Seeing a need, businessman branches out

Sept. 27--Jack "Gordie" Roop is a Beckley business owner and public servant.

Roop is a member of the Raleigh County Board of Education, president of the Raleigh Farm Bureau and vice president of the Raleigh Convention Center board of directors.

He owns Roop Insurance in Beckley with partner April Boone. In January, he branched out with partner Tiffany Kapp to purchase Custom Business Solutions (CBS) on South Eisenhower Drive. At CBS, he offers restaurants, coal mines, car dealerships and many other local businesses an outsourcing avenue for administrative tasks like workers' compensation, payroll, Affordable Care Act (ACA) navigation, drug testing, risk management and other tasks.

Roop has told The Register-Herald that he began operating CBS after seeing needs of those he insured. Many business owners were stressed and overwhelmed by administrative tasks. Roop said CBS assembles a team of business experts who can offer experienced service to business owners and clear the way for them to put pleasure back in their business.

When asked recently about his motivation for serving Raleigh County and Beckley, Roop offered the following answers.

What motivates you to do business in Beckley?

I grew up in the Beckley area, so I like staying local and making sure my community stays insured, to the best extent possible.

What do you like best about serving your clients?

Serving my clients lets me stay in touch with them and gives me a better understanding of how to run my business and what the needs are of the community. Sometimes customers look at me beyond insurance needs, and I like that I can be that person for them, as well.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting in the insurance industry?

The insurance business is a great one. It does take hard work and self-motivation to get started. It is a great way to get to know your community and the people in it. Getting "out there" is very important for growing any business, and "word of mouth" is a great way to spread the word!

How has the insurance industry changed over the years?

Like all things, the insurance industry has grown and evolved. Over the years, it has lost its local touch. The industry has gone to technology, like most things, to try to make it more accessible and mobile. While this is good in some ways, it does hurt in the fact that you now are less personal and face-to-face with your customers. It is leaning toward being all paperless and over-the-phone. However, we hold strong in believing you should still give your customers the local touch.

What do you love best about Beckley?

I love how strongly our community binds together in times of need. Being in a somewhat small area, I like the ability to be able to get personal with people. I have known a lot of my customers since the start of my business here. I have many loyal customers and have even gained friends and family through these customers.

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