State Farm agent Chad Broadwater influenced by his family of small business owners
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WHEELING - Growing up in a family of small business owners, it likely was only natural that Chad Broadwater would feel confident in his abilities to start one of his own.
"It was definitely something I wanted to do. I knew it was a great opportunity," he said of his agency, Chad Broadwater State Farm, in Wheeling.
While growing up in Vienna, W.Va., his family's businesses in the Parkersburg area included an auto parts store, a garage door company and an auto shop that specialized in repairing electrical issues in vehicles. A 1993 graduate of Parkersburg High School, Broadwater went on to attend Shepherd University, where he graduated in 1998 with a degree in communications.
"I've been working for State Farm for 23 years. I've been an agent for over 16 years. I started in auto claims in 1999. After working with agents in Parkersburg, I knew this is what I wanted to do," he said. "I pursued it with no regrets."
Broadwater has lived in Wheeling since 2005, the same year he started his State Farm agency in the city. When he began his business, he was the youngest State Farm agent in Ohio County by age and tenure.
"Now I'm the oldest and most tenured," he added.
Broadwater said his business philosophy is centered around customer service.
"I try to be there for our clients when they need us the most," he said.
He also makes sure his clients are properly protected, that they have enough insurance. His agency sells life, auto and homeowners insurance.
"Growth is always a goal ... but it's to take care of my clients' wants and needs, to make sure they're getting what they paid for," he said. "I also educate people about what insurance can and can't do for you."
Broadwater said the insurance business is always changing, and he must learn and adapt to new products being offered and technology.
"It's always a challenge, but a good challenge to be in," he added.
Broadwater believes what makes his agency stand out from others is the level of service it provides.
"Between myself and my other employee, we have 40 years of experience between us," he said.
His office manager is Lori Rupert. His newest team member is Carissa Aracich.
Broadwater said he is proud of his agency's customer service.
"Everything we do here goes back to our clients and doing right by them. Whether it's 8:30 on a Friday morning or 8:30 on a Saturday night, I try to be available to our clients. I'm able to run in here to the office after business hours and on weekends," he said.
Broadwater and his wife, Rebecca, have two children together, Cameron, 19, and Taylor, 16.
Broadwater said his philosophy in life includes trying to live life to the fullest each day.
"I'm not a pessimistic kind of person. I try to stay active and be involved in my kids' lives as much as I can," he added.