Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Isahaq.
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Chris Isahaq, and I am a proud single father of four wonderful children. My oldest, at 19, enlisted in the US Air Force this year. I have twin daughters—one is pursuing Psychology at Concordia University, while her twin, who has special needs, is thriving in her transition program. My youngest is a bright-eyed, energetic three-year-old son, eager to take on whatever life brings his way.
My journey began in Florida, where I moved from one retail job to another. Eventually, I transferred to Minnesota to be closer to family as my older children became more involved in activities. As a single father, I quickly realized I couldn’t be everywhere at once. They say it takes a village, and I’ve found that to be absolutely true.
I spent many years working in retail because it felt safe and familiar. After a couple of years in Minnesota, I was fortunate to have a supportive network of friends and family who encouraged me to pursue a new opportunity: owning my own insurance agency. Although the insurance industry was unfamiliar to me, I brought with me a skill set honed over many years—client service, relationship-building, and helping people find solutions to their problems.
In June 2022, I launched Isahaq & Associates and began a new adventure. I dove in headfirst, made mistakes, and learned valuable lessons along the way. As Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” I’ve faced significant challenges—nearly going bankrupt, almost losing my home to foreclosure, and even having my car repossessed—but I always got back up.
Today, I am proud to lead a small team at our office in Eagan, where we have helped many families protect what matters most by finding the right coverage solutions. We provide comprehensive solutions for home, auto, life, and small business insurance. I am passionate about supporting local small businesses, partnering with owners to help protect what they have worked so hard to build.
I am a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce and deeply appreciate the support the community has given me as I’ve grown in this adventure. I am also grateful to say that my car is now paid off, the bills are taken care of, and my family is thriving. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my community, friends, and family.
Additionally, I volunteer with Bolder Options, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth in our community. The work Bolder Options does—helping young kids navigate life’s races through wellness-based mentoring—is truly inspiring. Being able to be a part of this amazing program is an honor, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to give back to the next generation of youth.
My vision is to let my community know that I am here to help them protect what matters most, guided by faith and driven by purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first opened my agency, i did not have aa ton of experience in the insurance field or owning my own business. I did look to other people in the industry that seemed to be successful and thought to myself if I just duplicate what they are doing right now I will be as successful, so I jumped all in, hired a bunch of people that were not licensed and could not produce at the level we needed, and with limited income I could not afford to pay them and pay myself, So i took a big hit financially, and had to let a lot of the team go, helped them move to better roles, or find things that they were passionate about. That freed up a lot of revenue to help stabilize the ship. I also made a few mistakes trying to balance growing a business from the ground up and raising my family. Had a few plates spinning at the same time, and lost focus at times on what was important.
As you know, we’re big fans of Isahaq & Associates. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Isahaq & Associates is a local insurance agency specializing in home, auto, life and commercial insurance solutions.
Our mission at Isahaq & Associates is to provide a trusted insurance solutions that protect what matters most, guided by faith and driven by purpose, we are committed to serving our clients with integrity, excellence, and compassion- helping families and businesses find peace of mind, security, and the freedom to thrive.
At Isahaq & Associates, our vision is to protect what matters most – guided by faith, driven by purpose, and committed to serving others with integrity and excellence. We believe that every family and business deserves security, peace of mind, and the freedom to live boldly, trusting that their future is covered. With God at the center of all we do, we strive to be more than an insurance agency – we aim to be a light in our community, providing protection, hope, and lasting impact.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The community feel – Eagan is big enough to have everything you need but small enough that people still know you, support you, and care. It’s an amazing place for families, parks, trails, safe neighborhoods, kids’ activities, the community center, and just an overall family-friendly vibe. You get the best of both worlds’ beautiful parks, lakes, and walking paths and then target, restaurants, coffee spots, and everything you need. The best part is the support for local businesses through networking groups schools, community events, or small business owners collaborating its easy to grow relationships and build something meaningful.
What I like least –
The weather LOL especially the extremes icy roads, freezing temps and the snow that sometimes shows up too early and stays too long
Traffic on Yankee Doodle and 35E Enough said if you know you know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amfam.com/agents/minnesota/eagan/christopher-isahaq
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isahaqandassociates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086287460453
