Scott Smith, president of Smith & Eddy Insurance, has been with the agency since 1995. As president, Scott is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of multiple offices. As president of the agency, he has a huge commitment to customers, employees, and carriers.

“As a business leader, part of my job is to make our community better. I’ve been lucky to live and work in the same town my entire life. I stay active by volunteering for the chamber board, hospital foundation board, and by spending time on the local sports booster club. However, my wife and two boys keep me on the go as well. If I’m not at work, you’ll most likely find me running, biking, attending a school event, or simply enjoying the Ludington area.”

Matt has been a life-long resident of Mason County. After graduating from Ludington High School in 1998, Matt attended Grand Valley State University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Finance. Matt has been employed with Smith & Eddy Insurance since 2004. His primary focus is personal insurance, including home, automobile, and life insurance. Matt and his wife Kim have been married since 2006 and reside in Victory Township with their daughter Avonlea. Away from work, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors, biking, kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Alisha is a native of Mason County, having grown up in Riverton Township and graduating from Mason County Central in 2000. Alisha has been in the insurance industry since 2007 with focus on personal and life insurance. She is licensed in property & casualty and life & health and has earned her CPIA, Certified Professional Insurance Agent designation. Alisha stays active in the community, is involved on the Friday Night Live Event committee and also devotes time to help coordinate the Ludington Lakestride races and manage their social media page.

When not working, you may see her out running, and also spending time golfing and relaxing at the beach with her family.

Nancy has worked in the insurance industry since she graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1975.  Her first short term job as a “Girl Friday” for a life & health agent led her to her first CSR job for an Independent Insurance Agency where she became a licensed agent and worked for five years in both personal and commercial lines.  After leaving for several months when her first child was born, she took another CSR position for Van Dort Insurance Agency in 1981. In 1993, she and her best friend & colleague purchased the agency from Dale Van Dort where they continued the legacy that Dale started to provide the best customer service possible. Nancy joined the Smith & Eddy team in January 2021.

Working for smaller agencies, Nancy has a broad knowledge of insurance and is licensed to write all lines. She loves problem solving and helping clients, some who have been around for as long as she has.

Nancy and her husband, Roger, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren as well as a faithful Labrador retriever who Nancy enjoys walking rain or shine.  She loves traveling, camping & kayaking with her family and loves playing video games with them as well.  She also loves music including singing, playing bells, saxophone & ukulele.

Zack has been a life-long resident of Manistee. After Graduating from Manistee Catholic Central in 2013, Zack Started as an Intern at Smith & Eddy. He attended Grand Rapids Community College and then onto Ferris State University where he was an All- American Golfer. Zack is now a Full-Time Employee at Smith and Eddy. His primary focus is personal insurance…Home, Auto, and Life Insurance. In his free time, he still plays competitive Golf and coaches basketball. He also loves hunting, fishing and anything outdoors.

Sandy’s excellent people skills began developing while working for several years as a “lunch lady” at Mona Shores, her High School alma matter (1988). A timely turn of events in 2013 led her to accept a CSR position at the Van Dort Insurance Agency in Grand Haven where she started working with her sister, Nancy. She loves working with people and always greets clients like they are friends & family. Her compassion and friendly personality will always make you feel welcome weather you are an old or new customer.

Sandy and her husband, Dave, have three grown sons. Besides having fun with her family, Sandy loves attending concerts and is a big Rick Springfield fan. She also loves soaking up the sun, boating, and traveling. High on her bucket list is a trip to Mauritius.

Nick was born and raised in Manistee County and graduated from Manistee Catholic Central in 2013. After high school, he attended Central Michigan University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Professional Sales in 2017. Nick joined the Smith & Eddy team in 2017 as a licensed agent. He is mostly active in Personal Lines and also Life and Health.

Nick is very active in his community as he serves as the Vice President on the Manistee Catholic Central Athletic Association, President of the Lake Michigan Lakers Youth Baseball Organization, Member of the Manistee Chamber Leadership Team, and also serves as an assistant coach for the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team at Manistee Catholic Central and the Boy’s Baseball Assistant Coach at Manistee High School. Outside of work he enjoys spending time outdoors playing golf, hunting, spending time with family and friends, going to Michigan sporting events, and enjoying the Michigan Outdoors.

Kay joins us with over  40 years of experience and has achieved the Certified Insurance Service Representative “CISR” designation. She is experienced in all aspects of personal lines insurance including customer service, quoting, underwriting and claims. She has worked in the independent agency system, captive agency, as well as in the company field areas. 

Kay has recently moved back to her home town of Manistee to be closer to her family. In her spare time Kay enjoys home improvement projects, enjoying the great beaches and most of all spending time with her two grandchildren.

Shelby was born and raised in Ludington and graduated from Mason County Central High School in 2011. She attended West Shore Community College where she received her certificates in Medical Billing/Coding and Medical Office Assisting. She went on to work at a local optometrist’s office for 6 years where she was an ABO Certified Optician. Thanks to those 6 years, she built strong customer service skills. Shelby joined Smith & Eddy Insurance in April 2019 as a Customer Service Representative. Shelby married her husband Ase in 2014, and they welcomed their daughter Carter in May 2018. They also have two dogs, Stella & Murray. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside taking advantage of what the area has to offer. Camping, kayaking, hunting, fishing, reading and weekend BBQ’s with family and friends are a few of her favorite things.

“I can honestly say I love coming to work each day here at Smith & Eddy. The devotion and care the team has towards helping their customers is truly inspiring and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I couldn’t imagine my roots being planted anywhere else, and I am so lucky to call this town home.”

