Insurance agency expands into Sandusky

HURON — For Rick Ruby and his team, they pride themselves on providing the best service on someone's worst day imaginable. "What we sell is a promise," said Ruby, who owns the State Farm insurance agency on Cleveland Road East (U.S. 6) in Huron near Cornell's Food. "When something bad happens — be it a car accident, your loved one doesn't come home, there's a fire — that is when you can expect us to perform and keep our promise and see the value of your policy and agent," Ruby said. It's a motto Ruby's lived by in his 43rd year in the insurance industry. And, for the last eight years, he's operated the Huron State Farm under the Ruby Insurance Agency Inc. umbrella. And it's one he wants all of his policyholders, existing and new, to know. This would include those from Del Thatcher's office on East Perkins Avenue in Sandusky. Thatcher worked as an agent for 25 years. And the building, near Kroger, has hosted a State Farm office for 36 straight years. Upon Thatcher's recent retirement, Ruby expanded, meaning he now operates the East Perkins Avenue building in addition to Huron's and also assumes Thatcher's clients. "We will continue the tradition of excellent service Del provided, and we are very excited about opening our second office," said Ruby, who's accepting new clients at either location. "This is a great opportunity for us. We have a tremendous client base, and it will only improve." Ruby retained one of Thatcher's longest-tenured employees, Carla Christian, so she can help during this transition. She worked alongside Thatcher for more than a decade. "We are fortunate that Carla is staying on," Ruby said. Ruby's firm offers many different types of insurance. This would include policies for auto, home, life, health, business as well as financial services. The past year, Ruby won State Farm's President's Club Award. It recognizes the top 50 State Farm agents companywide, State Farm employs more than 19,000 agents. "That is rare air," said Ruby, who deflected receiving any personal credit and instead gave several shoutouts to his colleagues. "The successes that we have experienced through the years is because of the dedicated, loyal team members and staff that I have here," said Ruby, adding how four of his team members boast at least 20 years of experience. "They are dedicated to the job and serving our community." Ruby — married to his wife, Connie, they have four children and nine grandchildren — is grateful for all the support he's received during this new venture, especially from co-workers and clients. "What I appreciate most about people we serve is their loyalty," Ruby said. "And I'm looking forward to continuing the good neighbor service that Del's clients have been accustomed to. I'm proud to represent a brand like State Farm, which is celebrating its 100th year in business this year."