SMC Ins Inc., Dumont
Shelly Zimmerman had a great opportunity as a long-term employee of Harrison Thornburgh Insurance Inc. to buy the existing business from her retiring employer. From a small town storefront in Dumont, the agency had built up a strong book of business in crop insurance, property, casualty and health, among other lines.
As a licensed insurance agent in this rural, independent insurance agency Shelly serves personal lines – homeowner, auto, farm and business – along with commercial needs.
With the help of the SBDC…
• Shelly successfully bought the Harrison Thornburgh Insurance agency, expanded her clientele and hired new staff. This is exactly the type of success the Iowa SBDC seeks to foster. Results like this matter, especially in small towns like Dumont, where an active commercial space filled with professionals supporting other businesses and bringing traffic into town is a key win.
• Shelly was able to capitalize on the business opportunity, but it is Shelly’s smart work and dedication to customer service that are delivering great results.
• Shelly is committed to sustaining her business in her community and not just letting the business fade or move away. She understands the importance to the local economy of sustaining key professional services in Dumont.
Shelly says the following about the SBDC, “I’m grateful to have had a resource with such a high level of knowledge and expertise to use as a sounding board when making tough business decisions.”
Congratulations, Shelly!