New State Farm agent committed to PI
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — John Harvell’s new State Farm office opened yesterday in Presque Isle, and the agent is hoping to have a lasting presence in the Star City.
Harvell describes his start with State Farm back in May 2013, “I started interviewing in May, was hired in August, and from August through now received my license in life and health insurance, property and casualty, Series 6 & 63 (mutual funds) and mortgages.”
Harvell has previously had four years of selling insurance in the Portland area, two years of pharmaceuticals, and seven years of being a business owner. This is his first experience with State Farm.
“It’s a captive agency; you only sell their products, so you’re not a broker, and there’s a lot of trust, loyalty and history with companies that are set up like that,” said Harvell. “It’s a business based on longevity and relationships, and I really believe that my staff and I — and State Farm combined — will find success in this community.”
The Harvell Agency, aside from the agent, consists of two other staff members — Tania Boardman and Darren Higgins, who are both insurance sales representatives. Both staff members are fully licensed and are excited to serve this community’s insurance needs.
The office is located at 754 Main St., which was previously home to the Hope & Justice Project.
“We chose this location because we wanted to have Main Street visibility but also easy access and off-street parking for our customers,” said Harvell. “We painted inside, put in a couple of windows and bought all new office furniture making the environment professional yet warm and inviting.
“I believe here in Presque Isle people still want to go in and talk to their agent, and have that person recommend policies to them or make changes as their life changes. I’d like for people to stop in and say ‘Hi,’ see the place and meet the staff, and if we have a chance to quote their business or find a way to help them out, we’d love to be given the opportunity. We want to earn their business,” he said. “Our focus is to be here for a long time. My wife, Heather, and I have three young kids … the youngest was born March 22, so we’re here to stay, and we want to make this business a long-term endeavor.”
Harvell’s State Farm office is open from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and evenings and Saturdays by appointment. For more information, call 554-4686 or log onto www.insurethecounty.com.
