This year marks a century for The Budd Agency, who strives to provide their customers in Pulaski County and surrounding communities with insurance for financial protection homes, properties,vehicles, and more.
Karen Budd, wife of the late Dave Budd, a third generation owner of the business, currently runs the business at their current location at 607 Monticello St in Winamac. The small-town insurance business strives to maintain the personal relationships built with their clients, keeping a mindset of 'neighbors looking after neighbors' for the past 100 years.
Founder Skyler Budd started the business, after a fire destroyed his barn on his rural Pulaski County farm in 1923. Having insurance on his buildings saved the farmer financially from the disaster. When community members joined together to lend a helping hand in the rebuilding of the Budd family barn, Skyler soon learned that many of his friends and family were without insurance themselves.
The Budd Agency was officially formed in 1924, with humble beginnings as a weekend job for the farmer.
The Budd Agency was continued on for a second generation when Harold Budd took over the side business from his father. Growing the business, Harold would eventually move their insurance business off the farm, and into a more convenient location in Winamac.
The Budd Agency saw its third generation of Budd men running the business once Dave Budd stepped up to bat in the 1980's. Dave held his reign at the agency until his sudden passing from a heart attack during the summer of 2022.
Although the fourth generation of Budd family has other plans in their careers, Dave's wife Karen continues to keep the Budd legacy alive.
Karen says although the Budd men are gone from the agency, she and her staff maintain the same quality of service Budd Insurance Agency has given over the past century.
In celebration of their 100 years in business The Budd Agency will be celebrating at their Winamac location on Friday, May 17, by serving free lunch and cake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
