Special Sections Feb. 26, 2014 | Page 31

Progress — 2014 Page 31 ISU-The Machon Agency continues providing insurance to Three Lakes Gary Baumetz joins insurance sales staff ISU Insurance Services-The Machon Agency, owned by Bob Werner and Kirke Machon, opened its Three Lakes location Feb. 1, 2009. Although new to Three Lakes, the Machon Agency has been family owned and operated since 1971 when it was founded by Robert Machon in Park Ridge, Ill. “The family history of the agency makes this business very special,” said Robert Machon’s daughter, Melissa Werner. The business originated in the Machon family’s home. Since outgrowing that location, the business has moved to an office building in Park Ridge. The agency has been growing ever since and has served more than 3,000 clients. In 1979, Kirke Machon joined the business his father had started in 1971. Machon’s brother-in-law, Bob Werner, joined the agency in 1986. Together, Werner and Machon have more than 50 years of insurance business experience. Werner manages the daily operations of the Three Lakes branch of the Machon Agency. The agency may be new to the North Woods, but the Machon and Werner families certainly aren’t. The Machon family has owned property in Phelps since the early 1900s and, in 1975, purchased a home in Eagle River. The Werner family became residents of Three Lakes in 2001. Bob Werner and his wife, Melissa, have become well known in the Three Lakes community. They said they’re pleased to be a part of the existing and future downtown Three Lakes businesses. Gary Baumetz — the newest agent to team up with the company — joined the Three Lakes office in 2013. He’s licensed to sell property, casualty, life and health insurance. He and his wife, Amy Werner Baumetz, are homeowners in Three Lakes and said they enjoy being part of the Three Lakes community. The independent insurance agency continues a tradition of excellence by providing business and personal insurance coverage to clients throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and the rest of the country. Because of The Machon Agency’s affiliation with ISU Insurance Services, the agency has access to more than 300 insurance companies, the expertise of insurance professionals in more than ISU Insurance Services-The Machon Agency is located at 1794 Superior St. in downtown Three Lakes. Branch managers Bob 100 ISU offices coast-to-coast, and the resources of ISU for the placement of insurance policies. The Machon Agency offers clients the high level of personal attention inherent in an independent, locally owned firm, along with the strength and resources of a national organization, according to Bob Werner. Located at 1794 Superior St., the downtown Three Lakes landmark building has been home to insurance businesses for more than 45 years. “ISU-The Machon Agency is proud to be a part of downtown Three Lakes,” said Werner. “We invite present and future customers to stop by and meet our newest salesman.” Since the purchase in February, the owners have continued uninterrupted service to present customers while providing free quotes to any interested persons or businesses. ISU-The Machon Agency is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (715) 546-3642 or email rwerner @isumachon.com. Information also is available at isumachon.com. and Melissa Werner said they’re happy to be a part of the Three Lakes community doing business. —Contributed Photos Bob Werner (left) welcomed the newest agent to join The Machon Agency, Gary Baumetz, who’s licensed to sell property, casualty, life and health insurance.