06/08/2026
In a small town, relationships matter, trust matters. And having someone who genuinely cares about the people she serves makes all the difference.
That’s why we wanted to take a moment to recognize our boss and State Farm agent, Terri, who is celebrating an incredible 39 years with State Farm this year.
Her journey began at Walter Bailey’s office in Wauchula, where she spent 19 years serving customers, building relationships, and developing the knowledge and experience that would define her career. She later joined Don Knoche’s office in Arcadia, continuing to make an impact through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to helping others. Her expertise and leadership did not go unnoticed. She was selected by State Farm Corporate to become an Agent Trainer. You read that right, she was chosen to train agents and team members because of her exceptional knowledge of State Farm and her ability to help others succeed. In that role, she traveled across the country, helping train agents and agency team members, sharing her expertise, and helping others grow in their careers. In fact, her mentorship, leadership, and influence helped inspire two individuals to become State Farm agents and open agencies of their own.
What makes Terri’s story so unique is that she has seen State Farm from nearly every perspective imaginable. She built her foundation in agency offices, spent years helping customers and mentoring team members, traveled across the country training agents and agency staff for State Farm Corporate, and ultimately earned the opportunity to lead an agency of her own.
In 2018, she was selected to open her own State Farm agency in Lake Placid, where she has continued serving our community with the same heart, integrity, and dedication that have guided her throughout her career.
That kind of experience is rare. It’s not every day that you find someone who has spent nearly four decades learning every facet of the business while helping shape the success of others along the way. The knowledge she brings to her customers, her team, and our community comes from years of real-world experience at every level.
When you walk into her office, you’re not just working with an insurance agent. You’re working with someone who has dedicated her career to mastering her craft, mentoring others, and helping people protect what matters most.
After nearly four decades with State Farm, her commitment to helping families, supporting local businesses, and being there when people need her most has never changed.
Congratulations on 39 years with State Farm and on a career built on service, leadership, and making a difference in the lives of others. It is truly a privilege to work alongside you and learn from one of the very best.
