extremely difficult to obtain insurance policies because
of legal squabbles between insurance companies and the
State of West Virginia. However, Nationwide continued
to serve customers and write policies in the Mountain
State when those other companies retreated until some
measure of tort reform was passed by the West Virginia
Legislature.
Stewart loves the relationship between Nationwide
and Farm Bureau. “It’s been a wonderful thing,” he
says. “I look at it this way – you’re supporting a state
organization, and giving your customers a significant
discount on their policy.” He recognizes, too, the need
for the public to understand the process of growing and
raising food. “I’ve been around farming,” says Stewart,
who recounted tales of helping his grandfather on the
farm. “My wife grew up on 70 acres, so she knows
what it is to farm, too”. But he finds it troubling that
many folks have no idea how their food gets to the table,
and likes the fact that the Nationwide-Farm Bureau
partnership helps spread the word about agriculture.
Determination and putting clients first makes
a winning combination
Joan Harman
When meeting Sam Stewart for the first time, one is
immediately put at ease. Sam’s soft southern drawl and
relaxed demeanor quickly makes clients feel like an old
friend.
The Sam Stewart Nationwide agency is located
in Beckley, West Virginia. Sam began his career in a
different field, however, spending 19 years in the coal
industry with 10 of those in upper management. But he
decided one day he’d like to try something different while
he was still “young enough to do so”.
Stewart initially sold securities for a Nationwide
competitor, but jumped at the opportunity to start a
“scratch agency” with Nationwide, selling securities and
insurance in Beckley. Although the requirements were
tough, he rose to the challenge, and did it way under
budget. He says it was well worth it and calls Nationwide
a great company – “I don’t intend to be anywhere else,”
he says. Stewart cites with pride the fact that not too
many years ago, prospective homeowners found it
8 West Virginia Farm Bureau News
When asked what the biggest challenge is to his
business, Stewart does not hesitate to say it’s the
economy. “Like it or not, in the southern part of the
state, everything revolves around coal.” With the current
constraints placed against the mining industry, the amount
of disposable income is limited. Despite that, Stewart’s
agency is second in growth in his district this year.
Sam’s goals for his agency are pretty straightforward.
He wants to take care of his clients and help his
community. “I want to be the agency that the company
wants. I want to take care of my clients, help them plan
for retirement and unexpected life events by offering them
great products. And I want to help better my community
by supporting the schools. Education is important.”
Stewart’s leisure time, what there is of it, is devoted
to family. Daughter Jennifer is a physician’s assistant,
and son Josh is a corporal with the Beckley Police
Department. And the Stewarts recently became
grandparents – the proof of which is contained in a video
Sam proudly displays from his smartphone.
“Paw Paw” was anxiously looking forward to having
baby Lydia over the weekend. Now, how do you top
that?