Though Longview’s longest serving insurance agency has been in business for more than 100 years, Gans and Smith continues looking toward the future with anticipation.
“We’ve been very fortunate,” said David McWhorter, president and managing partner of Gans and Smith Insurance Agency. “As the city has continued to grow, so has Gans and Smith.”
The company’s roots date back to 1889 when it was organized by J.R. and T.E. Clemmons. The business has operated continuously since then, with certain name changes. In 1912, the business assumed its present name — Gans and Smith Insurance Agency — under the partnership of W. Bruner Smith and Daniel W. Gans.
From the days of the horse and carriage to the rise of the automotive industry, Gans and Smith has seen many changes over the years. That means its services have evolved, expanded and continue to do so.
Today Gans and Smith offers a full range of automotive insurance, including vehicles, RVs, motorcycles and watercrafts; property insurance, including home and renter’s insurance; specialty insurance, such as flood and travel insurance; life insurance; and health insurance. On the commercial side, Gans and Smith offers insurance for commercial auto, business property, general and professional liability, employment practices and others.
In 1989, the company marked a milestone by celebrating its 100th year in business, McWhorter noted. Throughout the years, employees and partners with Gans and Smith have been invested in giving back to the community by serving with a variety of civic organizations, local partnerships, and local government offices, he said.
“What’s good for us is good for the city, and we’ve been able to work together and will continue that for years to come,” McWhorter said.
In addition to its long-standing business legacy, Gans and Smith is also proud that it is a multi-generational firm, McWhorter said. Hank Smith, one of the company’s partners, is “fourth generation,” McWhorter said. The other three partners — McWhorter, Michael Tubb and Kirk Henderson — “span three decades,” he said.
“We know that as Longview continues to grow and celebrate more anniversaries, so will Gans and Smith,” McWhorter said.
The company is dedicated to continuing to stay up to date with the latest insurance trends to ensure that clients receive the best and most comprehensive coverage available at the best price, he said.
As the city prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, McWhorter said Gans and Smith is already looking toward the next milestone.
“We look forward to the 200th anniversary and a representative from Gans and Smith will be there to share in the celebration,” he said.
To learn more about Gans and Smith Insurance Agency, visit www.gans-smith.com.