Wallace & Turner Bolsters Leadership Team with Addition of Mary Jo Leventhal as Director of Operations & Business Development

Wallace & Turner, Inc., Springfield and Urbana, Ohio’s largest, locally owned independent insurance agency, announced that Mary Jo Leventhal has joined as Director of Operations and Business Development. A Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Risk Manager, Leventhal has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry with a focus on commercial lines and risk management services. Prior to joining Wallace & Turner, she was a Commercial Lines Placement Manager with Kraft Lake Insurance Agency.

“With a wealth of experience and a proven track record in driving strategic growth, Mary Jo will play a pivotal role in furthering Wallace & Turner’s success and continuing to elevate the client experience,” commented Wallace & Turner President Patrick Field. “She is a dynamic leader, and we look forward to leveraging her expertise to achieve new milestones under her guidance.” 

“I am thrilled to join Wallace & Turner – a team I’ve known and respected for many years,” said Leventhal. “I’ve witnessed the dedication, professionalism and collaborative spirit that define the culture here, which makes this transition an exciting and natural step. It also gives me an opportunity to commit more time to the local organizations and causes that I am passionate about.”

In her Business Development role, Leventhal will craft customized insurance solutions and foster lasting relationships with policyholders. As Director of Operations, she will focus on enhancing organizational efficiency and implementing strategic initiatives that contribute to the success and growth of Wallace & Turner and its clients.

A lifelong resident of Springfield, Ohio, Leventhal obtained a Bachelor’s degree with honors from Wittenberg University. She has made an impact in the local community through her many leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition, past President of the Springfield Rotary Club, Board member of Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties, Co-Chair of the Springfield Museum of Art’s Art Ball for All, past Area Director for American Heart Association, and continues to be active in United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties.

About Wallace & Turner

An independent insurance agency with offices in Springfield and Urbana, Wallace & Turner works with a range of top-rated carriers which means clients receive comprehensive and cost-effective insurance options tailored to their needs. The agency is a long-standing member of Associated Risk Managers International, Keystone Insurers Group, Trusted Choice, Ohio Insurance Agents Association and Independent Insurance Agents Association, both in Ohio and nationally. Connect with Wallace & Turner on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Senior Accounting Manager Zach Vaughn Selected to Leadership Clark County Ohio Academy

Zach Vaughn - Senior Accounting Manager

Wallace & Turner congratulates Senior Accounting Manager Zach Vaughn on being selected to the Leadership Clark County Ohio Academy for 2023-24.

Each year, 35 individuals are accepted into the Community Leadership Academy based on the applicant’s leadership potential and diverse background. The Academy consists of monthly sessions beginning in the fall of each calendar year and running through the following spring that focus on the history of Clark County, the community’s current needs and leadership development. 

Since 1981, Leadership Clark County has been a change agent for community activism by dedicating time, money and resources to developing servant leaders in the Clark County community. Programming that focuses on leadership skills, sensitivity to community needs and diversity empowers Leadership alumni to become change agents themselves, assuming leadership roles and contributing their talents and energies to community service.

Partner/Producer Otto Larson Joins Ohio Small Business Development Center – Springfield Board of Trustees

Otto Larson, Partner / Producer

Partner/Producer Otto Larson has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Small Business Development Center in Springfield, which provides the coaching and financing that small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs need to start, grow and sustain their business.

The Springfield Small Business Development Center was recently selected as the SBA Region VI’s SBDC Innovation and Excellence Award winner. Out of 101 centers in the six-state region, Springfield’s SBDC rose above for how it has creatively served small businesses in an area that has been devastated by population and job loss. The SBDC Program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Ohio Development Services Agency and the City of Springfield.

Wallace & Turner Sponsors Junior Achievement 2023 7-Eleven Bowl-A-Thon

In support of Junior Achievement of the Mad River Region, Wallace & Turner is serving as a sponsor of the 2023 7-Eleven Bowl-A-Thon – Tropical Heatwave fundraiser which is being held through March 10th. Teams of five bowl two games, enjoy snacks and have a chance to win prizes based on money raised. Additional prizes can be won for Best Team Costumes and Most Spirited Team.

Learn more and register here.

Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed. The inspiration piece comes from community volunteers who not only deliver the organization’s lessons, but share their experience. In the process, these volunteers serve as role models helping to positively impact young people’s perceptions about the importance of education, as well as critical life skills. Preparation involves Junior Achievement’s proven lessons that promote financial capability, work and career readiness, and business ownership.

