Donnie Smith an integral part of community

Donnie Smith was working as a local realtor, when he found out about an opportunity to become an insurance agent. At the time, Allstate Insurance was only offered through Sears retail stores but was wanting to expand and hire neighborhood agents.

In 1987, Smith opened his first insurance office as an Allstate Agent in his current location of 115 N. 5th St.

When Smith first started, applications were done by filling out a one page paper document and mailed to the company. Policies could only be viewed on a microfiche.

Thankfully, writing an insurance policy is much different today!

Smith’s business continued to grow thanks to the wonderful family, friends, and a loyal customer base.

In 2015, he and longtime employee Jennifer Shipman began discussing becoming an independent insurance agency allowing them to offer multiple companies and more options to their customers.

After a successful 29 year career as an Allstate agent, Smith began a new chapter of life as an independent agent. Donnie and Jennifer partnered and opened OK Insure in 2016.

Now seven years later, Smith is set to retire April 28th, leaving Jennifer to continue the business.

It has been a blessing to work as an employee and business partner with Donnie for the last 17 years, not only to me but also my family,” Shipman said. “It’s not often that you get to work with someone who maintains their integrity over that span of time. I have a lot of respect for Donnie and his family. I look forward to continuing what he started in this community many years ago!”

Smith has not only been a staple in the insurance business but also in the community. Over the years, he has been a faithful member to the Henryetta United Methodist Church, Henryetta Lions Club, Henryetta Men’s Golf Association, Henryetta Chamber of Commerce, American Exchange Bank Board and many others.