In 2019, Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency celebrated 125 years of business. What a milestone!
Watch the video and read the article below to learn more about the company’s storied past.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQlN-f5cphU
Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency was founded in 1894 by W.T. Askew. At that time, the agency was known as W.T. Askew & Son Agents in Gordonsville, Tennessee. Mr. Askew served as one of Smith County’s leading insurance agents for 14 years selling fire insurance for the Home Insurance Company of New York and Continental Casualty of Chicago, Illinois. In 1908 he sold his business to Sam Pickering. Mr. Pickering operated solely for 12 years establishing himself as an expert in farm policies.
Throughout the 1920’s multiple owners joined and left the Sam Pickering Agency. Finally, in the 30’s, Sam Pickering was joined by D. Frank Powell forming the partnership Pickering & Powell. As Pickering aged, Mr. Powell began operating as the sole proprietor of D. Frank Powell Insurance focusing on all classes of insurance but with the majority of his business in farm property. At the time of his death in 1952, Sam Pickering was one of the oldest insurance agents in the state.
Mike Meadows joined Mr. Powell in 1962 and three years later became the sole owner of what is now known as Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency. Under Mr. Meadows’ leadership, Powell & Meadows was established as one of the leading agencies in the county. The agency, expanding rapidly, saw multiple moves over a short period of time. Each move provided Powell & Meadows with the opportunity for expansion. Powell & Meadows diversified to commercial and personal lines, merged with the Gordon Oldham Insurance Agency in 1972, and acquired the Draper Sircy and Thomas Amonette Agencies in 1981 and 1982.
After more than 20 years as the sole proprietor, Mr. Meadows decided it was time to bring in someone who had a desire to take over the agency. Phillip Piper joined Powell & Meadows in 1986, became Mr. Meadows’ partner in 1992, then sole owner in 1998. Also, during this time, Powell & Meadows purchased three agencies in Lafayette, TN opening a branch office in Macon County; as well as opening a third office in Lebanon, TN to serve the Wilson County area.
In 1999, Phillip brought 20 year industry veteran, Ray Edwards, on board to manage the Lebanon office. After 5 years, Ray bought into the agency becoming Phillip’s partner and Vice President. By this time Powell & Meadows had established itself as an insurance specialist for utility companies. It was through this, the agency was able to expand to include an underwriter and broker in Arkansas. One year later, Underwood Financial Services was purchased to enhance the existing life and health insurance products as well as provide financial and investment services.
Chip Piper, Phillip’s son, came to work for the agency in 2009. Powell & Meadows further expanded operations into Sumner and Robertson Counties six years later with the purchase of Jernigan & Cage Insurance Agency, which Chip manages. Two years later, in 2017, Chip became Vice President.
Last year Powell & Meadows not only celebrated 125 years of business, but was also awarded the Reagan Consulting award as one of the best practicing independent agencies in the nation. At the beginning of this year, Powell & Meadows purchased Carl R Wells & Associates in Gallatin, Tennessee. The agency contributes its success and longevity to its remarkable employee base, top-notch sales team, and customer relationships.
“People have stood by us and let us keep insuring them year in and year out. Hopefully we have earned that trust and we definitely want to continue [to have a] local business attitude,” said Phillip Piper, President.
Powell & Meadows Insurance Agency is one of the fine advertisers that make Smith County Insider possible. To learn more about the company, visit https://powellmeadows.com.
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