Wallace & Turner Expands Senior Team with Addition of Partner/Producer Otto Larson

Otto Larson - Partner/Producer

Wallace & Turner, Inc., Springfield and Urbana, Ohio’s largest, locally owned independent insurance agency, announced that Otto Larson has joined as a Partner/Producer. Larson brings over two decades of experience in the insurance industry and will work with both commercial and personal lines clients at Wallace & Turner. He was previously a Business Insurance Consultant and Market President with Marsh & McLennan Agency in the Midwest Region.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Otto’s breadth and depth of experience join Wallace & Turner,” commented President Patrick Field. “His insurance expertise and tenacity combined with local area knowledge will be a tremendous asset to our agency and clients. We know he will also be a great mentor to the next generation of agents as we continue to grow.”

“I am honored to join Wallace & Turner and be part of an organization with a rich history of serving their customers and communities for over 150 years,” said Larson. “The agency has an outstanding reputation for excellence in service and financial stability, and leads with a client centered approach, which was important to me when deciding to make a change. I look forward to getting to know our customers and helping them navigate the insurance marketplace while protecting their assets and future.”

Larson obtained a B.S. from Bowling Green State University and earned a Certified Insurance Counselor degree from the National Alliance of Insurance Education and Research. He is an active community member serving on various boards and as a volunteer, including Mental Health Foundation, Springfield Arts Council, Springfield Country Club, Ohio Means Jobs and the Red Cross, and co-chaired The Art Ball and Emerald Evening with his wife, Therese. He is also a graduate and served on the board of Leadership Clark County. Otto is currently a member of the Springfield Rotary Club, which serves children and adults with disabilities. 

About Wallace & Turner

An independent insurance agency with offices in Springfield and Urbana, Wallace & Turner works with a range of top-rated carriers which means clients receive comprehensive and cost-effective insurance options tailored to their needs. The agency is a long-standing member of Associated Risk Managers International, Keystone Insurers Group, Trusted Choice, Ohio Insurance Agents Association and Independent Insurance Agents Association, both in Ohio and nationally. Connect with the agency on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Wallace & Turner Celebrates the Holidays

The Wallace & Turner 2022 holiday party kicked off at Springfield Country Club testing our golf skills on the simulator with pro Jake Houston. Then we headed to Fratelli’s for a delicious lunch.

West Bend Mutual Insurance Awards $6,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark Champaign & Logan Counties Through Nomination by Wallace & Turner

Brian Erwin, Sr. Regional Sales Manager with West Bend; Tyra Jackson, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties; Patrick Field, President of Wallace & Turner

Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark Champaign & Logan Counties received a grant of $6,000 from West Bend Mutual Insurance as part of the Spirit of the Silver Lining Award 2022. Each year, West Bend presents the award to several independent insurance agents and the nonprofit organizations they support. The award recognizes those agents and organizations for their dedication to delivering a silver lining to those in need.

The nonprofit recipients of the award receive a grant from the West Bend Independent Agents’ Fund. Since 2006, the Fund has awarded more than $1.4 million in grants which are used for sustaining support, special projects, or capital projects for nonprofit organizations that represent a broad field of interests, including, but not limited to arts and culture; education; the environment; family, youth, and elderly; health and human services; medical research; and community development.

For many years, Wallace & Turner has supported Second Harvest through financial contributions as well as been a sponsor and volunteer for numerous fundraising events. President Patrick Field donates significant time as the current Board Vice President and will serve as the incoming President for 2023.

Second Harvest Food Bank’s mission is to alleviate hunger in Clark, Champaign, and Logan Counties by sourcing and distributing nutritious food to people in need, building community partnerships, and mobilizing the public to support hunger relief.

New Score Table Heading to Cedarville University Athletics – Wallace & Turner Donates to Longtime Client

Wallace & Turner has gifted a new score table to be used in Cedarville University’s Stranahan Gymnasium. The gift will help the Yellow Jackets fulfill the need of enhancing the game day experience for student-athletes, staff, and fans at the Callan Athletic Center.

We are proud to be the University's insurance carrier for more than 20 years.

Learn more here.

