Johnny entered the property and casualty ranks in 1974 when he joined Alder & Associates. In 1981 he purchased the agency and rebranded the agency to Alder & Cox, Inc. Johnny’s independent agency experience made him an ideal candidate to jointly open Ironpeak's Tennessee operation. He has served as president of PIA of Chattanooga, board member of PIA of Tennessee and past president. He was also named Tennessee Agent of the Year in 1995. Johnny has served on Agents Advisory Councils with a half dozen carriers.