Charlie Smader

It’s back to school time in La Crosse! While the kids meet their new teachers, you can meet with your insurance agent! Now is a good time to make sure you have all your insurance and financial needs covered. We offer phone, virtual and in-person appointments.

I became a State Farm Agent in 1975 here in La Crosse, WI and how I became an agent was a much different process than it is now. I had just graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and I had a baby on the way with my wife. Times were hard and jobs for a new graduate were hard to find. The State Farm manager in La Crosse got my transcript from the local recruitment office and wanted to discuss the opportunity to start a multiple lines insurance agency. I had no idea what it meant at the time, but agreed to meet with him anyway. In our meeting, he explained that a State Farm agency was an opportunity for me to run a business with no financial input, just "sweat equity" (later I learned what that really meant). I knew I couldn't turn down such an opportunity! So, with a cardboard box that contained a few paper customer files, a card table, a phone, and a 300' ft. office space and a strong work ethic . . . I started my business and began to attempt to market an intangible, untouchable, obscure product . . . which proved just as difficult as it sounds!

45 years later, I have constantly been reminded of the service we provide to our customers. Many of those lessons I learned about insurance and customer service when I first started are what I built the foundation of my office on. Our customers rely on us to do a good job, to do what's right and to go the extra mile to provide security and peacefulness for their lives and their assets. The same things my customers still rely on my office for. My goal has always been to help educate and aide our customers in making wise choices. Insurance is not a one size fits all product, and working with customers to help make choices that protect them and their families is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.

I have been fortunate to have worked with my son Jeff for over 20 years, and am thankful to have the team I currently have that consists of Jeff, Kim and Peyton. Over these last 45 plus years I have helped my customers deal with total fire losses to their homes, unexpected deaths of loved ones, disabilities and major liability claims. My family and I started our journey with State Farm in 1975, State Farm gave me the opportunity to run my own business, contribute to my community which I take great pride in, coach my kids and attend their activities and provide my customers with secure programs that helped them in their time of need. Now I am enjoying doing the same with my grandkids!

OFFICE UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19

Our top priority is the safety of our customers, team, and community.

We are open and in the office, however we do ask if you have a question or need to pay a bill please call or email us first as we can handle many of your service requests virtually. If you need to speak with a Team Member, we ask that you call in advance and schedule an appointment.

If we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.