Jeff Smiley hard at work in his office in Brownsboro Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agent Jeff Smiley knows his job well. He's been in the insurance business nine years, and for him, the name of the game is helping people.

"I was formerly a manager for Farmers in Tyler and decided to open the business in Brownsboro," Smiley said.

Smiley's agency is located in Brownsboro on Highway 31.

To Smiley, the best part of the job is dealing and talking with people.

"This is a people industry," Smiley said. "And it gives me a flexible schedule. "

He is also a minister, and so a flexible schedule is a big plus.

With Farmers Insurance Agency, Smiley offers all kinds of coverage.

"We do auto, home owner, commercial property, liability, farm and ranch insurance, animal mortality, health insurance, life insurance, bonds and various financial services products such as mutual funds," he said.

According to Smiley, there are certain things in life he enjoys doing, and giving encouragement is one of those things.

Left: Jeff Smiley's Farmers agency, located on Highway 31 in Brownsboro. It's the place to go for a variety of insurance needs, including the ever-important life insurance policy. "It's a personal business," he said. "You can be there for people to help pick up the pieces, and give them peace of mind."

He believes the most important product he offers is life insurance.

"It's the only product known to man that will help make an estate and help a family pick up the pieces," he said.

He's very proud of the Farmers brand, and says the company has a vision for local and hometown services.

"There are a lot of programs that allow us to be plugged into our communities," he said. "There are also opportunities for graduating seniors, and this is the fifth year I've been involved with project graduation."

Project graduation is all about providing resources to seniors.

There are a multitude of resources at www.farmersagent.com that help people in all areas, and there are even links for children and teachers. Visitors can also link to Smiley's web site from there.

Below: Smiley with his family. He has said family is very important to him and his business. Photos by Nathan Straus "To sum it up," Smiley continued, "local business is important to the well-being of a community. It provides opportunities for communities to grow financially and personally. We build trust, and I'm hoping to continue that as long as the Lord sees fit."

Smiley is also a part of the INSPIRE mentoring program, and family is an important part of his business.

"I want to thank all my customers who have stayed with me," he said.