Marietta agency celebrates 90 years
Schwendeman Agency celebrates 90 years in business
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Insurance by its nature takes a long view, and the Schwendeman Agency on Thursday marked 90 years in business.
About 40 people gathered at the agency’s Marietta headquarters on Putnam Street Thursday for the ceremonial cutting of a green ribbon - said by Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce president Carrie Ankrom to represent 90 years - and afterward to cut a green cake and drink refreshments out of green cups in the agency’s offices. The Ohio Governor’s Office sent representatives, as did U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson’s office, the mayor, the county, three chambers of commerce besides Marietta’s and numerous other agencies and businesses.
Speaking earlier in the day, Mark Schwendeman, the agency president, said his grandfather Andrew Schwendeman started insurance as a sort of adjunct to his primary business, which in 1929 was running a general store in Marietta.
“It was at the height of the depression, and I think he wanted some additional income for his business and family, but at that time it took a lot of courage to start something new,” he said.
Around 1940, he said, his parents Thomas and Norma Schwendeman got involved in operating the agency, first out of their home in Lowell, and later on the sixth floor of what then was the First National Bank building and is now called the Dime Bank building. In the 1980s the business moved to 103 Putnam St. and moved again when it outgrew the space to 311 Putnam, finally landing in its current location at 109 Putnam St. in 2003.
Mark and his brother Larry, who is vice president, operate the business. Another brother, Mike, was involved until he retired 12 years ago, and a sister, Marcia, was also part of the business before her death last year, Mark said.
He attributes the agency’s longevity in part to the family’s inherited approach of placing the customer first.
“Our main philosophy is that we always sit on the same side of the table as our clients, we treat them like we’d like to be treated, put their interests first,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good people working for us.”
The agency also is known for its philanthropic work in the region, supporting performing arts, education and other causes.
“We do our best to give back, not just money but also time. Our family and several of our employees sit on the boards of nonprofits. It’s important for the health of our community and the well-being of our clients,” he said.
The firm sells insurance ranging from home and auto and health insurance for individuals to commercial policies for large organizations such as school districts.
At the ribbon-cutting, Larry Schwendeman thanked those who attended.
“If it weren’t for people like you who support us, we would not have been here for 90 years,” he said.
After the ceremony, Ankrom said seeing the stability of businesses in Marietta is encouraging for the chamber.
“We just saw the 100th anniversary of Peoples Bank Theatre, and 90 years for Schwendeman,” she said. “That kind of sustainability, it represents what the community believes in.”
Schwendeman Agency
• Founded: 1929.
• Locations: 109 Putnam St., also Parkersburg and St. Clairsville.
• Staff: More than 30.
• Business: Several categories of insurance.
Source: Mark Schwendeman.