The Merchants and Planters Insurance Agency of Warren, has been known around the area as a growing and locally owned insurance agency. Through hard work and determination, the agency has become one of the largest insurance agencies in southeast Arkansas. It has even expanded outside of Warren with offices located in Monticello and Crossett.
The agency has been around since 1960, when it was owned by Merchants and Planters Bank, now known as First State Bank. After the name change to First State Bank, the Merchants and Planters name remained the same.
In the August 18, 1960 edition of The Eagle Democrat newspaper, Merchants and Planters Bank announced the formation of Merchants and Planters Insurance Agency. It serviced the business formerly written through their insurance department and the Kim Hedrick Insurance Agency. Kim Hedrick was reported to manage the new agency which had its temporary office at 103 Cedar Street.
At the announcement, the insurance agency said it would seek all forms of insurance businesses as well as real estate sales and loans.
In 1980, 20 years later, the Merchant and Planters Insurance Agency was purchased by the current owner Roger George.
When asked what his motivation was for purchasing Merchants and Planters, he said he always wanted to be a business owner to take care of customers.
George was a loan officer at First State Bank. Before he purchased the insurance agency, he was head of the insurance department at the bank three years prior. First State Bank offered him to buy the business, which he ended up doing.
George borrowed money from Warren Bank to get the money to purchase the company. His brother, Dwayne George, helped him out as well by putting his land and home as a down payment. Their first office was on Main Street in Warren beside Gannaway Drug.
George said when he purchased the agency, he hoped to make it a family business, which it will be when his son, Wesley George takes over after his father retires. Wesley George has worked at Merchants and Planters for 11 years.
“I have big shoes to fill,” said Wesley George. “A lot of responsibility to my workers. There’s a lot on my shoulders when that day comes. I want to make sure they have enough money to support their family and have a job. It’s a lot to put on.”
One of the challenges the agency faces is the rise of prices such as increase in auto sales, auto repairs, roofing, construction materials, and the general cost of everything. During the COVID pandemic, some of their small commercial clients closed due to the pandemic.
The agency also provides a lot of support in the community. They support the local YMCA and other local organizations. They’ve helped with food drives in the community. Roger George has been active in the community as a former city council member, school board member, Justice of the Peace, and with other various organizations.
His son is also on the YMCA Board of Directors.
Merchants and Planters employs 26 total employees through all three of its offices. The Warren office is located at 410 South Main Street in Warren. They offer all types of insurance that include auto, home, life, and commercial. Their agents are licensed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Missouri. They also have three insurance counselors on staff.
Roger George said they strive to take care of their customers.
They will soon move to a new location on 219 West Central in Warren. Roger George said he hopes to move in the middle of June.
“We really appreciate each and every one of our customers. We have a lot of loyal customers that have been with us for a long time,” said Roger George. “We just appreciate the people in Warren and Bradley County.”
