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Business Beat: The long and winding road from New Zealand to Oakridge and a career in insurance

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Thirty-five years ago, after the collapse of the wood products industry in Oakridge, Steve Saxon began a new career in the insurance business. Today, Saxon Insurance at 48310 E. First St. is the preeminent independent insurance business among Highway 58 communities. Sunny Zylstra

By AMY PRINCE/For The Herald — If you live in the Oakridge-Westfir community and get your insurance through an independent agent, it’s probably Steve Saxon.

Many people in town know him as the active community member and volunteer who works out of a tidy office in The Uptown building, right across the street from City Hall in the heart of Oakridge. But how many know the story of how Saxon, a Kiwi by birth, made the long journey from the island nation to become founder of the preeminent insurance business in the Upper Willamette?

As the summer recreation season approaches, he consented to a Q & A session for The Herald.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: I grew up in southern New Zealand and began my working career with the New Zealand Post Office in 1974. In five years, I became a clerical supervisor in the chief postmaster’s office.

Feeling the need to see the world, I traveled to the United States with two friends in 1979. I worked at many interesting and odd jobs traveling up and down the West Coast until I finally landed in Oakridge, Oregon. That’s where I met my future wife, Renee, and settled down working for the Pope and Talbot sawmill.

When the mill shut down in 1985, we moved to Eugene, where I enrolled in the Dislocated Worker Program at Lane Community College. There, I studied the insurance business and became a licensed life and health insurance agent. After graduation, I was recruited by New York Life Insurance Company as an apprentice field underwriter. I applied myself diligently to my new profession and in 1989 was awarded “Rookie of the Year” for my efforts.

Q: How long have you been working in the insurance industry?

A: This year, I will have been in the business for 35 years, since June of 1986.

Q: What made you decide to become an independent insurance agent?

A: It’s safer than logging, and it has a better financial future, too!

Q: Do you sell motorcycle insurance, and what carriers do you recommend?

A: Yes, I sell on-road and off-road motorcycle insurance as well as policies for ATVs, side-by-sides, quads and three-wheelers. Policies are available through Safeco, Progressive and Foremost insurance companies.

Q: What kind of insurance covers recreational vehicles, such as campers, travel trailers and motorhomes?

A: RV insurance is important to carry. If you are financing your RV, the lender will require you to name them as additional named insureds on your policy. RV policies cover liability insurance, as well as comprehensive and collision coverages, as well as roadside assistance, should you need a tow or jumpstart, or you run out of fuel.

Q: Do boat owners need insurance?

A: Like RV owners, boat owners should carry liability protection, physical damage and water recovery, should you have a mechanical issue while on the water. Physical damage covers losses from theft, fire, vandalism while being stored, towed to the lake or while out on the water.

Q: What discounts are available for people with multiple policies?

A: Insurance companies like you to carry all of your business with them. As an incentive, many companies offer discounts for more than one policy, and the most common is the home and auto discount.

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Business Beat” is offered as a periodic news feature showcasing businesses and business people in communities served by The Herald. Saxon Insurance, in partnership with Pacific Benefit Consultants of Eugene, offers a full menu of insurance services. Steve Saxon can be reached at his office at 541-782-4094, or through the SaxonInsurance.net website.

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