Swansons to retire from Swanson Agency, Inc. June 30

Since 1994, Gary and Frances “Francie” Swanson have had a second home at Swanson Agency, Inc., located at 320 West McLane St. in Osceola. Now, they are ready to bid goodbye to the insurance business and say hello to retirement.

Beginning

Before becoming an insurance agent, Gary spent 20 years with the Iowa State Patrol.

Growing up all over the world due to his father’s career as a pilot in the military, Gary calls Selma, Alabama, home. In the 1970′s, he came to Iowa to get into shape to play football for Indian Hills in Centerville; at the time, Indian Hills was the junior college champ of the country. On a dare to try to get on the patrol, Gary filled out an application and was hired. By that time, he had met and married Francie (who is from Centerville) and enjoyed his newfound work on the patrol, cementing his stay in Iowa.

“[You] can’t beat Southern Iowa…it’s really nice to live amongst these people,” said Gary. According to him, the only thing that could make it better is if there were some mountains nearby.

During his 20 years on the force, the Swansons welcomed five daughters and one son. An old injury to his hand and a scuffle with a person not pleased to be pulled over one day caused Gary to reevaluate his career. In having dinner with Osceola insurance man Jack Schreiber in late 1991, Schreiber asked Swanson what he thought about selling insurance.

“I said ‘Jack, I don’t even know how to spell insurance,’” said Gary.

Schreiber gave Gary books to study, and he spent Friday through Monday doing just that. He took a test on Tuesday and passed.

Gary worked with Schreiber for two years until he officially retired from the patrol in 1994; he and Francie purchased the insurance agency the same year.

Years of work

Since then, the Swansons have serviced customers from 32 counties in Iowa, as well as some in Missouri. They have an estimated 97-98% retention rate, and have paid out almost $40 million in insurance payments over the years. They’ve narrowed down their insurance companies from 11 to four, and service about 1,500 customers.

They’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, from raising costs of premiums to technological advances. Despite having computers, the Swansons still write everything down on tablets and transfer it over to the computer. They keep hard copies for themselves, and mail one to the customer. Any problem that they’ve ever encountered with a customer’s account has been fixed by having that physical copy.

“Computers made it easy,” said Gary, but not always better.

Decision to retire

Gary never told anyone he was looking to retire and sell the business. When a sales rep at one of the insurance companies asked when Gary was thinking about retiring and offered to start letting agencies know, Gary agreed. What came was an unexpected number of interested persons. Of all those who expressed interest, however, only one really stuck out to the couple - Josh Stephenson.

Stephenson, who opened Stephenson Insurance Group in Dec. of 2022 in Osceola, had asked the Swansons about a year ago if they’d be willing to entertain selling to him. At the time, Gary wasn’t quite ready, and told Stephenson “not right now.” According to Gary, as soon as Stephenson walked out the door, Francie said to him, “that’s the kid we’re selling to.”

“He’s such a nice guy,” said Francie.

Gary had planned on sticking with it for a few more years, but after talking with Stephenson and Francie’s declaration, those plans quickly changed.

“I think [Josh is] gonna become a real asset in the industry and Osceola…I hope and I pray the insurance business will be as good to him as it’s been to us,” said Gary.

As customers have learned that the Swansons will be leaving, Gary noted being surprised at the reactions, some in tears. The couple said the support they’ve seen from their customers as their retirement draws closer is humbling, and appreciated.

“I woulda never felt that way about my insurance agent,” Swanson said with a laugh.

“After 30 years, you become more like family,” said Francie.

As they’ve gotten to work clearing out their filing cabinets, Francie said there are files as far back as 1988, really showing just how long some people have been with, and trusted, the Swansons with their insurance needs.

Life after the office

“A year ago, I wasn’t ready. Now I am ready,” said Gary.

The first thing the Swansons are going to do when they leave the office for the last time is take a vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama with some of their family.

“We’ve been married to this…[our] first vacation in 32 years,” said Gary, who hasn’t been home to Alabama since 1990.

Gary enjoys riding motorcycles and horses, and looks forward to having more time to do both. Both he and Francie are also looking forward to spending more time with their family. Three of their daughters - Amy, Belinda, and Rechelle - live in Osceola; daughters Kim and Jennifer live in Centerville, and son Sean is in Clive. They have four granddaughters and six grandsons.

No farewell reception is planned for the Swansons, who prefer to stay out of the limelight. Josh Stephenson of Stephenson Insurance Agency will take on all clients July 1.

“I am very appreciative for the opportunity that Gary and Frances have given me to partner with their insurance customers, friends, and family members. They have been fantastic and genuine to work with and they have been very supportive of me. I wish them all the best,” said Stephenson.