Tyler’s golden anniversary

Tyler Insurance has been in business in Creston for 50 years.

Phillip Tyler, owner of Tyler insurance, grew up in Lenox where his family owned the oldest family-owned drug store in the state. He studied insurance and economics at the University of Iowa and later worked as a federal bank examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). After moving to Creston, Tyler owned a clothing store called Evans Brothers.

He sold the store and began working for Ray Scurlock on Feb.1, 1983. At the time there were 13 insurance agencies in Creston.

Tyler said he’s seen many changes over the years. The work was done using typewriters, carbon copy paper and the postal service. Today they use computers and cell phones and provide a large variety of insurance types.

Originally the company was called Scurlock Insurance. It became Scurlock-Tyler in 1983, and Tyler Insurance Services, Inc. in 1996.

In the time since Tyler started Tyler insurance, they have purchased two other insurance agencies, which added a second location in Mount Ayr, and allowed the business to move from its original location at 209 N. Maple St. to its current location.

Tyler, a certified insurance counselor, said he attends over 20 hours of classes per year to keep up with changes in the industry.

“You never stop learning and that’s one of the reasons why I’m still here. I really enjoy what I do,” said Tyler.

Tyler said he won’t be retiring anytime soon.

“That’s a genetic flaw in this family,” Tyler said.

Giving back to the community is important to Tyler.

“We’re pretty visible around the community ... I’ve always believed that it is really important to give back to the community from which you take your living,” said Tyler.

Tyler said, as long as he’s alive. Tyler Insurance will continue giving back to the community.

“There’s an old saying that I’ve kept with me my whole life ... that says ‘you make a living from what you earn but you make a life from what you give’ and so as an agency, we’ve done that throughout southwest Iowa.

Tyler said Tyler Insurance is appreciative of the friendships they have developed over the years and the clients they have.

“I’m awful proud of this staff,” he said.