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Marc Nichols Insurance Agency celebrates 50-year anniversary with Auto Owners

Writer: James Townsend
James Townsend
Jan 6
2 min read


Marc Nichols of Portland is the owner of Marc Nichols Insurance Agency, Inc in south Lansing.  The agency was recently recognized for 50-years with Auto Owners Insurance. 

 

Marc grew up in Portland on Lincoln Street and graduated from Portland High School.

 

Marc’s father Clark Nichols started the business back in 1975.  Marc took over in 2012, after working for 15 years as a claims adjuster. 

 

The agency has remained in south Lansing since its opening, close to where Clark lived at the time.  Clark lived in south Lansing until 2006 when he moved north of Ionia.

 

Marc told the Beacon that the office, “Stayed in the same location until 2015 when they moved across the street.”

 

When we asked Marc what readers should know about his agency today, he said, “There's only two of us in the agency so we've retained the personal level of customer service.  In most cases, we're able to recognize a customer by the sound of their voice when they call.”

 

He added, “Only two unless you count the office dog (Nala) we got in the fall.  She's not much of a guard dog though, which the photo shows.”

 

Marc went on to say, “My son, Brett, started her in 2024 so he's generation #3.  He worked at Auto Owners for seven years prior to joining the agency.  We both take time into getting to know someone and what's important to them.  This helps in customizing an insurance package for each family.  We routinely make in-home appointments with people.  This helps people from Portland feel at ease to know I'm still a local agent even though my office is in Lansing.”

 

Brett Nichols and Marc Nichols received the 50-year plaque from regional vice president Cathy Adcock and marketing representative Ashley Brown.

 

Courtesy photos.

 

 
 
 

1 Comment


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