About Us

Paul Fuqua

Paul began working with Shannon Insurance in September 2002 although, interestingly, he never intended on being an agent because he thought they were pushy and aggressive. However, he believes the approach at Shannon is more educational and consultive. Before joining the team, Paul was trained to be an underwriter in 1985 and continued for three years. Afterwards he worked with independent agents in sales for another three years and direct/captive agents for fifteen years. He has managed agents in both Tennessee and Kentucky for five years.

Fun Facts About Paul

• He has been known to hit golf balls straight up in the air
• He caught and released a 3 ft shark from his kayak
• He is an avid fisherman, kayaker, and golfer

Favorite Quotes:

“A job worth doing is a job worth doing right.”

“Never quit.”

Nicole Borkowski

Nicole has been with Shannon Insurance since March of 2016 and became a licensed agent in May of 2017. She wanted to be able to help people better understand the dynamics of their insurance because she acknowledges that it is not an easy field. Her involvement with insurance has been since 2009 when she started out working for HCA, specializing in Medicare benefits. Afterwards she worked for Signature Healthcare working closely with both Medicare and Medicaid insurance before “crossing” over to the other spectrum of insurance with the agency and working with personal and commercial lines. During her downtime, she loves to be with her son and daughter. She also enjoys raising chickens, growing veggie gardens, reading, and browsing Pinterest.

Fun Facts About Nicole:

• She owns a 1949 tractor and knows how to operate it
• She majored in Biology at Cumberland University
• She is a pretty big movie buff
• She likes to practice homesteading too and can make a pretty mean ghost pepper jelly

Favorite Quotes:

“The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs . . . One step at a time.” -- Joe Girard.

Lindsey McFarlin

Lindsey joined the team this past year because she was ready for a career change. She is now a licensed agent, having passed her test and obtained her license on February 28, 2019. Although she is fairly new to the insurance industry, she is eager to help people solve their insurance needs. Outside of the office, she loves to spend time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and fishing. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with family.

Fun Facts About Lindsey:

• Born and raised in Portland but moved to Florida with her mom in December 1997. She then moved back in April 2007 after having her first child.
• She hopes to one day have the opportunity to open her own restaurant or catering business.

Favorite Quotes:

“You never fail until you stop trying” - Albert Einstein.

Melanie Porter

Melanie has been with Shannon Insurance a little over 2 years working as an Administrative Assistant in the office. Before, she had worked 40 years doing office and administrative work. When looking for something part-time, she was fortunate to get asked by Paul to join the team. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends. You can also find her decorating or redecorating the rooms in her house.

Fun Facts About Melanie:

• Her first job was a sweeper at the Opryland Theme Park.
• She used to ride motorcycles when she was younger.
• She left the city of Nashville and married a farmer before moving to Portland 5 years ago.

Favorite Quotes:

“Timing is everything!”