I grew up on the NW side of Detroit. Moved to Mason County in February of 1978 as a Dental Hygienist. I feel so blessed to live and work in this area. I married Robert A. Smith in 1993 and was Secretary / Treasurer at Smith and Eddy Insurance. I received my Property and Casualty license in February 2014, my Life and Health License in February 2015. We have five children, and five grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I enjoy gardening, hiking/walking, kayaking the PM River, skiing, golfing and travelling. My passion is life and health insurance.

Joseph L. Knowles is Vice-President of Smith & Eddy Insurance. He was born and raised in Mason County and graduated from Mason County Central Schools in 1995. He attended WSSC and earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice in 1997. Prior to joining Smith & Eddy Insurance in 2011, he owned a successful Farm Bureau Insurance agency in downtown Scottville for almost 12 years.

“During those crucial years with Farm Bureau I became an expert in the county’s agricultural insurance needs, in addition to the standard insurance needs in our area. I also earned the LUTCF professional designation early in my career, making me an expert in the life insurance protection needs of individuals and businesses. I have been married to my wife Andrea since 2004 and together we have a son, Karson, and a daughter GraceLynn.”

Ken has been with Smith & Eddy Insurance since 1997 and has been in the insurance business since 1979. Ken grew up in the Scottville area and has lived in both the Scottville and Manistee area all of his life. He has been active in several organizations including the Manistee Jaycees, Scottville Optimist and the Ludington Rotary. He has served on boards for several organizations including the Mason-Lake Soil Conservation district and the Filer Township DDA.

Ken works out of the Scottville office but is responsible for outside sales for Smith & Eddy for commercial, farm and personal lines and is ready to meet with clients outside the office at any time and works in the Mason, Manistee and Oceana County area.

Ken enjoys golfing in the summertime and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. He has three daughters and two grandsons that he is very proud of.

Dean was born and raised in Mason County and graduated from Mason County Central High School in 2003. He continued his education at Albion College, graduating with a B.A. in Economics and Management. Dean joined the Smith & Eddy team in 2012 as a licensed agent and has since earned his Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation. He is most active in personal lines insurance, life insurance and small commercial accounts.

Dean and his wife Andrea, who is a teacher for Ludington Area Schools, have two daughters, Marie and Ellie. Dean also stays very active in the community serving on boards for the Ludington Optimist Club, Mason County Central Educational Foundation and the Mason County Cultural Economic Development Task Force. He also serves as an assistant coach for the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team at Mason County Central. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, enjoying area school sporting events, and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and playing golf.

Anita grew up in Scottville, graduating from Mason County Central schools. After graduation, she attended Davenport University receiving a Dual Associates degree and thereafter moving back to Mason County. Anita currently lives in Hamlin with her husband and two daughters. “In the summer, I love to be outside as much as possible, but in the winter—forget it!”

Greg has been licensed in the insurance business for 30 years. He enjoys dealing with families and small businesses specializing in life, health and retirement planning. Greg is licensed in property & casualty, and life & health.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to team up with my wife Karen so we can split the responsibilities to better serve our clients.”

Ed has lived in the Ludington area for 13 years. After graduating from Hillsdale College he moved into a sales position and has built an extensive history of relationships in the community as a result. His passion for serving others led him into volunteer coaching for all sports at a recreation level. His wife Trish is also a coach, she coaches soccer at Ludington schools, where their twins and high school son attend. 

When not at work in the Benefits department, Ed is busy between sports practices, games, and other events. He and his family, although sports-oriented, enjoy camping and golfing as well.

Tara is a longtime Scottville resident who joined the agency in February, 2017. She comes from a strong customer service and managerial background and recently became licensed in May, 2017. She is responsible for serving customers in all their insurance needs and is committed to providing excellent service.

Outside of work, Tara spends her time with her husband, Ryan, and 3 children, ages 2 to 9. She is a proud and active community volunteer. She enjoys coaching both her son’s and daughter’s soccer teams, helping out at Scottville Schools, assisting with the Pop Warner Football League program (which her husband coaches), spending time with friends, camping and enjoying all that life has to offer. Tara believes she has truly found her calling at Smith & Eddy, and is a proud member of the team!

Justin is a born and raised Free Soil Native who graduated from Manistee Catholic Central in 2008 and then achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration from Central Michigan University in 2012. From there, he accepted a position as an Event Manager and was relocated to New Orleans and then Jacksonville, Florida. Justin was responsible for staffing the Security and Guest services for NFL games, two Super Bowls and large concerts/events. In 2014, Justin moved back to Free Soil and started his career in the insurance industry.

Justin joined our team in July of 2018 and comes to us with four years of experience from the captive agency side and has begun his role as an Account Executive/Agent. His primary focus is personal insurance and is well versed in home, auto, life and small commercial accounts. Justin and his wife Kerri spend a lot of time taking advantage of what West Michigan has to offer specifically the hunting, fishing, golfing, fast-pitch softball, kayaking and beaches.

Born and raised in Ludington. I graduated from LHS. I have been working in customer service since I was 13 years old starting at Old Hamlin Restaurant. I joined the Smith & Eddy team in September 2015. I look forward to working with the public and helping them out any way I can. As an account executive I help gather billing, auto and home information to help out my fellow colleagues. My future with Smith & Eddy is to learn and take classes to become a certified agent and help service the community with their insurance needs. I enjoy spending time with my nieces, and outdoor activities like fishing, walking and especially enjoy our State Park all year round.

Al started in the insurance business in 1971 at his parents’ agency in Scottville. He purchased the agency in 1976 and later expanded into Ludington. Because of hard work and dedication to his clients, Al has attained several licenses and awards. Al is committed to provide excellent products and services. Villadsen Agency merged with Smith & Eddy Insurance in February 2011. Mr. Villadsen continues to advise his clients whether it is for their home, auto, business, or life insurance needs. Al supports many organizations in the community and is an avid hunter and fisherman.