Local insurance agent retires

After 40 years of offering State Farm services to the Huntingdon area, Rod Secrest embarked on a new journey — retirement — Nov. 28.

"I'll miss the people and satisfying the needs of customers, (especially) in times of crisis," Secrest said.

Following a two-year training period that included learning all about auto and fire insurances, sales techniques and people skills, Secrest started his company in Mount Union, then moved to Huntingdon in 1987. His wife, Candace, is also a State Farm agent, based in Bedford, and has been nearly as long as he has. Since starting in the industry, Secrest has offered State Farm auto, home, business, life and health insurance options.

In the 1990s, he added financial products to the list. Though Secrest hopes more people will choose State Farm for their insurance and financial needs long after he retires, to date, the majority of his clientele are those with a long-standing history with the company.

"They've aged with me," Secrest said. "The friendships (and) loyalty are the most rewarding, by far."

Over the years, Secrest said he's seen a lot of changes; one significant change has been transitioning from paper to microfiche to digital files, plus how systematization has impacted positions like field adjusters and underwriters.

"The increase in technology has eliminated a lot of jobs," he said.

One of the biggest challenges Secrest has faced during his tenure has been competing in a saturated market.

"You can't go three minutes without seeing(an insurance) commercial," Secrest said. "Now everyone wants a piece of the pie."

Another challenge has been dealing with the struggles associated with not covering aspects of certain claims. All of that, and his commute, Secrest said he won't miss.

At age 16, Secrest's ties with State Farm started as a customer. After finishing college and working as a design engineer, he was recruited by Bob Knable.

"He said 'there's a bright future in owning your own business,'" Secrest said.

He recalled some memorable customer experiences over the last 40 years, including insuring someone's 1922 Ford. On on occasion, a customer, who was hesitant to have insurance for a long time, was remodeling the second floor of his home and decided to increase the replacement cost coverage for the entire dwelling. Within five years, Secrest recalled the house completely burned down.

"Thankfully, he had full coverage," Secrest said. "He's no longer anti-insurance."

Despite the bittersweet memories, industry challenges and various changes, Secrest's State Farm location has established deep roots and a loyal customer base in the community, which will abide after his retirement.

"This location (and) my staff will remain intact," Secrest said.

Beth Port and Jenna Passalacqua will continue working on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets, under Amanda Jenkins. A State Farm agent in Orbisonia, Jenkins will temporarily take over the office Dec. 1. Though she's bringing some of her assisting staff with her, Jenkins is excited to work with Secrest's staff.

"Rod leaves big shoes to fill," Jenkins said. "We plan to continue offering great service and being visible in the community."

Port is also looking forward to working with Jenkins, but said she's really going to miss Secrest.

"He's been one of the best bosses I've ever had," Port said. "I can't imagine the office without him."