Summit Shield Insurance Opens in Downtown Big Rapids

Summit Shield Insurance Opens in Downtown Big Rapids

BIG RAPIDS — Summit Shield Insurance Agency has opened its doors at 223 Maple St. in downtown Big Rapids, marking a new chapter for the former Red’s Insurance office. The agency is now led by 22-year-old owner Jordan White, a recent Ferris State University graduate with experience in the insurance industry.

White officially moved into the downtown office this week, taking over the client list built by Ed Eckert, who operated Red’s Insurance since its founding in 2012. The transition is part of a six-week handover period during which White has been working alongside Eckert to learn the business.

“Red’s Insurance has been around Big Rapids since 2012,” White explained. “Ed has grown it significantly and was ready to step back and semi-retire, so I came to him looking to purchase a book of business and an office space.” The agency will maintain the same phone number, carriers, and system, with the primary change being the name on the door and the person behind it.

White launched Summit Shield six months ago, initially operating from his kitchen. He saw the opportunity with Red’s Insurance as a natural fit after being introduced to Eckert by Deb Lipnicki from the neighboring Deb’s Pet Salon. “I think it was just the right place at the right time,” White said. “Ed didn’t want to sell to just anybody. He wanted someone who would take care of the people and knows what they’re doing.”

The agency now boasts around 200 clients, with White planning to expand services beyond auto and motorcycle insurance. He intends to hire staff within six months and offer commercial, home, business, life, and small health policies, leveraging contracts with major carriers like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive.

“This office only did auto and motorcycle before,” White noted. “Now I can really insure anything. It’s a competitive edge, and it makes it fun.” Despite being one of the younger business owners in the area, White expressed his commitment to growth and community involvement. “I want Summit Shield to be a household name,” he said. “I want people to come here not because they’re assigned, but because they want to — they come here because they know they’re going to be taken care of and told the truth.”

White also highlighted that 2025 is an ideal time for residents to review their insurance options as many carriers begin to lower rates after years of increases. “We’re just starting to come out of that hard market,” he said. A website for Summit Shield Insurance is expected to launch in the coming week, further establishing their digital presence.

As the agency looks to the future, White remains focused on creating great-paying jobs and partnering with local events. “I’m looking to hire, I’m looking to grow, I’m looking to create great-paying jobs for this area,” he emphasized. The community can expect to see Summit Shield Insurance becoming an integral part of downtown Big Rapids, with a commitment to personalized service and transparency.