When Daniel Lockett opened his Farmers Insurance agency in Goshen, Indiana, he stepped into a new chapter — one that matched his values: dependability, honest communication, and a commitment to doing what’s right. After years of managing logistics and account services in the outdoor gear industry, he stepped away from the corporate world and posted his résumé online. Farmers Insurance reached out.
“Insurance wasn’t something I had considered,” Daniel said. “But once I learned more about the support, training and flexibility they offer, I realized it was a great fit.”
He appreciated that Farmers provided a proven framework — without limiting his independence.
“They really want you to succeed,” he said. “I felt I’d be equipped but still have the freedom to create something I believed in.”
Today, Daniel leads a growing office on Goshen’s south side, where every client is met with an honest and nurturing approach.
“You’re not talking to a 1-800 number,” he said. “You’re getting someone who knows your name — and wants to help.”
That personal attention is what sets him apart.
“They get me,” he said with a smile — meaning his clients know they’re not just getting a policy. They’re getting Daniel’s full attention, commitment and care.
Daniel’s office currently includes licensed producer Micah Raber. He eventually hopes to grow to a five-person team, with each staff member specializing in a particular area, such as life, business or Medicare-related products. While Farmers offers a wide portfolio, Daniel is also appointed through a brokerage, Kraft Lake, giving him the flexibility to meet a broad range of needs.
“I want to be able to meet people’s needs, no matter the circumstances,” he said.
The Goshen office provides home, auto, renters, umbrella, life, business and pet insurance, as well as specialty lines like motorcycle, RV, boat and golf cart coverage.
“There are more options than people realize,” Daniel said. “We even do vacant properties or seasonal homes, and take the time to walk people through what each policy actually covers.”
Clarity is at the core of how Daniel operates.
“We take time to explain things,” he said. “I’ve had clients say, ‘I finally understand my policy after talking to you.’ That means a lot to me.”
He recalled a recent example that reinforced why those conversations matter.
“We had a client who had the state minimum for auto liability. We sat down and reviewed everything. Not long after that, she was in a multi-car accident. The total liability was over $50,000 — but her policy only covered $25,000. Fortunately, we had just increased her coverage. Otherwise, she would have been on the hook for $25,000 out of pocket.”
Another client, a financially stable couple who could afford a high premium, came in with an $800 monthly bill.
“We took a look at their coverage and were able to get them the same — or better — for $400,” Daniel said. “That was a big win. We want people to feel confident that what they’re paying for is both smart and fair.”
Helping clients make informed, confident choices is what drives him.
“I don’t ever want people to feel rushed,” he said. “This isn’t just a numbers game to me — it’s about building long-term relationships.”
That philosophy is especially clear when Daniel talks about life insurance.
“A lot of people think of life insurance as something that only comes into play when someone passes, but there’s so much more to it,” he said.
“Besides offering term life, we look at policies that build cash value — whole life and indexed universal life — that can become part of a financial strategy for the future and even retirement.”
One option he highly recommends for families is juvenile life insurance.
“You lock in a very low rate while they’re young and healthy, a rate that never increases,” Daniel explained. “By the time they’re grown, they’ve got something built up. It can be used for college, a down payment, retirement — it’s a head start.”
Daniel, a grandfather himself, is in the process of setting up policies for his grandchildren.
“In my eyes, it really has little to do with preparing for the unexpected, but rather preparing for the future by laying down a foundation of success for our young ones.”
While life coverage is a focus, he encourages every client to consider bundling different types of insurance for substantial discounts.
“When you combine home, auto and life, you save money — and it simplifies your life. One agency, one phone call,” Daniel said.
Farmers policies also include replacement cost coverage that’s automatically updated with inflation, which helps protect homeowners in an evolving market.
“A lot of people haven’t looked at their coverage in years,” he said. “With the way building materials and labor costs have fluctuated, it’s important to make sure your policy reflects what it would actually cost to rebuild.”
Daniel also works with clients navigating Medicare Advantage and related products.
“It’s an area a lot of people have questions about,” he said. “I want to be a resource, especially for seniors who are making these decisions for the first time.”
His appreciation for the Goshen community has grown since opening his doors.
“It’s got this great balance — small-town feel, but a lot of activity,” Daniel said. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people from all walks of life. And I love the historical aspect of Goshen — there’s such a rich cultural heritage here.”
He’s also built strong relationships with members of the Amish community.
“I really admire their work ethic and their values,” he said. “There’s a mutual trust.”
Clients regularly express appreciation for Daniel’s responsiveness and care.
“We had someone recently leave a review that just said, ‘I trust him,’” Daniel said. “That’s the highest compliment I could get.”
Other reviews echo the same message. Evan Garner shared, “Great owners! Very personable and respected in the community! Dan will do his best for you every time!” Craig Greene added, “Great company. They went the extra mile to make sure I have a good and comprehensive policy that’s very affordable.”
While the office is still modest in size, Daniel is already planning ahead.
“We’re focused on growth,” he said. “I want to bring in more specialists so we can offer even more personalized services and make it even easier for people to find what fits their lives best.”
For anyone shopping for insurance or simply reviewing old policies, Daniel encourages openness and questions.
“A lot of people don’t know where to start, and that’s OK,” Daniel said. “I’m here to answer questions and help people understand what they’re signing up for.”
In a field often marked by fine print and impersonal service, Daniel Lockett is building something different — a business grounded in trust, backed by expertise and supported by the strength of Farmers Insurance.
For more information, contact the office at (574) 574-5774 or visit agents.farmers.com/in/goshen/daniel-lockett.