Wallace & Turner is Growing! Julie Medley Joins Personal Lines Team; Life & Health Department Brings on Loran Axtell & Tammy Hodge

Wallace & Turner is excited to announce the addition of several new team members: Julie Medley as Personal Lines Account Manager, Loran Axtell as Life & Health Account Manager and Tammy Hodge as Group Benefits Manager.

Additionally, Tia Keith, formerly in the Life & Health Department, has moved into the role of Commercial Lines Account Manager.

We are also pleased to welcome Spencer McCleery as an intern. Spencer is currently attending The Ohio State University and majoring in Actuarial Science.

View our full team directory here.

We Are Hiring! Group Benefits Account Manager

APPLY NOW! Submit resumes to ccorrigan@wtins.com

Group Benefits Account Manager

PRIMARY ROLE:              

Providing superior service and support to all Group Health accounts, including but not limited to:

• Maintaining a high level of client service and satisfaction

• Achieving agency account growth and retention goals by providing extraordinary service and proactive communication with all Group Accounts 

DUTIES: 

• Support Broker sales efforts by handling all Group accounts from quoting to implementation

• Maintain client files and ensure proper documentation, by processing all enrollments, plan changes and documentation of all activities in Agency’s management system per Agency procedures

• Respond to client inquiries and correspondence in accordance with agency and benefit guidelines

• Maintain current knowledge of underwriting and system requirements of carriers. Keep current with industry trends by attending Agency approved continuing education classes and attending Agency run meetings and education sessions

• Be an advocate for all Agency departments and product offerings

• Maintain all required state licensing and company appointments as required

• Participate in any special projects and duties at management’s request

BENEFITS:

• Paid Time Off program

• 401k Program with Employer Contribution

• Medical, Dental, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance programs

• Other voluntary type benefits available via payroll deduction

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION: 

• Currently have or able to earn Health and Life Insurance License through the State of Ohio and any/all other appropriate state license(s) required

• Extensive knowledge of group health insurance benefits and different Carrier service platforms and technology requirements

• Thorough knowledge of Carrier Administration and Quoting systems

• Understand human resources laws as it applies to group health insurance benefits

• Experience and expertise in operating in an electronic environment using computer programs and Agency client relationship management system

• Proficient in all Microsoft programs including Excel and Word

• Possess excellent time management, organizational and communication skills

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work on a constant basis

• High degree of self-motivation and self-direction

• Available to work overtime if necessary or needed as dictated by workload and Agency need

Myles Trempe Serves as Slice of Springfield 2022 Event Co-Chair; Wallace & Turner is a Premier Sponsor

Producer Myles Trempe is serving as co-chair of the Slice of Springfield event featuring eight non-franchise restaurants that will put out their tastiest pizza to sample, 4:30-7 p.m. on February 10 at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co., 102 W. Columbia St.

Participating restaurants include Bogey’s at Rocky Lakes; Buckeye Barn; Crust & Company; Fent’s Dairy Corner; Fratelli’s; The Hickory Inn; Mikey’s Pizza; and Station 1.

“There’s a real interest because as a community, we have good, local non-franchise pizzerias,” Myles told Dayton.com in an interview. “In the dead of winter, this is a place you can come and enjoy a lot of different pizza and have a good craft beer or other drink.”

Tickets cost $25 each and include at least eight squares of pizza and a drink, a choice of soft drink, beer or wine. Tickets for ages 12-under cost $10 each and will be available at the door. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment. 

Wallace & Turner is a Premier Sponsor of Slice of Springfield. Proceeds from the event will go to National Trail Parks and Recreation District and Partners for the Parks efforts. The sprayground in Snyder Park was established with Slice funds, and Myles said funds from this outing will help toward projects such as revitalizing the tennis and pickleball courts in Snyder Park in the future.

Tickets are available at the National Trail administration building at 1301 Mitchell Blvd. or at the door. Learn more.

Ben Galbreath Elected as Vice President of Clark‐Shawnee Board of Education

Ben Galbreath

Congratulations to Producer Ben Galbreath on being elected as the 2022 Vice President of the Clark‐Shawnee Local School District Board of Education. Ben previously served as a Board Member. The Board of Education works to uphold the community's longstanding traditions of academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. 

“I’m honored to be appointed as Vice President and welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to this excellent district,” Ben commented. “The pandemic has created myriad challenges for our schools, but my Board colleagues and I are committed to doing what it takes to ensure the success of every student. Additionally, we look forward to fostering an open dialogue with parents and community members to address everyone’s interests.”

