Ed Nason has purchased the property and casualty insurance portions of Packard & Associates, which includes automotive, home and business insurance.

Dave Packard still owns the life and health insurance part of the business.

“That’s where my training and experience is,” he said.

According to Packard, the business has seen an increase from 300 to 900 senior health clients within the last four to five years. During the last six weeks of 2010, Packard saw 600 people.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” he said.

With so much more business in life and health insurance, Packard decided he needed someone else to concentrate on the company’s other sectors.

The deal happened after Nason parted ways with Farm Bureau Insurance and decided he wanted to start his own agency. Nason spent time meeting local business owners about how they got started.

Nason eventually contacted Packard to see if he was interested in selling his business.

While Packard wasn’t ready to sell the business, it’s when came up with the idea of selling Nason part of it.

“You know, a guy like Ed Nason doesn’t just walk into your business looking to buy in everyday,” Packard said.

Packard knew Nason would be a good fit. From past experiences, he knew Nason had the tendency to always put the client first. When asking his customers if they knew Nason, Packard said he couldn’t find one person who didn’t like him.

The name of the business has changed to Packard and Nason Insurance. It will continue to operate as an independent insurance agency, offering more than 100 agencies for health and life insurance and eight companies for auto, home and business insurance.

The company will also remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Nason has worked in insurance for 11 years, while Packard has 19 years of experience. Nason actually started working with Packard & Associates in July.

“I wanted to learn the products, know Dave’s vision and my vision,” he said.

Packard started working with Marla Young in 1995 and purchased the business from her about five years ago.

Packard initially didn’t have any intention of selling any part of the business. He knew, however, he would eventually retire and wanted to leave the business in good hands.

Packard added he doesn’t intend to retire for at least another 10 years.

Nason is hoping to see the life, auto and business insurance grow.

Making additions

The Logansport Shrine Club, at 415 High St., is planning an addition for storage space to its building.

The organization recently petitioned the Logansport Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance from developmental standards to allow the addition.

Chris Gaumer, assistant planning director and county zoning administrator, explained the Shrine Club is planning to add the new construction to the west side of the existing building.

“Logan’s Landing Overlay looks at all new construction on the basis of material,” he said.

The concern was with the facade treatment. Gaumer said the organization wanted to use vinyl siding, which is not allowed in the downtown district.

The board voted to allow vinyl siding along the side, but the Shrine Club is going to use stucco on the front with a mural, Gaumer said.

Have a tip for Biz Buzz? Contact Denise Massie at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com