Chad Goins’ journey from Pahrump Valley High School graduate to successful business owner is one of hard work, personal growth, and an unwavering connection to his roots. Graduating in 1997, Chad fondly recalls his high school years as formative ones, where sports played a pivotal role. While he acknowledges he wasn’t the strongest in academics, it was on the basketball court and golf course where he truly thrived. His senior year on the basketball team, though ending with a tough first-round loss at the state tournament in Northern Nevada, left a lasting impact. “We gave it our all, and the atmosphere was just something special,” Chad reminisces. The friendships he built during those sports seasons still hold a place in his heart today.
However, it was golf that truly defined Chad’s high school career. In his junior year, he was named the conference Player of the Year, leading his team to a runner-up finish in the state championship. These accomplishments paved the way for his next adventure: college golf.
Post-high school, Chad attended Northern Colorado for two and a half years, balancing business administration studies with playing on the golf team. “It was a great experience, but I wanted to take my golf career further,” he says. This drive led him to transfer to Methodist College in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a school known for its strong golf program. After completing his studies there, Chad decided to pursue professional golf, a decision that took him across the country and even internationally. He competed in the United Kingdom and Spain, gaining invaluable life experience. “It was an adventure, no doubt, but it was tougher than it sounds,” Chad admits. Ultimately, professional golf wasn’t the financial success he had hoped for, leading him to reevaluate his career options.
After spending a year chasing the pro golf dream, Chad shifted his focus to the golf course industry, working at various courses across the U.S., including in California, Las Vegas, and Connecticut. Despite the perks of working in golf, Chad soon realized the demanding nature of the job, particularly in Nevada and California, where the courses operate year-round. “It’s a never-ending kind of thing. You don’t get weekends or holidays,” he explains, noting how his colleagues on the East Coast had the benefit of seasonal breaks.
It was during this time that a serendipitous opportunity arose—one that would change the course of Chad’s professional life. Robert Worden, a family friend and fellow Pahrump resident, was looking to step away from his role as a Farmers Insurance agent. Having known Chad since 1985, Robert offered him the chance to take over the business. Chad, who had worked part-time for Robert in the past, jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve been extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunity,” he says. Since then, Chad has flourished in the insurance business, marking 14 years as an agency owner as of October 1st.
Reflecting on his career transition, Chad expresses immense gratitude for how things unfolded. “I was lucky—very blessed,” he says. The insurance business, though vastly different from the golf world, provided stability and allowed him to build a life centered around his family and the Pahrump community. Today, Chad’s agency offers a wide range of services, including home, auto, life, business insurance, and even financial services like annuities and mutual funds. “There’s nothing we don’t offer,” Chad says proudly, highlighting the broad scope of services his agency provides.
While his professional achievements are significant, Chad remains modest about his success. “I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished anything extraordinary,” he admits. Instead, he measures his success by the positive impact his business has on his clients and employees. “I try to do the right thing, take care of people, and I hope that will naturally benefit me in the long run,” he explains. Chad also values the feedback and appreciation he receives from customers, which he finds far more meaningful than any company award.
Much of Chad’s business philosophy stems from the values instilled in him by his parents. “They always taught me to act with integrity, do the right thing, and give your best effort,” Chad says, noting that these lessons have guided him throughout his career. He also credits other Farmers Insurance agents for their mentorship, and now, as a seasoned agent, he strives to pass along his knowledge to new agents just starting out.
In addition to running his business, Chad stays actively involved in the Pahrump community. He’s served on nonprofit boards and spent time on the local Chamber of Commerce. Although he doesn’t have a specific cause he’s heavily involved in at the moment, he’s always available to help when needed. “I don’t have one particular focus, but I’m always willing and available to give back,” he says. This commitment to his community extends to supporting local high school sports, a reflection of his own experiences as a student-athlete. “When I was in school, we had people who would donate and support us, and now I want to be that person for the next generation,” Chad explains. His induction into the Pahrump Valley High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 serves as a reminder of his legacy in the community, and he takes pride in continuing to support local sports teams and events.
Chad’s personal life is equally fulfilling. In 2011, he married his wife, Lindsey, and the couple now has two daughters, Hadley, 10, and Paisley, 7. Describing his daughters as “wonderful most of the time,” Chad laughs at the typical challenges of parenting, especially with their “sassy” personalities. Family time is a priority for Chad, and the family often takes summer trips in their trailer, creating lasting memories. Last summer, they visited Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and two years ago, they explored Yosemite and Sequoia. “It’s exciting to get out and see new things, and we do it with my sister-in-law and her family, so it’s always a great time,” Chad says.
Balancing his professional and personal life is a task Chad takes seriously, and he credits Lindsey for ensuring that they make time for family. “She’s really the driving force behind making sure we take time off,” he says. Lindsey’s grounding influence has been essential to Chad’s success, and he’s quick to acknowledge her role in keeping their family life organized.
Looking ahead, Chad’s goals are simple: “I just want to continue to foster a good business environment, take care of my employees, and provide for my family.” He’s content with the life he’s built and remains committed to his community, family, and business. “I have a lot of family and friends still in town, and I appreciate the community. I always want to make sure I’m giving back when I can,” Chad says.
Chad has built a life rooted in community, family, and hard-earned success. His path, from student-athlete to local business owner, reflects a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that have shaped him along the way. With a focus on integrity and service, Chad continues to give back to Pahrump, always looking for ways to support those around him. Whether through his work or time spent with loved ones, Chad remains dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and creating a positive impact wherever he can.
