By Charlotte Smith
Bladen County, North Carolina, has long been a blend of tightly-knit communities and hometown values. Few have woven themselves into the “Mother County” fabric as Eddie White, State Farm Agent, has in Elizabethtown. Celebrating an astonishing fifty years in the insurance business, White’s journey from marine biology to the insurance world is a testament to his adaptive spirit and unyielding dedication.
It all started when Eddie White, holding a degree in Marine Biology and a position at a Marine Lab in Wrightsville Beach, stumbled upon an opportunity that rerouted his career trajectory. With no prior knowledge of insurance, he delved into the world of State Farm and discovered a company that stood steadfast in industry rankings. What began as an investigation into corporate reputation and client services swiftly turned into a personal business venture that would span decades.
One customer, Don, praises White’s exceptional service: “Eddie White has an outstanding staff with fair and reasonable pricing. We have multiple homes, cars, and other coverage with State Farm, and I feel (I know from experience) that they will be there when there is a need. Couldn’t ask for more.”
White credits the longevity of his business to being deeply invested in his customers and community. His philosophy is simple: take care of them, and they will take care of you. He has witnessed the evolution of the insurance industry firsthand, from the days when all products were written by hand to the current era of digital applications. He has embraced technological advancements, using them to enhance client relationships while maintaining the personal touch that distinguishes his office from others.
Reflecting on the past fifty years, White cherishes many moments, but a few stand out: the transition from marine biology to insurance, achieving instructor certifications, and navigating the challenges of COVID-19, to name a few. Each milestone, each obstacle overcome, has fortified the foundation of his business and his bond with the community.
“It’s different in small communities where people come by, bring food, offer their help in any way they can. We frequently hug, offer assistance, and even shed tears with our clients,” White explains. “Yes, building relationships is important in our business, but often the relationships build themselves, and you are really a part of one another’s lives.”
One longtime customer, Patsi Callihan, sums it up: “Great people, great place, great company, great agent.”
White’s staff, including his 43-year office manager Becky Kelly, also speak highly of him. “Working with Eddie is like being part of a family,” Kelly says. “He genuinely cares about each of us and our clients.”
Even as he considers retirement, White assures that the agency he built will remain dependable in the community, ready to adapt, grow, and serve the evolving needs of Elizabethtown and beyond. His dedication to the county goes beyond offering tailored insurance advice; it’s about being a part of a community that values its members’ safety, security, and well-being. White shares, “We spend a lot of time and effort in promoting our community and county by not only participating but also supporting local officials, churches, schools, and all the emergency services with our time, advertising, donations, and local projects.”
For those aspiring to make their mark in small-town markets, White offers sage advice: be invested in your customers and community. His own narrative is proof that when you “go at it like you’re killing snakes,” success, fulfillment, and a legacy of service will follow.
As Eddie White reflects on his remarkable journey, his story is not just about the policies sold or claims filed; it’s about the lives touched, the community supported, and the unwavering commitment to service that has defined his half-century-long career. Here’s to Eddie White, an embodiment of the spirit of Bladen County, North Carolina, whose heart has always been as much about people as it has been about policies.
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