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Effingham Magazine

Brad I. Cherney State Farm Team: Setting the Standard in Insurance

Brad I. Cherney State Farm Team: Setting the Standard in Insurance

Brad Cherney has been leading his State Farm team for over a year now after relocating from Illinois. The apple does not fall far from the tree when it comes to this industry professional, as he is a third-generation insurance agent.

“My family has owned and operated insurance agencies in Illinois since 1960. My grandfather was an agent. My father was an agent, and I am an agent. It just runs in my blood. I love the business. I love dealing with people and being able to help with their needs—getting them the best policies available,” he says.

Customers Count

With 25 years of industry experience under his belt, Brad has become well acquainted with what it takes to maintain a successful agency—one that wholeheartedly cares about its customers and offers them the services that best meet their needs. Brad is confident that his State Farm team sets the standard in optimal customer service and quality care. Customers are more than just a number; they are like family. And that is the Brad I. Cherney State Farm difference.

“We really care about our customers. When you walk into our office, you’re part of our family. Caring is important; when you care, it shows. With some, people are just numbers, but not with us,” he says.

An array of insurance policy options are available for customers, including: automobile, home, commercial, life, health and more. Whether helping with claim issues, finding the best way to use a customer’s policy to meet their needs or helping to protect customers with various liability concerns, the team strives to keep their customers’ best interests at heart.

A Different Caliber of Agents

Brad knows that the majority of the company’s success is a direct result of his team of caring, knowledgeable professionals—his office family.

“My team is amazing. My success and achievement over this last year are due to the team,” he says.

Brad is grateful that his staff possesses a phenomenal amount of “collective insurance knowledge”—true industry aficionados. The team persists to show their customers the State Farm difference.

“State Farm agents are a different caliber of agents. We have to be good neighbors in our community. We deal in honesty and integrity—doing the right thing. We may not be the lowest in price all the time, but we can show you how we’re the best value; our policies have value,” he says.

This reveals why the State Farm organization is a Fortune 100 company, while maintaining an overall A rating. Even more, State Farm customers benefit from having an agent available to them right in their own community—right in their own neighborhood.

“Customers have full access to everything that we offer. I’m available to customers because I’m in the office almost everyday,” Brad adds.

The team of experts recognizes the value in educating each of their customers about plans and services, so they may know exactly how they are being protected with their policies.

“I think part of getting insurance is an education. You should know what kind of policies you’re getting and what the benefits and detriments are. By understanding this, you’re able to really grasp how you’re protected,” Brad points out. He welcomes doing policy lookovers to help individuals learn more about their policy and maximize their policy benefits.

Beyond Insurance

Brad I. Cherney State Farm is much more than just insurance. The team believes in giving back in the best ways possible. In fact, alongside the Downtown Development Authority, Brad I. Cherney State Farm is the title sponsor of the Miss Springfield Pageant in October, while also sponsoring the Red Shirt and Khakis 5K Marathon in November.

Further, the agency enjoys partnering with the Booster organizations for both Effingham High School and South Effingham High School. Brad is also on the Effingham Board of Habitat for Humanity.

“We’re not just about being a business. We’re about giving back to the community that supports [us]. It is very important, and I’m a big believer in that,” he says.

Brad feels incredibly blessed. He is grateful for his wife Janie and their five children; Janie has been a continuous source of love and support throughout the years. He, too, appreciates all the kindness that the Effingham community has shown him—a community he feels privileged to call home.

“I’m very fortunate. I’m very blessed, and I don’t take it lightly.”