Our History

The history of Smith & Eddy Insurance can be traced back to 1902 when it was known as the McPhail and Cole Agency. In 1930, Mr. I. J. Eddy joined the agency as manager.

 

In June of 1946, Major Robert J. Smith returned from duty in World War II and opened the Smith Insurance Agency. He competed with McPhail and Cole Agency until 1949 when it was mutually agreed to merge the two agencies. Mr. Eddy and Mr. Smith co-managed the agency until 1952 when the Smith and Eddy Insurance Agency was established.

 

In 1957 Mr. Eddy announced his retirement. Mr. Smith promised him that as long as he was alive, his name would “remain on the shingle” and a desk would be available for him. Mr. Eddy passed away in 1978 at the age of ninety-six, however, his name still remains on the shingle.

 

In 2010 the winds of change and expansion took hold of the agency. The Snyder Insurance Agency merged with Smith & Eddy Insurance, Inc in November of 2010. Around the same time, Scottville Farm Bureau Insurance agent Joe Knowles joined in and another merger occurred in February 2011 with the Villadsen Agency. This facilitated the need for our office location at 201 S. Main street in Scottville. The additional experienced personnel and established carriers have been a welcome asset when it comes to serving our clients. So much so that in 2021 the agency has partnered with another long standing local agency in Grand Haven and continued on the success and expansion of the agency as a whole. Grand Haven based Van Dort Insurance Agency was established in 1980 by Dale Van Dort and joined by Nancy Johnson & Lori Harrington who continued to operate the original Beacon Blvd. location after Dale’s retirement in 1993. The agency moved in 2015 to the current location of Washington & Ferry two years after Lori’s death. On January 1st, 2021, Nancy proudly joined the team of Smith & Eddy.

 

Robert A. Smith had a vision of a bigger stronger Smith & Eddy Insurance and did see that come to fruition prior to his passing in October, 2013. Because of that vision, the agency is stronger than ever with many long time agents in place, including President, Scott Smith; Vice President, Joseph Knowles; Nancy Johnson; Ken Terryn; Greg Bieniek; Dean Raven; Alisha Christensen; Matt Johnson and others. With Patty Smith and others carrying on the tradition that was put in place by Bob, the future is bright for our insurance family as we head into our 12th decade serving west Michigan!

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Our Accolades and Awards

Smith & Eddy Insurance is proud of our many accolades and awards we have received over the years. A few of these include; The Ludington/Scottville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2017, the Fremont Insurance Company Agent of the Year 2019 (Best of the Best Award), and the Frankenmuth Insurance Company Life Agency of the Year 2019 and 2020.

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Thank you for taking the time to get to know our agency. Please contact us to learn more or to get started on an insurance protection plan today.