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The Reynolds Family Agency, which is Jemison’s Allstate Insurance office, has new owners in agent Eugene “Harrell” Reynolds and his wife Cathy Reynolds.

“We’re both learning the Allstate way,” Harrell Reynolds said. “We’ve both been in insurance before. I’ve got over 40 years experience in business.”

“I think that’s important to know,” Cathy Reynolds, who joined her husband after 15 years of owning several retail stores in Shelby County, commented. “Any time there’s change, it makes people worry. So, it’s good to let people know they’re still in good hands. He’s been doing this for a long time.”

Previously, Harrell Reynolds worked 17 years as a manager with Alfa Insurance in Opelika and 10 years with Country Financial in south Alabama. He was a financial specialist with Allstate when he purchased the agency from former agent and owner Chris Millard.

Millard retired March 1, handing the reins over to the Reynolds.

Sales Producer Mary Sazera, who has been with the Jemison agency for eight years, keeps her post.

“We’re doing good,” Cathy Reynolds said. “We’ve been able to meet the people, and they’ve all been very, very nice — very receptive of us.”

The transition has also presented its challenges.

“We’ve had some kinks, but we’re working them out,” Harrell Reynolds said.

Both he and his wife are learning much.

Reynolds said he envisions a widespread impact for the Jemison office, eventually reaching to service residents across the state.

“We continue to want to service the clients that we have, but we are also very interested in building our agency,” he said.

Reynolds said that Allstate is unique in that its offices can operate out of a single location while servicing clients elsewhere.

Plans are underway for sales producers in the Huntsville and Auburn areas.

“Chris did a very good job building this business locally, so there’s not as much opportunity of growth in this area,” he said. “We came into this knowing that we’re going to have to market outside a good bit.”

The Reynolds commute from their home in Alabaster, where they have lived 21 years and raised their daughter, who is currently pursuing a finance degree at Auburn University.

Her parents said she hopes to ultimately join the family business at Allstate.

“That’s one of the reasons why we did it,” Harrell Reynolds said. “It just offers some options for my family in the future.”

Harrell Reynolds has two other children and seven grandchildren.

Family remains a top priority as the Reynolds adjust to their new business in Jemison.

“We’re excited to be here,” Cathy Reynolds said.

The Reynolds Family Agency will host an open house on May 17 at 11 a.m., offering refreshments and fellowship with Allstate faculty and staff and the Chamber of Commerce.

Harrell and Cathy Reynolds invite the community to stop by any time to meet them.

For more information about the agency, call (205) 688-1986.