By Kelly Augustine, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
(Pictured right: Hollie and Ted Smith, Ted Smith - State Farm Insurance, at the 2022 National Agency Conference. Photo contributed by Ted Smith.)
Most small business owners can tell interesting stories about their startups, but Ted Smith has one that is hard to beat. For Ted, the opportunity to become his own boss through State Farm Insurance came about while on a weekend hunting trip. By chance, he was paired up with an agent from Tyler and while hunting game in south Texas, Ted got an ear full of all of the benefits State Farm provided.
The hunting trip caused a change in the direction he had in mind for his future, and Ted made the decision to join State Farm Insurance “after much prayer and talking it over with my wife Hollie,” he said. “The journey began there.”
His team at the office is a big part of his success, and Ted credits them for the outstanding service provided to the clients. He places customer service above all and believes achieving a high standard of customer satisfaction is accomplished with continued support and training for his entire team, especially in the ever-changing environment of the insurance industry.
Outside of the office operations, startup success for Ted came from involvement in the Nacogdoches County Chamber.
“The Nacogdoches community is amazing, and I can tell you specifically that in year one of my business opening, that was in 2018, 50-percent of my clients came from networking in chamber events,” he said.
With the community support he has experienced since opening, Ted believes in giving back through different Nacogdoches organizations and participating in chamber programs. He serves on the boards of directors of the Nacogdoches Heroes Foundation, the Nacogdoches Rotary Club and the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation. Ted is a Life Member of the SFA Alumni Association and is on the association’s board. He is a Leadership Nacogdoches alumnus, class of 2016-2017 and has held several leadership positions in the Nacogdoches County Chamber, including Vice Chair of Community Development. He served as the chamber’s Chairman of the Board during 2020, providing support and direction during a period of uncountable unknowns for the business community. He is joint owner of the Nacogdoches Cigar Co.
Beyond running the State Farm Insurance business, the opportunity to build additional lasting, enjoyable relationships has been a welcomed benefit.
“I may not be Jake, but I’m Ted from State Farm, and I’m here to serve you,” Ted said with a smile.
As a successful small business owner who has made numerous positive impacts in the community, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is proud to name Ted Smith – State Farm Insurance as the Small Business of the Year, a Gary Justice Business Excellence Award sponsored by Commercial Bank of Texas, N.A. The business will be honored at the Nacogdoches County Chamber’s 102nd Annual Meeting & Membership Banquet on Sept. 24 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center. Tickets and sponsorships are available. Call 936-560-5533 for more information.
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