Cordovas take over ownership of Murphy Insurance Group office

Jeremy and Carrie Cordova have taken over ownership of the Murphy Insurance Group office in Merrill from Russ Utech. The business and the building at 716 E. Second St. were part of the purchase, which became effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Utech opened the agency in 1995 and moved to the current location about five years ago. Jeremy joined the agency in 2004 and had been serving as vice president of the agency prior to the sale. Russ continues to work at the agency as a salesperson, serving all of his existing customers.

"I have the opportunity to secure the purchase and I had to capitalize," Jeremy said. "The transition has been seamless for most customers. Our service team has stayed the same."

Jeremy said he's ready to bring some updates to the agency by embracing and investing in technology.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to do business with us," he said.

Jeremy's wife, Carrie, has stayed at her separate full-time job but also lends a hand with bookwork for the agency.

"It's a lazy man who can't find his wife a second job," Jeremy jokes.

The agency currently has eight employees, and Jeremy is looking forward to adding staff in the near future. The building offers ample space for the agency to grow.

"That would be a lofty goal to outgrow this building," Jeremy said.

The building also offers additional office space that is available for rent.

Earlier this year, the Murphy Insurance Group-Cordova Agency was recognized for their achievements within the Murphy Franchise Group. The Cordova Agency was the recipient of the Agency of the Year Award by The Murphy Insurance Group.

The Murphy Insurance Group-Cordova Agency utilizes the resources of The Murphy Insurance Group, offering custom packages that fit each customer's individual risk management needs, whether they are a large business, small business or an individual.

The business can be reached at 715-536-9576.