In the spirit of today’s Take Your Kids to Work Day, we reached out to an Erie Insurance Agent who has worked alongside two generations of family members over the years. Gary Turner of Turner Insurance Agency in Harrisville, Pa., is marking 40 years at the small-town agency that his father started 60 years ago. Today, the family legacy is going strong, with the third generation poised to one day take the reins.
Here’s what he had to say about what it’s like to work with his daughters and more.
How did your agency get its start?
My father started the agency in 1954 while working in his father’s service station.
Did you help out around the office as a child?
Not really; for the first 17 years, it was just a small office attached to our home. I did occasionally go with him on house inspections, though.
Did you always want to work in your family’s agency?
Yes. I had an interest in being in the automobile business and/or insurance.
When did you take over the agency?
I became involved in the agency in 1974 and purchased it in 1982 with my wife, Wendy.
What is your favorite part about being an Agent?
The opportunity to advise clients about proper insurance coverage and to assist them when they have a loss. We have been able to establish great relationships and friendships over the years. We still have clients my father wrote back in the 50’s and 60’s. We appreciate each and every client and their loyalty to our agency.
What does it mean to you to carry on the family business?
We are blessed to be able to continue this legacy. Having the opportunity to work with family members over the years and then having our children become involved in the business is priceless.
Do your children currently work at the agency?
Both of our daughters helped out around the office after school and on breaks. Abbie joined the agency 10 years ago and does a great job. Cara, a junior in college, already has her insurance license. She is planning on joining the agency after she graduates.
Are there any plans for them to take it over one day?
The plan is for the girls to take over the business and take it to the next level. Maybe their children will make it a fourth-generation business; it would be great to keep it in the family.
Erie Insurance Agents like Gary serve Customers in hundreds of communities. Contact one in your area for trusted advice on auto, home, business and life insurance.
Read the full story from Erie Insurance: “For a Family Business, Every Day is Take Your Kids to Work Day“
