For Michael Lajoie, being named Mr. Sumner County 2026 is about much more than a title.

It’s about community.

For 35 years, Michael has owned and operated Farmers Insurance and Investments – The Lajoie Agency, building a career around serving people and developing lasting relationships in Sumner County.

A Registered Representative for 26 years, Michael holds Series 6 and 63 securities licenses. But his commitment to the community extends well beyond his work in insurance and investments.

Michael currently serves as a board member of the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce, where he previously served as Board Chair. He also previously served as Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County.

Today, he continues to serve his community through organizations close to his heart, including his role as Judge Advocate for VFW Post 9851. He is a lifetime member of both the VFW and DAV and is a strong advocate and supporter of Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

His commitment to leadership is also evident in his education. Michael is a graduate of Leadership Gallatin, Leadership Sumner, and Leadership Middle Tennessee.

So when Michael entered the Mr. Sumner County 2026 competition, community involvement was nothing new.

What was different was the opportunity to bring many of those relationships together for a cause close to his heart.

Michael was crowned Mr. Sumner County 2026 after four months of fundraising and awareness efforts benefiting Isaiah 117 House Sumner County, a nonprofit serving children entering foster care.

Along the way, Michael rallied an incredible amount of support from friends, family, local businesses, and the community.

“Raising the largest amount ever by a Mr. Sumner County candidate would have been impossible without the incredible support of our community, friends, family, and local businesses,” Michael shared.

“Every donation, sponsorship, volunteer, post share, and word of encouragement helped make this possible, and ultimately, it was all for the children served by Isaiah 117 House Sumner County.”

That community-minded spirit is something Michael has carried throughout his career.

Through his involvement with the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce, he enjoys connecting with and encouraging local business owners. For Michael, supporting a local business isn’t simply about buying local — it’s about building relationships, celebrating the people behind the businesses, and helping create a stronger community together.

And that same philosophy was evident throughout his Mr. Sumner County journey.

The Junior Service League of Hendersonville, which organized the event, congratulated Michael and the other six contestants for pouring their hearts into the experience and working tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for Isaiah 117 House Sumner County.

“Michael, Josh, Ceagus, Chris, Ashton, Jaquell, and John — THANK YOU for showing up, giving back, and making a difference in our community,” the organization shared. “We are incredibly PROUD of each of you!”

Michael’s fundraising efforts ultimately helped make the 2026 event the largest fundraising effort ever by a Mr. Sumner County candidate — an accomplishment he is quick to credit to the people around him.

“I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who came together to support this cause,” he said. “This accomplishment over the past four months belongs to our community, and I’m proud to have been a small part of it!”

For Michael Lajoie, that may be the most meaningful part of being Mr. Sumner County.

Not simply being crowned, but having the opportunity to use a title to shine a light on a local cause, bring people together, and give back to the community he has spent decades serving.

From his 35 years as a local business owner to his leadership with the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County, VFW Post 9851 and other community organizations, Michael’s story is one of a man who has consistently invested his time, talents and relationships in the place he calls home.

And his Mr. Sumner County experience offered one more opportunity to do what he has been doing for years:

Show up, give back, and make a difference.