sales at Gruening Health & Wealth, he oversees a high-performing team of agents and teaches the fundamentals that drive real results.

Inside COACHG, Travis leads The Practice Field—a weekly session where agents roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with the operational and sales details that make the difference. From navigating carrier portals to mastering product-specific conversations, he helps agents tighten their game one rep at a time.

When he’s not coaching agents or clients, you’ll find him coaching high school football, watching classic movies, or hanging out with his fiancé Sara and their massive crew of nieces and nephews.

“Execution beats potential—every time.”

Joe Pate didn’t go looking for the Medicare industry—it found him. While helping his grandparents navigate the confusing world of Medicare, he realized just how broken the system felt for everyday people. That experience sparked a mission: to simplify Medicare and make real help accessible.

In 2018, he launched Medicare Joe®, which now serves thousands of seniors each year with honest, no-fluff guidance. But that was just the beginning. Over time, Joe kept hearing the same thing from his clients: “Can you help me with retirement, too?” The more stories he heard—people running out of money, going back to work, or unsure of what to do next—the more he knew he had to step in.

So, in 2022, he founded Retire With Joe, LLC, offering transparent retirement planning, powered by a Series 65 license and a deep desire to educate, not confuse. With his “Portfolio X-Ray” process and annual review system, Joe and his team bring peace of mind to people planning their future.

Inside CoachG, Joe leads 3rd and Long: Annuity 101, where he teaches agents how to identify annuity opportunities buried in plain sight—and how to turn one policy into a long-term financial solution. It’s not theory—it’s the exact playbook Joe runs in his own business.

A former college athlete and MBA grad from Salve Regina University, Joe grew up just outside Providence, RI, as the oldest of five siblings. That big-brother mentality is still what drives him today—lead by example, show up when it matters, and always put others first.

“Every Medicare client is one question away from an annuity.”

Josh Cooper knows that a winning game plan is built on two things: education and execution. After trading his basketball jersey for a degree in Education, Josh spent five years in the classroom mastering the art of breaking down complex ideas so others could win.

In 2017, Josh brought that teacher’s heart to the insurance sector. Over the last seven years, he has dominated the Final Expense, Life, and Medicare markets—not just as a producer of over $200k in annual premium, but as a mentor who stays in the trenches.

Inside COACHG, Josh leads the charge on Life Insurance and Final Expense. He specializes in helping agents bridge the gap between "working hard" and "operating at full capacity" by mastering the sales scripts and systems required to close high-volume business. He is dedicated to helping agents duplicate his success through structured growth and repeatable plays. 

When he’s not drawing up growth strategies, you’ll find Josh back in his element—spending time with his family, traveling, or jumping into a competitive game of hoops. He leads with a simple philosophy:   

“Seek to understand before seeking to be under stood.”  

Devin Curtis doesn’t just show up to work—he shows up to compete. A lifelong athlete who took his talents to the collegiate soccer pitch, Devin traded his cleats for a Business Administration degree from Illinois College and a mission to help others win. He understands that in both sports and insurance, success isn't an accident; it’s the result of having the right tools and the right mindset.

As a Regional Director of Sales, Devin thrives on the "assist"—connecting clients with the exact products and services they need to protect their lifestyle and perform at their peak. For Devin, it’s about more than a transaction; it’s about ensuring every person on his roster has the playbook to be their best every single day.

When he’s not coaching his team or scouting new opportunities, you’ll find Devin pushing his limits at the gym, catching a game live, or relaxing at home with his wife, their families, and their two cats.