Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Willliams/TCJ: A new sign for a new location for a new partnership for Charlotte Insurance.)

 

Names change all the time – through rebranding, marriages, nicknames that catch on. 

In Charlotte, there is pride in the history and longevity of names. The Courthouse Square Museum houses plenty of resources and displays to be reminded of names that have been etched in Eaton County’s history.

Recently, two of those names, Russell & Schrader Insurance and Charlotte Insurance Agency became Charlotte Insurance Agency, moved offices, merged staff and worked to keep the history and tradition alive.

The 239 S. Cochran Avenue location still has that “new building” scent, as fresh paint and new upholstery mix. Paintings and objects are being hung, offices decorated, but the bones of the business – the work – goes on without a hitch.

“There is a lot of history here, and now, there is common ownership,” said Manager Brian Lautzenheiser. The two agencies were separately acquired by the Diversified Insurance Group before they merged.

“We literally doubled in size and revenue overnight,” he said. “We are excited to be downtown.”

Now, a dozen staff members offer multiple policy types from various insurers. That’s the key for independent insurance agencies – they can mix and match the customer to the best coverage

“It’s all about relationships,” Lautzenheiser said. “We are here to be wise stewards of our clients’ investments.”

The personal touch is very much alive in the business today, Lautzenheiser said. Agency clients represent personal, business and farm interests, from home to vehicle, health to pet insurance, Lautzenheiser said there is more than 200 years of combined service within the agency’s walls.

Lautenzenheiser’s mother worked with Charlotte Insurance in the 1970s, he said. The names of Darryl Baker, Jack Russell and Huber Schrader are represented by plaques and documents that decorate the new offices.

“Russell & Schrader and Charlotte Insurance have such a history, and that coming together is no small feat, but the stars aligned,” he said.

The community is invited to come and reminisce and celebrate the new venture at a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, April 21 at 4 p.m.