“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Josh Terrell is a driven and disciplined entrepreneur whose career spans over 13 years of strategic leadership across the insurance, education, childcare, and nonprofit sectors. A former NCAA Champion and 4X All-American wrestler, Josh’s foundation of grit, consistency, and high performance on the mat has seamlessly transitioned into his professional and business life. His career exemplifies his belief that excellence in one area of life elevates all others—a philosophy he lives by and models for his teams, partners, and community.
Josh currently serves as the President and CEO of 3E Partners, a firm he founded to consult and serve clients in employee benefits and systems strategy. Originally launched as a voluntary benefits agency, 3E Partners has grown into a dynamic, industry-agnostic company focused heavily on K-12 education. Under Josh’s leadership, the firm is set to manage one-third of Iowa’s community school districts (CSDs) through 2029, a testament to the trust and innovation he brings to institutional partnerships.
In 2021, Josh co-founded Kidz Corner, introducing a pioneering concept of drop-in childcare services in Iowa. This innovative model provides flexible, accessible care for working parents navigating the modern workforce. Kidz Corner reflects Josh’s capacity to spot market gaps, build purposeful solutions, and deliver them with community impact at the forefront.
Josh also holds the role of President at Black Excellence Iowa, a nonprofit focused on increasing representation and equity for Black professionals across boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms. Through this organization, Josh empowers underserved voices and develops opportunities for leadership and systemic change. His nonprofit leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to justice, representation, and legacy-building within the community.
Before launching his ventures, Josh spent nearly a decade with Aflac, beginning his journey in 2012. He advanced quickly through roles such as Marketing & Sales, District Sales Manager, and Regional Sales Manager. In these positions, he became known for his people-first leadership style, ability to coach underdeveloped talent into high-performing professionals, and a consultative approach to client relations. He earned multiple national awards, reflecting his track record in driving growth, engagement, and excellence.
Josh’s academic achievements mirror his athletic and professional tenacity. He earned his MBA in Business and a Bachelor of Science in Health, Wellness, and Recreation from the University of Dubuque. A scholar-athlete, he graduated Cum Laude while collecting honors such as 3X NCAA Academic All-American and serving in leadership roles in student organizations including FCA and SAAC. His time at the university shaped not only his strategic thinking but also his enduring character.
A passionate speaker and mentor, Josh regularly serves on entrepreneurship and sales leadership panels. His keynotes and discussions revolve around topics like team building, systems thinking, benefits innovation, and empowering others through values-based leadership. His delivery is always energetic, honest, and anchored in lived experience—qualities that make his presence on stage and in boardrooms uniquely valuable.
Outside of his executive pursuits, Josh remains deeply involved in his local church and values family as his foundational team. Alongside his wife and business partner, Tina, and their four young children—Jenesis, Shiloh, JT, and Olive—he enjoys serving the community, traveling, and staying connected through music and ministry. He often plays the piano at weddings and events, weaving his creative side into all aspects of his life.
With an authentic, mission-driven approach, Josh is now exploring opportunities to serve on corporate and nonprofit boards where his insights, energy, and integrity can drive both innovation and impact. He brings a rare combination of street-smart sales expertise, academic insight, and entrepreneurial grit that make him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to grow or evolve.
Character:
Josh leads with unwavering integrity and a values-based approach, using his life motto to guide both personal and professional interactions. His passion for service and community impact is evident in his nonprofit work and personal life.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep domain knowledge in sales leadership, benefits consulting, systems management, and childcare innovation. His unique blend of industry experience and academic success makes him a versatile thought leader.
Strategic:
Josh is a big-picture thinker who identifies market gaps and builds long-term solutions, as seen through the success of 3E Partners and Kidz Corner. He brings data-driven decision-making and entrepreneurial execution to every venture.
Communication:
A natural public speaker and team builder, Josh communicates with clarity, empathy, and inspiration. Whether leading sales teams or speaking on panels, his ability to connect with diverse audiences is a core strength.
