Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee celebrates 75 years of excellence and commitment

Courtesy Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
·2 min read
“Our growth to become the largest personal insurance carrier in Tennessee reflects our commitment not to be the biggest, but the best—providing top-notch customer service, fair treatment, and competitive prices. But the heart of our company is our employees, agents, and claims personnel. Their dedication and service are what distinguish us from the rest and make our company special."

Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, a trusted name in the insurance industry, proudly commemorates its 75th anniversary, reflecting on its enduring legacy and commitment to the people of Tennessee. Since its inception in 1948 with just 1,000 policies, the company has grown steadily to become a premier provider of home and auto insurance in the state. Additionally, its Life Insurance Company has been dedicated to safeguarding lives since 1973.

A History of Service and Dedication

Throughout its history, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee has stood as a beacon of prompt, efficient, and personalized service, especially in times of crisis. The company's unwavering dedication to its policyholders has propelled its remarkable growth and success over the years. Despite facing challenges such as catastrophic weather events, economic downturns, and a global pandemic, the company has remained steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the people of Tennessee.

Employees from Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee Corporate Center in Waynesboro joined together to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary.
Employees from Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee Corporate Center in Waynesboro joined together to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary.

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation President, Eric Mayberry, reflected on the journey.

"We're proud at our core we are still working to protect farmers and rural communities by serving as the voice of agriculture in Tennessee, but we're also incredibly proud of our insurance services, which have been taking care of Tennesseans for the past 75 years," said Mayberry, who is also chairman of the board of Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

"There's no doubt in my mind our forefathers would admire how nearly a third of Tennesseans turn to Farm Bureau Insurance for auto, home, and life insurance."

Testament to resilience and excellence

Jeff Pannell, CEO of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, emphasized the company's resilience, adaptability, and traditions.

"When looking back on the 75-year history of our mutual company and the 50-year history of our life company, a saying that comes to mind is 'We stand on the shoulders of giants.' Past leaders of this great company laid a foundation and instilled a culture of service and excellence that drives the success of our companies to this day," Pannell said.

“The legacy of our past leaders is a testament to the enduring success of our company. Their vision and values continue to guide us today," Pannell said. Pictured are retired COO of the Property & Casualty company John Law, retired VP of Auto Underwriting Sam McDaniel, retired CEO Sonny Scoggins, current CEO Jeff Pannell, retired CEO Hulet Chaney, and retired COO of the Life company Neal Townsend.

Foundations of Success

Julie Bowling, General Counsel, reflected on the history of the company's founding.

"What began as a dream and an investment for many rural Tennesseans across the state has turned into the largest domestic writer of insurance in Tennessee and the 38th largest P/C carrier in the nation," Bowling said.

"Today, as we stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, we recognize the strength of our history and the brightness of our future—a future that is secured through your continued focus and dedication."
"Today, as we stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, we recognize the strength of our history and the brightness of our future—a future that is secured through your continued focus and dedication."

She further highlighted key individuals who played pivotal roles in the company's early days, including President Tom J. Hitch, Clyde York, Billy Porter, and Fenner Heathcock, whose collective efforts helped establish the company.

Employees in the Columbia headquarters of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee gathered on the front lawn to form a 75 to commemorate the company’s anniversary.
Employees in the Columbia headquarters of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee gathered on the front lawn to form a 75 to commemorate the company’s anniversary.

Continued Commitment to Excellence

Property and Casualty Chief Operations Officer Josh Webber added that as Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee marks this significant milestone, it remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles that have driven its success.

“The company will continue building on its legacy of exceptional service, trust, and reliability, ensuring that it maintains its position as Tennessee's Insurance Company for many years to come,” Webber said.

Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee is the trade name of the Tennessee Farmers Insurance Companies, a single-state operation headquartered in Columbia, Tenn. Farm Bureau Insurance covers more homes and autos than any other insurance company in Tennessee and is the state's largest writer of individual life insurance. The companies are affiliated with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the nation's largest single-state Farm Bureau organization with more than 680,000 member families. Visit fbitn.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee celebrates 75 years of excellence and commitment