rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — As of next week, Thursday, Oct. 1, Jim Collins Insurance will be taken over by Gary and Tamara (Holmes) Gleckner.
The Gleckners, who own a tax business formerly known as Segur’s Tax Service, and are lifelong Cantonians, began discussion with Jim and Linda Collins to acquire the business in early 2020. They formed a limited liability company called Gleckners, LTD., in July in preparation for October’s transfer.
Tamara graduated from Canton High School in 1989 and Mansfield University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
Gary graduated from Canton High School in 1988, then Penn State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (math) and Wilkes University in 1999 with a Master of Science in Education.
Together, they have four grown sons, a dog and two cats.
As an independent health insurance agency, they are able to evaluate and select insurance based on their client’s needs and will work with most insurance carriers.
Gary already has some experience with insurance carriers from his work with the tax service, which keeps them busy from about January to April.
“It’s always something that has interested me,” said Gary. “I thought it was a business that would go pretty well with the tax business.”
October is a big month in the insurance world, with premiums beginning and agents having the option to tell their clients what is offered for that calendar year.
Jim and Linda Collins have just celebrated 51 years in the insurance business before retirement. Jim attributes to his success to his good reputation and hard work. “
People can sell insurance, but what happens when someone has a claim? Well, you better be there to help them,” said Collins.
In his 51 years in business, Collins says he has seen tens of thousands of clients, some of which have been with him for 20 years and even referred their children to him. Approximately 500 current clients will now be in the care of the Gleckners, with the option to take new clients in the near future.
Gleckner’s Tax/Gleckner’s LTD., is located at 118 Troy Street, Canton. Currently, the Gleckners are only taking appointments. To call and schedule an appointment after Oct. 1, call 570-673-8192.