The Clark-Shawnee School District is located in Clark County, Ohio, serving the students of Springfield Township. Approximately 1,800 students learn in the schools each day, attending Shawnee High School (9-12), Shawnee Middle School (7-8), or Shawnee Elementary School (K-6).

Wallace & Turner Acquires Guarantee Insurance Agency

View media coverage on the acquisition:

Springfield News-Sun

Dayton Business Journal

Insurance Journal

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Patrick Field, P.J. Miller, Gaylee Ross, Jim Ross

Wallace & Turner, Inc., Springfield and Urbana, Ohio’s largest, locally owned independent insurance agency, announced the acquisition of Guarantee Insurance Agency, effective January 1, 2022. Founded in 1907, Guarantee Insurance has been operated by Jim and Gaylee Ross for over 25 years, offering personal, business and life coverage to the Springfield community.

“Acquiring Guarantee Insurance is a natural fit for us because we offer the same lines of coverage and represent the same carriers. This will ensure a seamless transition for Guarantee’s insureds,” said Patrick Field, President of Wallace & Turner. “We are honored that Jim and Gaylee have entrusted their clients to our care and we wish them all the best in their much deserved retirement.”

“Gaylee and I have known the Wallace & Turner team for many years as friends and colleagues, so when the opportunity arose to sell our agency, they were the immediate choice,” commented Jim Ross. “Wallace & Turner is considered to be one of the top insurance agencies in Southwest Ohio based on their client-centric approach and commitment to the community – a philosophy we both share. We are confident they will provide the same level of service our insureds have relied on for decades at Guarantee Insurance.”

About Wallace & Turner, Inc.

Wallace & Turner has operated locally in Springfield, Ohio since 1870, providing comprehensive insurance services, including personal, business and life & health coverage. As an independent insurance agency, Wallace & Turner works with a range of top-rated carriers which means clients receive cost-effective insurance options tailored to their needs. The agency is a long-standing member of Associated Risk Managers International, Keystone Insurers Group, Trusted Choice, Ohio Insurance Agents Association and Independent Insurance Agents Association, both in Ohio and nationally. Wallace & Turner employs seasoned insurance professionals with offices in Springfield and Urbana. Connect with the agency on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The Cincinnati Insurance Company Honors Wallace & Turner With 70th Anniversary Award

Wallace & Turner Insurance is proud to represent The Cincinnati Insurance Company for 70 years! Personnel from Cincinnati Insurance presented a plaque honoring the anniversary to Partners Patrick Field and P.J. Miller as well as WT staff at a celebration event held at Mother Stewart’s Brewing on September 16, 2021. 

Operating locally in Springfield, Ohio since 1870, Wallace & Turner provides personal insurance, commercial insurance and life & health coverage.  As a member of the Ohio Insurance Agents, we represent top-rated insurance companies.

About The Cincinnati Insurance Company 

Operating since 1950, The Cincinnati Insurance Company stands among the nation's top 25 property casualty insurer groups based on net written premiums. The group markets business, home and auto insurance products through a select group of independent insurance agencies in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The Cincinnati Life Insurance Company subsidiary actively markets life and disability income insurance and annuities in all states except New York.

Wallace & Turner Hosts Book Signing with Springfield/Urbana Author Martin Manuel

Author Martin Manuel held a public signing event for his book “Manuel Strong: The Life and Legacy of James and Florine Manuel,” which tells the story of his parents’ life in hopes that he can inspire others and offer an alternative perspective to negative stereotypes of African American families. Martin is one of 17 children born to James and Florine Manuel. The family moved to Urbana from Springfield in 1966, and they overcame adversity and faced hardships as they strove to raise their children in love and faith. 

Wallace & Turner Insurance hosted the book signing with comments from former Partner Mike Trempe who spoke on the agency’s relationship to the Manuel family. Wallace & Turner Founder Harry M. Turner sponsored the Turner Baseball Team which was coached by James Manuel, and Jim Story of Wallace & Turner. Trempe and Manuel’s son Sherman, were players on the team that went on to be City and State Champs.

Pictured in team photo: Harry Turner (Far Left), James “Jinx” Manuel (Beside Harry), Jim Story (WT), Sherman Manuel (Son of Jinx, holding sign), Mike Trempe (WT, with glasses above Sherman).

