May 28, 2014 at 2:07 p.m.
'I Buy Local' Spotlight
Diel Insurance Group continues tradition of excellence
'I Buy Local' Spotlight
Name of business: Diel Insurance Group
Owner(s): Brian and Christine Diel
Address: 111. N. Brown Street, Rhinelander and 119 W. Wisconsin Ave., Tomahawk.
Phone: Rhinelander: (715) 362-2444 and Tomahawk: (715) 453-5730.
Website: www.dielinsurance.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and after hours/weekends by appointment. Emergency claims assistance via agent's mobile phones.
Type of business: We are a full-service independent insurance agency. We represent 10 carefully selected companies from which we can obtain insurance products for our personal and business insurance customers. We also have specialty programs for seasonal home coverage, non-profit groups and small businesses of all types.
When business opened: The business has been locally owned since 1886. We purchased the agency in 2008.
What makes Rhinelander special?
The people! We have a great mix of multi-generational local residents, long time "transplants" that moved to our area, loved it and stayed, seasonal homeowners and seasonal visitors. The diversity of people and their love of the Northwoods makes Rhinelander a special place.
What types of products or services do you offer?
All lines of personal, business, and life insurance are available at our agency. We are also able to provide individual health, Long Term Care, Medicare supplements and annuities. We have fully licensed and knowledgeable staff that can help customers by providing products which match their needs. Taking time to get to know our customers is important to us and helps us to create insurance plans for now and into the future.
What are some of the challenges your business faces?
The challenging economy of the past five years and recent severe weather outbreaks are a challenge for the insurance industry. Insurance companies must work hard to keep prices in line, and that can be difficult due to numerous serious weather claims industry-wide. In addition, for independent agencies such as ours, a concern is large national corporate insurance "chains" who promote a cheap price, which may leave customers with insurance that lacks the coverage to protect their assets or income properly.
What aspect of your business makes you most proud?
We have many long-time customers who we have had the pleasure of serving over the many years, and many new customers who have chosen to do business locally with our agency due to our efforts to provide great customer service. We are proud to be continuing the 128-year tradition of local and professional service that this insurance agency has provided since 1886.
What benefits can your business offer for consumers who buy local?
Referrals to local businesses and experts to help customers find the other services they need. We have a large network of customers and businesses and we are often consulted with questions about who to contact in local government or for special projects needing an expert in a particular field. We also support our local communities, donate locally, and volunteer locally. Giving back to our communities is very important to us.
What is your business relationship with the community?
This agency has been part of the Rhinelander community for over 128 years. Through the years we and our predecessors have shared many life events with our customers and helped many new businesses to get their start. It has been rewarding to see our customers grow and prosper.
What makes your business stand out?
Our agency staff has 145 years combined experience in the insurance industry. Due to the education and knowledge of our staff, we are able to offer sound insurance and business management advice to our customers, whether they are a family purchasing their first home or multi-million dollar corporation.
What products or services do you offer that are unique?
Insurance companies that value their relationships with our agency and our customers. To them, you are not just a number.
What are your favorite restaurants, shops or attractions in Rhinelander?
There are so many to choose from. Stop down and stroll the downtown - you'll be impressed.
What is your personal relationship and involvement with the community?
Over the years Christine and I have been involved in various organizations and volunteering. Currently, we are involved with Downtown Rhinelander Incorporated (DRI) and Tomahawk Mainstreet activities and I am a former DRI board member. I currently serve as a board member for Nicolet Area Technical College, Tomahawk Mainstreet, and Rhinelander Area Food Pantry.
Why do you think it is important to buy local?
Buying locally is good for our customers and our community because spending locally keeps small businesses that pride themselves in customer service, in business. Local spending also helps support local employment and keeps more of your dollars in the community which helps local charitable organizations, other businesses, our school district, etc.
Any other related comments:
Thank you for shopping locally.
Comments:
You must login to comment.