At State Farm, we’ve made it our mission to restore lives, help rebuild neighborhoods, invest in communities, and support education and safety initiatives where we live and work. It’s what being a good neighbor is all about.
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. It’s more than a slogan; it’s who we are. See below for just a few of our Good Neighbor Stories and how we are helping small businesses like yours!
Small Business Spotlight
Ripe Life Juice Co.
Owner: Jamar Luster
City: Rockford, IL
State Farm Agent: Leslie West
Jamar Luster was striving to eat better but noticed that there weren’t many healthy eating options in Rockford, Ill. He decided to take matters into his own hands. With three hundred dollars and a blender, he founded Ripe Life Juice Co. He shared his healthy creations on social media, becoming a viral sensation. Now, he’s got a store in downtown Rockford, making it a healthier place, one juice at a time.
Fleurty Girl
Owner: Lauren Leblanc-Haydel
City: New Orleans, LA
State Farm Agent: Nora Vaden Holmes
In 2009, Lauren was a single mother of three who wanted more for her family than living paycheck to paycheck. So, when she received a tax return check for $2,000, she decided to use it to launch her business idea: selling New Orleans-inspired t-shirts for women online. Since then, her small online shop has grown into a NOLA staple, with eight locations and over sixty employees. Learn more about Lauren Leblanc-Haydel’s Fleurty Girl brand and her journey to becoming a successful WOSB.
Cachapas y Más
Owner: Larry Villalobos
City: New York, NY
State Farm Agent: Kenny Vega
Larry Villalobos and his family have been bringing the tastes of Venezuela to New York since 2008. Cachapas y Más started as a food truck and has grown into a beloved local restuarant and a Hispanic staple of Washington Heights. Featured in The New York Times, Village Voice, and The Daily News. Larry’s patacones and arepas attract foodies from every borough. State Farm’s Agent Kenny Vega can vouch for the cachapas!
Learn more about how State Farm helps meet the needs of small business owners like you. Visit Small Business Insurance | State Farm®.
Axiom Services LLC dba Merit Services (HVAC)
Owner: Carrie Bishop
City: Denton, TX
State Farm Agent: Trent Wilkins
Merit Services is a commercial HVAC company serving the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston metroplexes. In business for more than two decades, the owner says she founded the company on the principle of providing quality service, on time, with a personal touch. The company grew from three service vehicles to 35 today. Trent and Carrie work closely together to ensure that Merit Services can focus on keeping their customers cool, calm and collected!
JJ’s Taco Shop
Owner: Ivan Vazquez
City: Hurst, TX
State Farm Agent: Alejandra Palomera
After working in the restaurant industry for more than 25 years, Ivan Vazquez first opened a small counter service restaurant in a suburban Dallas mall. Like many restaurants during the pandemic, JJ’s Taco Shop struggled for a while during Covid. Despite some health struggles and the challenges of the pandemic, the eatery made a comeback. They opened a second location this year and are getting great reviews. State Farm Agent Alejandra Palomera highly recommends the tasty tacos!
Towne Center Animal Hospital
Owner: Judd Johnston
City: Hurst, TX
State Farm Agent: Matthew Reinhardt
The Towne Center Animal Hospital has been In business for more than 25 years. Its current owner, Dr. Judd Johnston is a graduate of Baylor University (undergrad) and Texas A&M (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree). Like his State Farm agent, Dr Judd is very involved in their community, attending local Chamber of Commerce events and charitable fundraisers and while also supporting each other’s marketing events! Dr. Judd has also established a scholarship fund for A&M Vet students and also donates to local animal shelters.
Dan’s Bagels
Owner: Daniel and Jennifer Hilbert
City: Trophy Club, TX
State Farm Agent: Chasidy Murphy
State Farm agent Chasidy Murphy calls Dan’s Bagels a symbol of kindness, perseverance, commitment and community. The shop just opened in August of 2021. Dan worked in the event planning business prior to the pandemic. When there was no work, he started a “hobby” of making his “New York style” bagels for his family and friends. He turned his hobby into a thriving business. It’s not uncommon for him to sell out of the favorites before 10am. Dan’s State Farm Agent Chasidy is sure that Dan’s Bagels is about to take over Texas!
Learn more about how State Farm helps meet the needs of small business owners like you. Visit Small Business Insurance | State Farm®.
