Please note that since the following Blue Stone Press article ran
we have moved to 3669 Main St.
directly across from the Stone Ridge Library.
Blue Stone Press; February 6, 2009 Local Money, Local Ideas Page 9
Donna Cohn Viertel BSP Reporter
Photo by Donna Cohn Viertel
Donald J. Giamei, owner and agent of Stone Ridge
Insurance at 3650 Main Street across from Momiji is on
a mission. A mission to change the way people think of
insurance, from something they have to have to something
they need and want to have. Said the new business
owner, "I want to build a reputation that I take care of my
customers needs, have them commit to only what is good
for them while making sure they know what the policy
will cover so they are properly insured at a good price,"
Giamei, who was born and grew up in Stone Ridge,
studied finance at SUNY New Paltz and has been an
insurance agent for 10 years, since he first started in the
business, back in 1999 with State Farm Insurance. "State
Farm was one of the first companies to have licensed
staff people," he said. "As a licensed agent, we are held to
a higher standard in perceived knowledge." Giamei said,
"It's an important responsibility that I have, there is no
room for error, this is someone's life we are talking about."
He mentioned how much he wanted to be the small
home town insurance agent. "My location is right in the
center of Stone Ridge," he said. "People come up to me
and tell me how they use to remember it back in 1908
as the Old Grocery and Hardware Store owned by Frank
Davis & Co." Said Giamei, "My family were dairy farmers
and harness horse trainers. I grew up on a farm, so I'm no
stranger to hard work and I'll work hard for for my client."
"People want to go local and have the same person take
care of everything," said Giamei. "I have worked in Newburgh,
Walden and Kingston and my clients have stayed
with me where ever I went." He realized that there was no
insurance agency between Kingston and Ellenville except
John J. Liggan Insurance in Rosendale. He reiterated,
"I wanted to be the personable home town insurance
agency." Giamei said he would meet the client where ever
it was convenient, whether it was at the Country Deli in
the morning over coffee or at their home in the evening.
"Whatever I can do to assist the customer, that's what I
enjoy; everyone is unique with different personalities and
needs." He said, "I take pride in helping people find the
policy that fits their needs with the money that they have."
Giamei said that as your life changes, so should your
insurance policy to fit those changes. "From your first car
insurance, to renter's insurance, to homeowners, to life
insurance, to car insurance for your 16-year old son or
daughter," he said. "Insurance is the intangible that you
have to have." He gave an example of renter's insurance,
which many people, he said, feel they do not need. "The
average cost of renter's insurance is $200 per year," said
Giamei. "And God forbid, if you need it to pay for a hotel
to stay at for example while your rental is being repaired;
are you covered?" He also mentioned how both parents
should have life insurance. "As a new parent to my one
and a half year old son, Dominic and with a new baby on
the way; my wife, Jessica and I know about the intangibles."
He said, "God forbid, if something happens to my
wife or myself, who will take care, who will pay the bills,
the medical or funeral costs, who will pay for the day care
with now just one parent in the home, and who will pay
for the time taken to grieve."
Said Giamei, "Giving people that peace of mind with
their insurance is why I do what I do, the way I do it." He
said, "Sure, everyone is different, but I like to show people,
explain to them, if your car is totaled, can you replace it?
If you lose your antique engagement ring, will there be
money to buy another ring? If something happens; you
need to be covered."
Giamei said more than once, that Stone Ridge Insurance
is different. "If you treat it like fast food, it becomes
fast food." He said, "I take the time to listen to what the client
needs, I ask them what they have and what they want
and I make recommendations." He mentioned how most
people get more attention when they open up a bank
account then in the 30 seconds they receive when they
apply for insurance. "Come in, tell me what you need. I'll
take down the specifics of what you do, what you earn,
what your expenses are, your family needs and more."
Said Giamei, "I will listen and navigate you through the
options." He added, "I don't cut corners. And as time goes
by, just as you go for a well check at the doctor, you'll get a
policy update with us."
Said Giamei, "The bottom line is, is your insurance going
to be there when you need it? He said to simply stop
by and find out if your insurance company is taking care
of you. "It's the job of the agent to look out for the customer's
best interest," he said. "And I work for the customer,
not for the companies that I represent."
Stone Ridge Insurance is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. or by appointment.
Call Giamei at 687-2828 or
don@stoneridgeinsurance.net.
As life changes, insurance changes with it.
Donald J. Giamei, owner and agent of Stone Ridge Insurance will listen to your wants and needs to get you the
policy that is right for you.
Relax...he's got you covered.
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