By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
ASHTABULA — Tom Timonere did not start out to be an insurance agent, in fact, he was studying to be a lawyer while working for the United States Department of Labor, in Lake County.
Since 1983, Tom Timonere State Farm Insurance Agency, located at 309 W. Prospect Road, has provided insurance needs for auto, home, life, health, business, financial services and more.
“I started in business in Ashtabula County during an economic climate very similar to today’s. The unemployment rate was more than 20 percent, factories were closing and for a good three years, or so, I was one of the few new businesses,” Timonere said. “In fact, I opened my business with just one policy holder, my 80-year-old grandfather, who lived to be 101.”
Although, there were many naysayers who told Timonere he was crazy to be starting a new business in that economic climate, he pressed on, counting on the fact that State Farm Insurance is highly respected and well-known.
“One out of every five cars and homes are insured by State Farm and 40 million people put their trust in State Farm. This was a career opportunity in my home town, so I took my government retirement money, and went to work,” Timonere said.
“At the time I said I would give it two years and I did so well, I turned down other opportunities. I raised my family here and never regretted it.”
Although Timonere has never practiced law, he has been able to utilize his education in a professional advisory capacity even in the face of uncertain economic times.
“State Farm has designed the very best product. There are 17,000 agencies in the United States with an available agent to personally handle each claim. The support State Farm gives its clients is incredible,” he said.
“It is important people understand it is a service business and we are the first ones to know of problems in our clients’ families, whether it is an accident, health or financial.”
State Farm is a mutual company, meaning it is owned by its policy holders, so State Farm is able to return dividends to the holders. State Farm is not on Wall Street, Timonere said.
“People shopping for insurance need to consider more than just a low price, State Farm consumer ratings have always been in the top three for decades,” he said.
“I’ve been blessed and have been able to touch the lives of so many individuals over the years.”
Timonere believes being a good neighbor is a Biblical concept that he tries to live out everyday with the level of service he provides to his clients.
A life of serving others is expressed in the many community service opportunities Timonere has taken on over the years, including Catholic Charities and Ss John and Paul High School.
“It has been a family tradition of ours to remain active in education and politics as a proud Italian-American family,” he said.
“Everyday is a new challenge, always a new obstacle to overcome,” he said. “It has been a privilege to serve in my home town.”
Contact Tom Timonere State Insurance Agency at (440)992-7400.