Combating Hunger in Our Communities — Wallace & Turner Volunteers with Second Harvest Foodbank of Clark, Champaign, & Logan Counties

In an effort to combat hunger in our surrounding communities, Operations Manager & Commercial Lines Account Manager, Lisa Miller, and Commercial Lines Analyst/Accounting Assistant, Zach Vaughn, volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties. The mission of the Ohio Tri County Food Alliance/Second Harvest Food bank is to alleviate hunger in Clark, Champaign, and Logan Counties by sourcing and distributing nutritious food to people in need, building community partnerships, and mobilizing the public to support hunger relief. Learn more: https://www.theshfb.org

Operation Adopt-A-Drop: Wallace & Turner Adopts Recycling Site in Springfield

The Clark County Solid Waste District introduced a new program “Operation Adopt-A-Drop” to improve the recycling experience for residents. The program invites residents or groups to become stewards of the county’s recycling sites, and is aimed at creating a pleasant recycling experience by having volunteers clean up those sites. Residents or groups that decide to adopt a recycling site are expected to clean-up their adopted site at least once a month.

Wallace & Turner has adopted the 525 East Home Road location in Springfield. Additional recycling locations can be found at 1620 West Main St. in Springfield, 5467 Selma Pike in Green Twp., 1539 Student Ave. in Northridge, 7952 Dayton-Springfield Road in Mad River Twp., and at the corner of Old Columbus Road and State Route 54 in Pleasant Twp. 

Learn more about Operation Adopt-A-Drop here.

The Open Annual Leadership Clark County Golf Outing – Wallace & Turner Serves as Sponsor

One of the first local golf outings of the year, the Leadership Clark County event brings together past graduates, community leaders and other supporters to raise money over a round of golf for the nonprofit. Wallace & Turner is serving as a hole and team sponsor.

The event will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Windy Knoll Golf Club. Contests include longest putt, longest drive, closest to the pin and the orange ball competition.

Learn more.

Patrick Field Named Springfield’s 2021 Alignable Local Business Person Of The Year

Partner Patrick Field has been voted Alignable’s 2021 Local Business Person Of The Year in Springfield based on his incredible contributions to Wallace & Turner and the community in the COVID era. During the month-long contest, Alignable invited its 6 million+ members to vote for their favorite peers. Alignable amassed 86,000+ votes and recommendations about hometown business heroes in its third annual competition.

About Alignable

Alignable.com is the largest online referral network for small businesses in the U.S. and Canada. With 6 million+ members across 35,000+ local communities, Alignable is the network where small business owners drive leads and prospects, generate referrals, land new business, build trusted relationships, and share great advice. 

Westfield Insurance Foundation Awards $5,000 to Second Harvest Foodbank of Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties Through Nomination by Wallace & Turner

Second Harvest Foodbank of Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties (SHFB) will be able to provide more food and supplies to those in need as the $5,000 winner of Westfield Insurance Foundation’s #SolveIt award. The award celebrates the efforts of businesses, insurance agents, food pantries, hot meal sites and food delivery programs that are helping their local communities overcome challenges and eliminate hunger.  

Wallace & Turner nominated SHFB for the organization’s extraordinary response in addressing community needs throughout the pandemic. The threat of COVID-19 changed many aspects of society, but not the mission of the food bank. The main goal is to make sure that no one is going hungry, and SHFB identified different avenues and resources to reach people in various ways.

SHFB served nearly a year’s worth of customers from January through May 2020 alone, as nearly 12,000 households representing nearly 35,000 people sought SHFB’s services either directly or through one of its partners. That was an increase of 66 percent over the same period a year ago, and nearly 20,000 of the people served, had never used the food bank before, an increase of 132 percent.

Additionally, with the help of local schools and community organizations, SHFB provided children from ages 1 to 18 with free healthy meals throughout the summer. Each child received five breakfast and five lunch meals per week. In total, the facility served over 20,000 meals to children per week. 

About Westfield and Feeding America’s Partnership 

As the pandemic continues, Feeding America® projects it will need an additional $1.8 billion to feed Americans who are newly food insecure. In fact, 40 percent of the people in need today have never needed help before. Because of the exponential need, Westfield increased its annual giving by $500,000 to partner with Feeding America. Together, they will support communities across the country to create solutions that help their neighbors put food on the table.