Huff Insurance Celebrates 60 Years

Six decades ago, W. Ray Huff started an insurance company with an important set of values.

“Ray was always big on integrity and doing the right thing even when no one is looking,” said his daughter, Nancy Nicklow. “It’s not about doing what’s best for our pocketbook, but it’s about doing what’s best for the client.”

Ray died in 2007, but Nancy and her husband, Jerry Nicklow, have continued his work while providing area residents with insurance for automobiles, their businesses and homes, and many other items.

“Being able to keep his legacy and core values going is important to us,” Nancy said. “Even though we have changed the technology, we haven’t changed why we do things. The customers are still the No. 1 priority.”

When Ray died, the agency lost its best salesman. The family regrouped by taking advantage of their other strengths. Jerry, for example, has exceled with digital marketing.

“We have almost doubled in the last 13 years,” Jerry said. “The more we grow, the more we’re able to help the community.”

The Nicklows help the community in several ways. A past president of the Pasadena Business Association, Jerry is involved with events like the annual scholarship fundraiser, which provides funds to high school seniors. He also serves on the board of directors for the Anne Arundel Community College Foundation. Nancy is currently serving as the president of the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. When Jerry takes over as chairperson of the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland (commonly referred to as the Big I) later this year, he will accept a role once held by Nancy.

Each of those endeavors goes back to their main goal: to help people.

“I won’t sell someone a policy just to sell them policy. It has to be right for them,” Nancy said. “Sometimes I feel like we have to be fortune tellers. If someone dies and didn’t buy life insurance, you can’t buy life insurance after they’re dead.”

Jerry and Nancy’s daughter, a soon-to-be college graduate, plans to join the family business. That will mark the third generation of family members at Huff Insurance. Reflecting on that, and the business’ initial move to Pasadena from Glen Burnie in 1968, Nancy said, “It’s a milestone. It’s 60 years, but it’s also 13 years since Dad passed. For me, it shows how much the community values us for how we have supported them over the years.”

For more information about Huff Insurance, call 410-647-1111 or visit www.huffinsurance.com.