photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
When it comes to protecting your dreams – and the people who matter most – it’s wise to trust in someone willing to take time to understand your personal needs and goals.
As Agency Manager of the South Winston-Salem N.C. Farm Bureau office, Dalton McGuire leads a staff with a combined 40-plus years of experience in auto, home, life and health insurance.
While Dalton was working as a Corporal in the Winston-Salem Police Department, his personal Farm Bureau agent, Justin Fulp, introduced him to the idea of this new career.
“I had been a Farm Bureau customer for more than a decade and loved the service I received from the company. So, I began working in the Kernersville office as an agent, and when I had the opportunity to get back to Winston-Salem, the city that I served as a police officer, I jumped on it.”
The South Winston-Salem location was also the second Farm Bureau office to open in Forsyth County.
“We work as a team to take care of our customers, both in person and over the phone,” says Dalton. “All of our agents are licensed in property, casualty, life, health and longterm care insurance. Our customer service representatives assist clients with their billing and claims, while our associate agents work directly with agents to ensure clients have the correct coverage and policies that are tailor-made for their unique needs.”
Agents in the South Winston-Salem office include Hunter Bennett, Rocky Manning, Larry Childress and Landon Mitchell, along with associate agents Beth Burkhart, Jasmin Juarez and Nikki Ryker. Brooke Crisp and Lynn Ketner complete the team as vital customer service representatives.
“That’s definitely what sets us apart – our customer service,” shares Dalton. “Our agents and staff work one-on-one with our clients – usually meeting in person – to understand their specific needs, as well as giving them a working knowledge of the policies they currently have. The insurance industry seems to have moved away from face-to-face interaction and moved toward plug-and-play policies for clients. But, Farm Bureau is rooted in the community and personal relationships with our clientele. We’re local to Winston-Salem and happy to meet clients at the office, after hours or at their house to provide high quality personal service.”
Being part of something bigger than themselves is also what sets N.C. Farm Bureau apart.
“Our agents are in this career because they can help the same community they live in,” Dalton explains. “Personally, coming from law enforcement, I truly wanted to continue to serve this community. Being an agent with N.C. Farm Bureau allows us to help clients through difficult times of their life – losing a car, a home or even a loved one. The work we do is unique to the needs of our clients on a case-by-case basis. As we do our jobs, we see the direct impact we have on the community by being there through some of the toughest times in our clients’ lives. When you can drive around town and literally point to all the businesses, families and individuals you’ve helped through something difficult, it makes all the work worthwhile.”
N.C. Farm Bureau members also directly impact something even larger – North Carolina and Forsyth County’s agricultural development.
“Our membership assists with providing funding for programs such as County 4H, Young Farmers and Ranchers, AG in The Classroom and other agricultural projects that help our farmers,” Dalton explains. “Plus, that membership comes with benefits that include discounts for our members on hotel rooms, rental cars, destinations like Dollywood and Biltmore Estate, as well as partner discounts with companies including Ford and John Deere. Even more important, the members know the N.C. Farm Bureau Federation is focused on agriculture education and helping farmers in need.”
The South Winston-Salem office collected and donated supplies such as water, non-perishable foods, clothes, generators, batteries and flashlights in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The county board raised and provided more than $15,000 of supplies for farmers who were impacted as well. These supplies included fence posts, hay and feed for livestock.
Locally, agents are dedicated to widespread community involvement. From Bowman Gray racetrack to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds and H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem, you can see their individual agent names – and the company as a team – popping up everywhere!
“Our County Federation is also heavily involved in the Carolina Classic Fair, Forsyth Prison Ministry and a multitude of Farm and Agriculture projects in Forsyth County,” Dalton adds. “Our focus this fall is certainly on the Carolina Classic Fair, where we will have agents onsite throughout the 10-day event speaking with businesses, farmers and families. Activities like these are what sets Farm Bureau apart from other insurance companies.”
Dalton was raised in this community and could not be happier to be raising his own family here.
“With my wife, Haylee, and my two boys, John and Jack, at home, I know what’s important in life, and I hope to help my clients protect what’s important to them,” he adds.
Dalton shares that mutual goal with his team – for each of their clients to walk away with a better understanding of their insurance coverage and to know they are being taken care of by their local N.C. Farm Bureau.
The South Winston-Salem office is located at 1451 Trademart Boulevard, Suite C, in
Winston Salem, 336.785.3978. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. With agents located in every county throughout the state, Farm Bureau offers a variety of products to protect your family. Learn more about their services at ncfbins.com.
