For the past 15 years, Mark Sverchek Agency in Summit Hill has been owned and operated by Sverchek, who has developed the business to be as customer-friendly as possible.

The business, which began as an in-home Nationwide Insurance agency, was first owned by Wilbur Derby, a schoolteacher from Summit Hill.It was not until the agency changed hands from Derby to his nephew, Robert Forrest, that a building was designated as the office, which is the current location on West Ludlow Street.When Forrest retired in 1999, he mentioned the opening to his friend, Mark Sverchek.He had 15 years of banking under his belt, but was looking for a change.Because of the business's good reputation, Sverchek took the job, and eventually hired Michele Smith, sales and service representative, and Jonathan Vermillion, associate agent, to help him along the way.A few changes were made to both the office, which he renovated, and the business itself, which is now more involved with commercial insurance and financial services.He still operates under Nationwide Insurance, however, and said he is proud to represent them."Today, the company and agency have evolved so much that there's really not much we can't help our clients with, from personal insurance to business insurance to financial services," Sverchek said.He said that he and his staff have progressed with the digital age and are communicating with clients by means of Internet, phone, email and texting."We need to get more active in those (mediums) so we can continue to help the next generation of folks," Sverchek said.Whether a customer wants to meet with an agent or wants an online policy, he said it can be done.The business also has taken advantage of social media to provide even more convenience."We try to keep in touch with our clients on a regular basis and be proactive in helping as their needs develop," he said. "As we go through life changes, the nice thing with this business is that we can keep helping people from when they first get their license all the way through retirement years."Sverchek said he and his employees try to be as thorough as possible to help every person understand what they're purchasing, and make sure their customers are treated professionally and personally.Sverchek attributes his agency's prosperity to the support of his customers."I think we've been so successful because clients have been very loyal and supportive of us here locally and throughout Pennsylvania," he said.As an insurance agent, Sverchek strives to prepare his clients for whatever life may bring them.He said, "Really, we're in the people business."