The Ashleys & Insurance, a History
- Ashley Insurance
- Jun 8, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 15
For more than six decades, the name Ashley has been synonymous with service and insurance in Roane County and beyond. What began as a small hometown agency has grown into a trusted, capable, and enduring business that families and businesses across West Virginia continue to rely on today.
It began in 1963 when Gene M. Ashley, a licensed insurance agent, was appointed as a principal agent representing Mutual Fire Insurance Company of West Virginia in Clarksburg. From his home in Amma, Gene built a business that gave rural West Virginians access to coverage they had long gone without. His entrepreneurial vision and community focus planted the roots of what would eventually become Ashley Insurance.
True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Gene also invested in other ventures, After four years in operation as an insurance agent, Gene transferred his book of insurance to Ross Conley, an agent who owned and operated an independent State Farm insurance agency in Spencer at the time.
Gene then turned his attention to retail, partnering with his uncle Harry Carper to open C&A Shoes (Carper & Ashley) in the historic Phil D. Phillips Rexall Drugstore building at 223 Main Street in Spencer. Retail stores in downtown Spencer were abundant at the time, and C&A Shoes was a compliment to O.J. Morrisons, G.C. Murphys, Spencer Department Store, The Toggery Shop, H&P Stores, and others. C&A Shoes remained open until 1988.
In 1975, Gene’s son, Bob Ashley, joined Ross Conley’s agency after graduating from Marshall University. Bob quickly fell in love with the business—especially the opportunity to build lasting relationships with local clients. He often reflected on the mentorship and wisdom of Mr. Conley, who was considered a legend in the local insurance world.
After a brief stint as Advertising Manager for Hardman's Hardware & Supply—where he met his wife, Anita Harold Ashley—Bob returned to insurance. In 1983, he launched Ashley Insurance Agency as a sole proprietorship with no clients, no staff, and nothing but drive and a deep belief in doing right by people.
Bob and Anita purchased the former Phil D. Phillips Drugstore building in 1988—the same building where Gene and Harry once ran the shoe store. Together, they renovated it to house both Ashley Insurance on the first floor and Anita’s law office on the second. That building still serves as the main office of Ashley Insurance today.
In 1983, Bob signed a contract with Erie Insurance, a relationship that would become central to the agency’s success. Erie remains the agency’s flagship carrier, chosen for its fair pricing, strong service, and commitment to local agents. That same year, he also began working with Farmers & Mechanics Insurance, a West-Virginia based insurance company focused on rural properties and farming activities. Bob grew the agency with hard work, integrity, and personal service.
Over the decades, Bob was recognized with numerous honors, including 17 consecutive Founders Awards from Erie Insurance, and in 2017, he was named the Earle S. Dillard West Virginia Independent Agent of the Year.
Bob also served 30 years in the West Virginia Legislature, where he championed legislation to protect insurance consumers. In 2013 and 2014, he served alongside a bright young Delegate from Kanawha County named Suzette Raines—who would go on to marry Bob’s son, Ben Ashley, in 2017.
That same year, Suzette earned her insurance license and joined the agency full-time. Ben also came on board in an advisory role as Marketing Director, bringing fresh energy and a long-term vision for the agency’s growth.
When Suzette joined the agency, she brought the same energy and commitment to the community that had marked her own earlier service in the Legislature. Looking back, it’s a remarkable coincidence that Gene, Bob, and Suzette all spent time serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates—three generations of Ashleys who not only built businesses that provided a great service to their neighbors, but also carried the voice of their neighbors into state government.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 shutdown, Bob sold the business to the next generation. Ben and Suzette Ashley became co-owners of the agency and founded Ashley Insurance Agency LLC. Since then, they have focused on continuing the agency’s mission while also expanding its reach.
Under their leadership, the agency has:
Added several new carrier partnerships, including Progressive, GEICO (Commercial Auto), Foremost, Dairyland, Safeco, and others
Expanded services to cover more complex risks and commercial needs
Opened a satellite office in Charleston, extending their service beyond Roane County
Invested heavily in team development, technology, and community outreach
Continued our partnership with Erie Insurance and Farmers & Mechanics Insurance, now each celebrating 42 years together
For the past two years, Suzette has served as President of the Big I WV (Independent Insurance Agents Association of West Virginia), where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen the industry, support independent agents, and advocate for clients and communities across the Mountain State. She is only the third female to lead this statewide organization, and one of the very few to be from a small agency in a rural area of the state. Even though we’re technically a “mom and pop” shop, there are few insurance agencies—local or national—that can match the combination of personalized service, carrier relationships, and deep industry knowledge we offer. It’s rare to find a locally owned and operated business that has achieved this level of trust, scale, and staying power.
We’re proud to live and work in the communities we serve—and we’re committed to growing with them.
We've built a strong team of agents led by Lura Lowe, who is a licensed customer service agent and insurance advisor, and Holly McCarty, who is a customer service pro and is currently studying for her insurance license.
In 2024, Bob Ashley passed away after a life of service and leadership. Up until his death, he loved continuing to refer his friends and prospects to have his family take care of their insurance needs. His influence still guides the agency every day. His commitment to honesty, accessibility, and doing the right thing remains at the core of Ashley Insurance.
Today, Ashley Insurance stands as a second-generation, family-led agency (third-generation agents) with deep local roots and a modern vision. While we proudly carry forward the legacy Bob Ashley built, we're not simply preserving history—we're building on it.
As long as there are families building homes, businesses taking risks, and people trying to protect what matters, Ashley Insurance will be here to help.
If you're ready to start working with us, we're ready too. Call, stop in, or go here to start a quote. We can't wait to hear from you!
