After the death of Pauline Reed, longtime owner of State Farm Insurance on the Island, Eva Nehring took the helm in January of this year.
“It’s wonderful to…own your own business in a [community] that’s so supportive,” said Nehring, who spent eight years at Microsoft before switching career paths.
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Nehring followed a job to Seattle after college in 1995.
“I always wanted to own my own business,” said Nehring. “State Farm offered me a way to enjoy what I do while being a business owner at the same time.”
Reed died last August after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). But Nehring assures that much is the same. Her assistant, Gwenn Dunn, who was with Reed for ten years, has remained on board.
The State Farm building is at the site of a future mixed-use development in the 7700 block of S.E. 29th Street. Though the property had not sold as of November 2013, it has plans for ground floor commercial, housing units and parking at or below grade. In addition to State Farm, the site is now occupied by Seven Star Restaurant and Terra Bella.
Nehring said she anticipates having to move within the year, but doesn’t know where yet. When the time comes, she will be looking for a larger space and a bigger team.
“We’re taking it day by day at this point. We’re a growing agency,” she said. “When I joined State Farm, a large part of my business plan was to be a part of the community and to try to help make a difference. I look forward to continuing to do that.”
To contact Nehring, visit www.evanehring.com
Kusak Cut Glass Works to celebrate 100th anniversary
On June 14, 2014, the family-owned Kusak Cut Glass works will celebrate a century in business.
The business is owned by former longtime Island residents and third-generation family owners, Chuck and Kris Kusak. The shop on 1911 22nd Avenue South in Seattle will be the site of a special anniversary sale between June 9 and 14.
The business was founded on Flag Day, 1914, by Anton C. Kusak, a native of Moravia.
He was a master crystal engraver who immigrated to America in 1910 with $20 in his pocket and a dream of opening the finest crystal shop in the country.
According to Chuck Kusak, the business continues to be the leading freehand stone wheel engravers in the United States. Over the years, the business had expanded to include a large inventory of hand-cut stemware, crystal chandeliers and art glass. The business has long been a supplier of hand-blown, hand-cut crystal personalized trophies and gifts.
“Our family is fortunate to have extremely dedicated employees, most of whom have been with the business for 35 years and who believe in excellence in each item we deliver,” Kusak said
There will be drawings for crystal and a custom chandelier during the sale.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will go to benefit St. Martin de Porres Shelter, a program of Catholic Community Services. Chuck Kusak is a board member of the program which operates year-round to serve older homeless men and veterans.
The younger Kusak said his grandfather believed that life could be improved if together we try to make a difference.
“It was part of his legacy,” he said.
For more, visit www.kusak.com.
