Percy Bland State Farm

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is There

You’ve taken a big risk by starting your own small business. Let State Farm help you protect and grow that business with insurance customized to meet your needs. State Farm agents are business owners, too, and understand the unique needs of small business owners. State Farm covers the cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles your business requires. They can combine both property and liability coverage into one package, and State Farm can protect your employees against work-related injuries or illness. Since 1935, they’ve been here to help small business.

“In 2003, I had the opportunity to move to Meridian and open up my State Farm business. I had interviewed for the position and the opportunity for the Meridian site came open and I got the chance to come here. I had not previously been an insurance rep.  I had worked in healthcare in marketing and HR. I knew I always wanted my own business and had my name on the list for entrepreneur opportunities with State Farm, when the opening in Meridian became available. I bought an empty, deserted lot and Tim Allred, another small business owner here in town, built our building. Some people questioned the location but it’s worked out great for us,” says Percy Bland. 

State Farm, Meridian, offers life & health and property & casualty. They offer car, home, renter’s, and boat insurance; anything that deals with property and casualty. They have three super qualified sales agents who take care of clients. They follow up and give great service after selling the policy. “There have been a lot of storms and catastrophic events the last few years. When we go to our customers’ homes after those events, just being there helps reassure them that we’ll help with the stress of putting their lives back together,” adds Bland. “People realize in these moments why they bought insurance.”

“When I came to Meridian 18 years ago, I wanted to be a part of the business environment and wanted people to know about the services we offer here at State Farm. I wanted to be able to market our business and show the value of what we had to offer. Joining the chamber was a way to communicate and partner with other small businesses. Being a part of EMBDC as a small business owner, introduced me to people and helped prepare me for my future role as Mayor for the city of Meridian.”

Bland’s advice for new small business owners is to have a great business plan and have startup capital. Hire very qualified people who can help you run the day-to-day details of the business. Hold your people accountable to your business goals. Remember, everything is created off business activity and if you aren’t creating activity you won’t survive. “We deal with everyone, small business owners and individuals. Our customers range in age from 18 to 100 years old!  By far, the best part of doing business in Meridian/Lauderdale County is the people. Our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.”

Percy Bland State Farm
1602 24th Ave., Meridian, MS