Cleo Villafores

About Me: Cleo Villafores, Aileen Dugan State Farm Insurance

I've spent nearly 20 years helping individuals, families, and small business owners protect what matters most through personalized insurance and financial conversations. I believe insurance is about more than policies; it's about building relationships, being a trusted resource, and helping people feel confident about the future. I'm proud to be part of the Seacoast community and enjoy connecting with local businesses and organizations through the Portsmouth Chamber.

Why did you decide to join the Chamber?

I joined the Chamber in 2018 as a way to become part of the Seacoast community in a meaningful way. I wasn't looking to hand out business cards, I wanted to build genuine relationships. Over the years, the Chamber has become one of the places where I've found mentors, collaborators, clients, and friends.

What is a piece of advice you have for people new to the Chamber or to networking?

Stop trying to collect contacts and start building relationships. Be curious. Ask questions. Follow up. Show up consistently. Some of the most meaningful opportunities I've had came months or years after an initial conversation. Networking isn't about what someone can do for you today; it's about becoming someone people know, trust, and genuinely want to help.  Be genuine....people know when you are not.   

What is a connection you made through the Chamber that has resulted in something further?

One connection that has always stood out to me began with a fellow Chamber member who initially referred himself to me. While we weren't the best fit at first, he appreciated the experience and continued referring friends and colleagues to me over the years. Eventually, when the timing was right, he became a client himself. That experience reinforced something I've learned through the Chamber: relationships come first. Not every connection leads to immediate business, but when you focus on building trust and genuinely helping others, opportunities have a way of coming full circle. Along the way, I've also met people who have become close friends, offered personal support, opened doors to new opportunities, and allowed me to do the same for them. That's the true value of being part of the Chamber community.

Learn More:

Cleo can be reached via email.