Interstate Insurance Services celebrates 35 years in Newton

Oct. 06--As Interstate Insurance Services celebrates 35 years of business in Newton, the agency's owner reflects on his time serving the community.

Dave Lureman, a Newton native, established the independent agency in 1983. Now with a new set of employees, Lureman said he is proud to see his business's core principles being carried on with an additional owner.

"I wanted to be in business for myself and the whole thing comes down to I wanted to give everyone I worked with the opportunity to have a job in a nice place -- not at a large company," Lureman said.

Lureman and his wife, Paula, returned to the Newton area after deciding they wanted to raise kids in Iowa.

The Luremans have witnessed many changes in the community and suffered a set back when Maytag left Newton.

"We took our biggest hit when Maytag left for about three years but we fought back, and we are survivors," Lureman said. "It's been interesting and I've enjoyed my time here for nearly 40 years."

IIS is focusing on the future as it has established locations in Iowa Falls and State Center and has licenses in about 15 states.

Darrell Veenstra, of Sully, was added as a co-owner of IIS in 2013. Veenstra specializes in commercial and personal insurance.

"I enjoy the insurance business because it's something that's not the same thing every day," Veenstra said. "It's more than just selling a product, it's more of a service, and when people need you, you are there for them and it's in some of the worst times in their lives."

Veenstra said he strives to be helpful and to find the correct answers when trying to resolve issues.

The agency also offers personal, health, life, pet, bonds, Medicare supplement and worker's compensation. IIS also specialized in insuring nonprofit organizations and professional liability.

The other key players of IIS are agents Casey Greene, Brooke Swihart and Diane Webster.

Greene said her job is all about customer service and assisting others in trying times, including a recent hail storm which prompted many claims.

"We also try to continue to quote you often instead of you calling in and asking us to re-quote you because your insurance has sky-rocketed and you're not happy," Greene said.

In addition, Greene said one of her goals is to get IIS more involved with local events.

"As we grow, we intend to give back to our community and help them grow as well," Greene said. "Giving back to the community is going to be a big thing for Interstate Insurance."

For Swihart, her favorite part is working with the community directly and assisting them.

"I definitely enjoy working with the community and helping them out, and I enjoy this team that we have," Swihart said. "I check up on people's policies to make sure they are correct and if their premiums are too high then we re-quote them -- we are always looking out for them."

Lureman said he is excited for what the business's future holds as a younger generation has taken charge.

"The satisfying thing for me is that for 35 years I've been able to offer employment to other people," Lureman said. "I chased a dream 35 years ago and I'm hoping to give young people that are working with me now a chance to chase their own dreams."

Contact Kayla Singletary at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or ksingletary@newtondailynews.com

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