by Jeff Saunders
Reporter
Macedonia -- Bob and Rick Zivsak opened their Nationwide Insurance independent agency Jan. 4, but it is hardly a new business.
The brothers said their late father George founded the agency in Cleveland in 1952, then moved it to Maple Heights in the late 1960s, where it remained until recently. Bob said he joined the agency in 1974 while Rick joined nearly 15 years ago.
The 900-square-foot office is at 903 E. Aurora Road, at the side of the building and behind Mr. Hero. The building is just west of Crow Drive. Rick said the move to the city was "a homecoming for us."
"We're residents of Macedonia. I've been here 26 years," he said.
"I've been here 27," added Bob. "We wanted to serve the residents of the place where we live. Also we saw that there was no other Nationwide office in the area."
The brothers say they handle a wide variety of insurance, including auto, home, life and business, for their estimated 1,500 clients.
"Homes and cars are our specialty," said Rick. "That's probably 80 percent of our business. But it's really everything."
Bob said they are also available to review policies, including policies with companies other than Nationwide at "no obligation."
The office includes chairs and a sofa, which Rick said provides a "homey atmosphere." He also said he and his brother are the agency's only employees.
"That's one of the things we tout," he said. "When you call, you'll talk with an agent, not a secretary."
On the side, the brothers are each involved with another business venture in the city. Bob said that for the last seven years, he has worked as a disc jockey at such events as weddings and parties for A2Z DJ Service, a business his son Adam operates out of Bob's home. Rick, a professional golf instructor for 29 years, has worked at 2-Club Golf since it opened in Longwood Park in May 2006.
The Zivsak's insurance agency is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169