Michael Cohen Raises a Toast to Time, Change, and the Team Behind It All
The DBL Center held its annual holiday party at Casa Stellina in Farmingdale, just a short trip from the insurance wholesaler’s Melville office. The gathering was much more than a celebration; it was a reminder of how much changes in a year and the significance of strong relationships.
Listen in at any table and you’d hear the same threads weaving through the conversations: how fast the years go, how the company has grown, and how life keeps handing all of us new chapters.
Long-time team members compared notes on college tours and teenagers finding their independence. Some shared stories of school sports or raising toddlers. Newer additions laughed about how quickly their first year at The DBL Center flew by.
Whatever stage of life someone was in, the sentiment was familiar: Each decade seems to speed up — whether you’re raising children or building a top insurance company.
“It just keeps getting better and better,” said DBL Center CEO Michael Cohen as he addressed the room. “Give yourself a round of applause; I appreciate you all.”
Small But Impactful
This year Cohen kept the gathering intimate, leaving room to invite spouses of employees plus a few long-time friends and industry colleagues. The smaller group also left space in the venue for a DJ. Cohen’s friend DJ Carlton spun tunes all night, from holiday classics to ‘80s freestyle that got guests moving on the dance floor later in the night.
“As we look back on another year, our success is — and always has been — built on relationships,” Cohen said. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to host this crowd and to say thank you to so many who play a huge role in making The DBL Center what it is.”
Food Worth Mentioning
Anyone who has followed this blog over the years knows one truth about The DBL Center: when we gather, the food matters. You might say it’s one of our shared love languages, from trading recipes and sharing family traditions to exploring Long Island’s best restaurants together.
Not surprisingly, Casa Stellina, the site of this year’s party, is a top-rated restaurant for small parties, family gatherings, and upscale dining experiences right in the heart of Farmingdale on Main Street.
The multi-course, family-style dinner hit every note, from crisp calamari to handmade pasta, perfectly cooked steak and chicken, and dessert trays including decadent chocolate cake that disappeared faster than anyone expected. (And faster than we could catch a photo!)
The pacing, presentation, and flavors matched the tone of the night: warm, generous, and memorable.
The Heart of The DBL Center’s Continued Success
The DBL Center’s holiday gathering is more than just a “perk.” After all, loyalty isn’t built once a year; it’s fostered every day. It grows in the small moments, the shared milestones, and the consistency of showing up for each other. The annual party tradition is just the icing on the cake, if you will.
When people feel valued in every way with the support they need, they stay committed. As our team members focus on professional growth, the company as a whole grows, too.
“Reliable communication, attentive service and our consultative approach to business helps us build trust with brokers. No matter how large we grow, that will never change,” Cohen said.
“I know the next few years are going to be very exciting,” he said as he concluded his toast. “Raise a glass – and thank you!”
