“I am extremely proud of the team we have put together at Lourie Life & Health. We are unique in that our management and support include a team of licensed and certified agents who have experienced those issues and concerns agents face daily. We are laser focused on helping our agents meet the needs of their prospects and clients.”
Joel Lourie
Founder & CEOJoel Lourie comes from a background of public service, where he served 18 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives and State Senate. He has been recognized by numerous organizations for his work on healthcare, education, and improving the lives of all South Carolinians, particularly seniors and children.
In addition, Joel has a 35-year history as a business owner and founded Lourie Life & Health in 2011. Since that time, Lourie Life & Health has grown to be a regional leader in the Health Insurance and Medicare industry. Joel is a native of Columbia, a graduate of the public school system and the University of South Carolina. The Louries have been in South Carolina since the early 1900s, where the family owned and operated a department store for 96 years. Also, Joel’s father served in the SC Legislature for 28 years.
Joel and his wife Becky have three children and a beautiful grandaughter. He enjoys exercising, going to concerts, binge-watching, a good bottle of wine, and some pasta. His favorite band is Queen.
“Having worked for a large, national FMO, I saw first-hand the impersonal approach of contracting thousands of agents with no level of regular service. I partnered with Joel Lourie because I saw an opportunity to develop an agency where our agents would become our partners and we could deliver the individualized training and support necessary to help them reach their full potential.”
Chris Johnson
Senior Vice President & PartnerChris Johnson is a trusted advisor and results-oriented leader in the health insurance, Medicare, and group health/employee benefits industry, with nearly two decades of experience. Originally from Lugoff, South Carolina, and a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, Chris began his insurance career in 2006 as an independent agent.
Chris gained national recognition during his time as Vice President of Training and Development at Cutler and Associates, where he worked alongside industry legend Shep Cutler and trained insurance agents across the country. In 2014, he partnered with Joel Lourie at Lourie Life & Health, where he now serves as Senior Vice President and Partner. In this role, Chris has built a reputation as a respected industry expert and mentor, known for developing ethical, empowered teams that are deeply committed to delivering client-focused service.
For Chris, leadership is synonymous with mentorship. He takes great pride in fostering the professional and personal growth of those he leads, always prioritizing integrity, compassion, and excellence. When he’s not shaping organizational strategy or guiding agents to success, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, cheering on the Gamecocks, barbecuing in his backyard, and traveling to support his kids’ sports and cheer events. He’s also the go-to resource for friends and colleagues seeking expert food advice.
Chris is passionate about serving the community where he lives and works. He actively contributes his time and leadership through service on the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board, the Free Medical Clinic Board, and the Gills Creek Watershed Association Board. Through these organizations, Chris helps support leadership development, expand access to healthcare, and promote environmental stewardship, reflecting his deep commitment to strengthening the Midlands community.
Interested in becoming an Agent Partner?
We are looking to build partnerships with insurance professionals who will always put the needs of their clients first. If you want to grow your business while helping those in your community, then we are interested in YOU!