Like father, like son, both Donald and Wayne Wills are involved in the insurance business.
While Wayne heads Wills Insurance Services Inc., Don leads Wills & Associates Insurance Agency Inc. The two are Ortonville residents with their business based in nearby Davison.
Their clients come from all over the area. Don bought the business in 1963, moving the original office from downtown Flint to Davison. The location is ideal for their customers in Davison, Goodrich, Ortonville and Clarkston.
Both agencies offer multiple types of insurance.
Wills & Associates has provided continuous service since 1914, representing more than 10 companies. It includes a professional staff with 148 years of combined experience.
The business combines two levels of insurance. First, personal financial planning, includes tax-free life insurance, Social Security evaluation, disability income protection, long-term care coverage, private pension life, pension maximization, IRA accounts and individual medical insurance.
Business benefit planning, includes group life/medical/disability, executive bonus life, pension profit sharing, tax-deferred annuities, deferred compensation and 401(k) pension.
An important base of customers includes baby boomers, estimated to be a significant part of the population. Wayne said they need to plan carefully for aging. ‘One major topic of interest for baby boomers is long-term care insurance. It used to be called nursing home coverage (but) now you can actually receive care in your home (with home health care). Or it could be provided in a community care facility or in a hospital.?
Wills Insurance Services has provided continuous service since 1974, representing more than 15 companies. It includes a professional staff with 56 years of combined experience.
Personal insurance coverage includes policies for homeowners, renters, mobile home owners, auto, RVs and umbrella liability. Business insurance packages are provided for fleet auto/truck, liability, fire, workers compensation and surety bonds.
The father-and-son team meet the needs of both traditional and online clients. Wayne compares the former to the old TV show, ‘Marcus Welby, M.D.?
‘We actually make house calls. With the advent of laptop computers and the addition of house calls, you get a blending of old and new.?
Added Don: ‘You blend technology with good, old-fashioned personal service.?
Dad and son enjoy keeping up with the community in which they grew up. Both longtime Ortonville residents, Don attended the former Ortonville High School and Wayne grew up in the Brandon school district. Wayne received a bachelor of science in marketing from Purdue University.
They’ve both put in time on community bond issues. Don worked on passing the bond issue for the current Brandon High School and Wayne helped with successive bond issues like the new pool. Wayne has been active in the Brandon All-Sports Boosters and is a member of the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club and Clarkston United Methodist Church.
They also raise Christmas trees. Wayne has been active in local theater, and Don is a member of a barbershop chorus in Flint. They enjoy seeing old friends and customers and meeting new ones, as well.
‘Name recognition is important,? said Wayne, ‘but you always need to get reacquainted and help in the community.?
Wills & Associates Insurance and Wills Insurance Services are located at 215 W. Flint St. in Davison. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with evening and weekend appointments at the office or at customers? homes or businesses. Telephone numbers include (800) 351-9646, (810) 653-9402 and cell (248) 736-3559. Fax is (810) 653-3561. E-mail is willsinsurance@yahoo.com.