Member Spotlight: Cody Anno State Farm
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Insurance agent wasn't on Cody Anno's list of things to be when he grew up, but the industry recruited him shortly after college. “I like to say I fell backward into it,” he says. He initially worked for a large company then switched to State Farm. He accepted the offer to take over his own office in 2015 and never looked back. He encourages young people to find careers that make them happy, concluding that, “They will probably find it somewhere they never thought.”
Cody relocated his office in 2018 from Lawrence to Baldwin City in order to better serve the local community. “This was the best decision I could have ever made,” he reflects. “The Baldwin community greeted me with open arms.”
Located along the bustling 56 Highway at 208 Baker Street, the building recently underwent a necessary expansion and remodel. Moving the entrance to the front side of the building is the most noticeable difference. Doing so required help from skilled, local contractors and a little elbow grease. “Don't worry if you come to the wrong side [of the building],” Cody says. “We will still let you in! Old habits die hard.” The results have garnered many compliments and he is extremely proud of it.
State Farm is most known for auto and home insurance, but they offer comprehensive insurance ranging from policies for side by sides to life insurance. Cody personally handles most of the business and farm insurance, and his capable team oversees the normal auto and home insurance. The team is constantly training, coaching, and learning. It helps them stay updated on industry and individual company changes which enables them to offer their clients the best possible recommendations. They focus on personalized service, treating clients as unique individuals with unique needs rather than mere numbers.
Cody's agency strives to be different and is willing to do things other people don't, and other agencies won't. His outlook sets the tone for the agency, and the entire team relies on building solid relationships with their clients as the best way to help protect them on life's journey. “This business is a people business,” Cody explains. “I want people to know, like, and trust the person that they are calling when something bad happens. I want everyone to know that I care about them, and they aren't just a client but a friend.”
A common misconception among insurance clients is that a good insurance agent or agency is unnecessary. This is a huge misstep when it comes time to use your insurance as a liaison between the client and insurance company is invaluable. “That is our role,” Cody explains. “We know who you are, and we can help you wade the waters of a claim because we do it daily.”
Unlike Jake from State Farm who only shows up when the cameras are rolling, Cody and his team are the actual good neighbors. They are committed to giving back to Baldwin City and engaging with its community in a variety of ways including financial contributions, volunteering their time, and serving on boards for a variety of organizations. They led a school supply drive for the first time this year and donated over $4,000 worth of school supplies to students in need at the four schools within the USD 348 school district. For the past five years, they have hosted Photos with Santa. It's free to the community, and each year its attendance expands. “I'm a firm believer in giving back,” Cody states. “The community has done so much for us. Nothing we do, no matter how big, would repay the support we have received over the years.”
The world of insurance can be capricious, and the past two years have been turbulent ones. The cost of claims and repairs have driven up the cost of insurance across all companies. “I know you have opened your renewal from any company and been shocked,” Cody states, but he is facing the future with optimism. “The good news is that these issues are starting to subside. There is light at the end of the tunnel for everyone.”
As for his office – it's growing. Cody entered the business with big dreams and a goal of success, which they are achieving. “Helping more people in more ways is something we talk about daily,” he states. “To be 100% honest, I don't know where this will take us. Eight years ago, when I started the business, I never thought I would be where I am today. Sometimes I like to sit back and enjoy the ride while seeing who I can help along the way.” The agency will out grow their location at some point, but until then, Cody Anno State Farm is at 208 Baker Street, prepared to help you with all your insurance needs.