Montgomery Insurance: to protect and to serve

Montgomery Insurance has been a staple in the community since 1977, where they have provided high-quality service and exceptional knowledge of the industry. With competitive rates and superior products, they offer protection of their clients most important assets.

The company is owned and was founded by Wayne and Sally Montgomery.

Mr. Montgomery never considered entering the insurance business before college.

He graduated with a master's degree in education and psychology from Cal State Bakersfield, when a headhunter approached him.

"I resisted at first, but then they made me an offer I couldn't resist. I agreed to a 180-day trial period to see if I liked it, and sure enough, I was hooked," said Montgomery.

From that point on, he has had an illustrious career.

In his second year, Montgomery qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table, a club of elite professional insurance agents. In his third year, he was recognized as the number one agent in the nation.

"My picture was up for a couple of years at Travelers Square in Hartford, Connecticut."

He first opened an office in Bakersfield and then launched his business in Wasco.

In 2006, his son took over the Bakersfield location.

Along with his wife, Sally, he has been exclusively running the Wasco branch.

"Even though I was unsure about embarking on a career in the industry, it has been very rewarding for myself and my family."

His team includes several licensed agents and an office manager, Alicia Hinojosa, who has been with him for more than 20 years. The staff has over 200 years of combined experience.

They handle all types of insurance, including life, health, home and auto. In addition, they provide coverage for bonds, commercial businesses, farms and special events.

"Basically, anything that can be insured, we can insure," Montgomery said.

They are a complete insurance brokerage firm that writes policies for multiple companies.

"We find the most economical and best security to fit individual needs. The goal is to make certain people are protected with the lowest prices."

Discounts are available to nurses, teachers and those with good driving records and multiple policies.

The office is bilingual.

"In this town, you have to be, or you wouldn't survive."

Wasco has been Mr. Montgomery's home for 62 years, and wanting to stay local was a factor in his decision to open his business here.

He has played an integral role in the community in various capacities.

"Mr. Mongomery is very generous with his time and resources," Hinojosa said.

Dating back to 1960, he and his wife have been pastors at the Christ Community Church.

Over the years, the company has championed many different causes, donating to various Little League sport teams and cancer awareness, to name a few.

Wayne Montgomery was a Wasco Union High School board member for 26 years and was also on the Wasco State Prison board for 25 years, where he helped them find their current location.

With this commitment to being of service, he brings the same level of passion to his clients.

"As long as people are happy with us, we will continue to care for them as we have for the last 45 years."

[BEGIN ITAL]Montgomery Insurance is located at 456 E St. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 661-758-6478 or 661-399-8558 or email mia56@bak.rr.com.