Raul’s Story

Raul Gallon immigrated to the United States on August 15, 1995, leaving behind a proud legacy in Colombia and stepping into a new life with nothing but determination and a dream. The son of an upper-middle class income family in Bogotá, Raul was raised with strong values. His father served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Colombia, and both his mother and sister were respected attorneys. While his family had achieved professional recognition, Raul knew that success in America would require starting from the ground up.

In his early years in Florida, Raul supported himself by working long hours as a valet, barback, and busboy, often juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. He began studying English through a free adult education program offered by Broward County Public Schools, attending class during the day while working evening shifts—often from 4 p.m. to midnight—in valet services across South Florida. He worked in buildings from Hallandale to Boca Raton, including The Hemispheres, Olympus Towers, Townsend Place, and others. His first job in America was as a busboy at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, followed by a position at Luna Italian Restaurant in Aventura Mall.

And when most people ended their shift at midnight, Raul kept going—washing two to three cars each night after work to earn a few extra dollars. Every hour mattered. Every task, no matter how small, helped move him forward.

Once he had built a foundation in English, Raul enrolled at Broward Community College (now Broward College), where he pursued general education coursework and earned his Associate of Arts degree in 1999. His daily routine was grueling: classes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by preparation and then full-time work into the night. While his peers received financial support or scholarships, Raul faced the reality of financing his education on his own. As an international student at Florida Atlantic University, he was required to take at least 12 credits per semester and pay approximately $4,000 every four months, with no access to financial aid. Despite never being granted aid, he often negotiated delayed payments just to avoid losing his registration.

In 2001, Raul graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in International Economics. Shortly after, he was advised to pursue his insurance adjusting license, which he obtained. He began his career as an apprentice adjuster at CJW Associates (now Sedgwick), earning a modest base salary plus commission. Over the next five years, Raul worked tirelessly, gaining field experience across Florida and learning the industry from the ground up.

In 2006, he founded his own company: G&G Insurance Adjusters, Inc. Then, in 2008, the firm secured its first government contract—a turning point that led to rapid growth. Today, G&G operates with a national network of over 750 licensed bilingual adjusters and serves carriers and clients across 19 states, handling high-value residential and commercial claims, catastrophe events, and government programs.

Reflecting on those years, Raul believes the struggle gave him a deeper strength:

“While others were supported, I was built. Life teaches you through adversity, and that makes you stronger than any degree ever could.”

Although his path in the U.S. started modestly, Raul never forgot the values and legacy of his family. In March 2025, Raul’s father passed away—an immense personal loss, and a moment that reaffirmed his commitment to public service.

“My father represented justice at the highest level in Colombia. I promised him I would carry that same sense of duty here in my community.”

Now, Raul Gallon stands ready to represent Florida House District 100—bringing with him not only experience and vision, but the determination, humility, and heart of someone who has lived the American dream from the ground up.