About Us

I'd like to share my personal journey with you. My name is Chris, and I am the proud owner of The Akers Solution. Let's delve into my story, filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges.

Childhood: A Small Town Upbringing

I was born in Radford VA, ...(not too far from Blacksburg and the VA Tech Hokies) at the beginning of the GenX generation, I was fortunate to grow up in the tight-knit community of Dublin, a neighboring town. We didn't have to lock our doors, and weekends were all about gathering with extended family. It was during those times that I discovered my passion for cooking and learned that sharing family time was very important. My family became my mentors, teaching me everything from hunting, fishing, the art of cooking and so much more, creating curiosities in new things throughout my life.

A Passion for Sports and Education

Sports played a significant role in my younger life with baseball and the Atlanta Braves capturing my heart from an early age. I pursued baseball until high school where I transitioned to freshman football. Unfortunately, a broken wrist during a basketball game abruptly ended my football aspirations. As I progressed through my school years, I actively participated in various activities, including chess, indoor and outdoor track, and cross country. In 1983, with a specialization in Culinary Arts, I proudly graduated from Pulaski County High School.

Serving My Country (Age 19)

Shortly after graduation, I made the decision to serve my country and joined the United States Army as a Radio Teletype Operator. I obtained my NATO Secret Security clearance in 1984 and rapidly rose to the position of a team chief. Serving in Europe during the Cold War, I had numerous deployments and multiple achievements as well as several US and NATO awards.

Returning to My Love of Cooking (Age 27)

When I returned to civilian life, I realized that my achievements in the use of military equipment was not as applicable to the civilian job market. I tried several different areas of employment searching to find my passion...

At the age of 27, I made the decision to pursue higher education, enrolling in The Art Institute of Atlanta. There, I deepened my knowledge of Culinary Arts, graduated successfully and settled back in my hometown area of Roanoke, VA. It was there that I met Kelly, a beautiful woman who would later become the mother of my two sons, Christopher “Trey” Akers II, and Chris Akers III, (There is a story there…ask me about it sometime!), and daughter Autumn Mason.

Armed with my training, I entered the restaurant industry, yet over time it began to take a toll on both me and my beloved wife. After 13 years of busy workweeks (which often exceeded 80 hours), the joy of restaurant work dwindled with age. In 2006, made a pivotal decision to quit the restaurant industry and venture into sales – specifically car sales. I discovered that I hated selling. I knew something was missing—I couldn't connect with "sales." It was a challenge to sell products I didn't truly believe in.

The Opportunity to Make a Difference (Age 42)

In 2007, an opportunity presented itself when an insurance company reached out to me for an interview. It was a turning point that made me realize I could truly make a difference in people's lives. I joined a VERY large insurance firm, where I spent a year honing my skills. Subsequently, I joined a local insurance broker to broaden my experience. However, it wasn't what I hoped for, as I often was expected to sell products that were in the broker's best interests rather than meeting the genuine needs of the clients.

Establishing The Akers Solution: Empowering Clients with Options

Driven by a desire to provide genuine help for real people, I decided to go out on my own in 2010. I obtained direct contracts with as many insurance companies as I could, determined to provide clients with a selection of insurance policies tailored to their specific needs. In 2015, I proudly established The Akers Solution, a name that reflects my commitment to providing customized solutions for each client's insurance needs. Today, I am dedicated to helping my clients discover true solutions rather than simply pushing products on them.
No more "selling!" My purpose is to assist you in resolving YOUR insurance needs.

More About Chris

Kelly passed away in 2020 after a battle with cancer. So, today, outside of work, you'll find me engaged in a number of activities...painting, target shooting (guns and bows), and I even play golf every now and then (but don't tell me how bad I am at it!). I enjoy the outdoors on camping adventures, raising bees, chickens, rabbits, and cultivating a thriving hydroponic garden. But above all else, my BEST days are when I get to share time with my kids!