Kathy Garrett, owner/agent of State Farm Insurance, thinks of herself as an educator.

Describing insurance as confusing for many, she believes that giving her clients good data helps them make informed decisions.

The staff at Kathy Garrett’s State Farm Insurance office offers a complete range of services. The staff includes Garrett, seated, Desirae Day, Debbie Gollwitzer and Chris Holtz. Not pictured is Darlene Cleaver.

“Insurance decisions can be really difficult,” Garrett says. “I want our customers to feel confident that they are making a good choice.”

State Farm is a full-service company, offering life, auto, homeowners, rental, boat and commercial insurance. The company also offers health insurance through a partnership with Assurant. Along with the full line of insurance services, the company offers financial services, including a full-service bank.

“The bank is not a brick-and-mortar facility,” Garrett said. “But it has all the services of any bank. It is an Internet service.”

State Farm created the bank to offer its younger clients a service they can relate to.

“More and more people are doing their banking online,” Garrett said. “They pay their bills that way, and check their accounts. Our bank provides that service.”

Garrett says her primary goal is to provide good service in every part of her business.

“I have a great staff that is very service-oriented,” she said. “They like working with people, and they have a wide-range of knowledge.”

Garrett added that because State Farm’s regional office is in Tempe, she and her employees can take advantage of the proximity of expertise available there.

“With the regional office so close, we can drive down there and work with the people there,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Garrett has been in Fountain Hills since 1988, working with State Farm. She and her husband have four daughters, ranging in age from four to 15. Garrett opened her office at 16626 E. Avenue of the Fountains about 18 months ago. She has been with State Farm since 1981.

“I really love what I do,” Garrett said. “As you can see, I’m in it for the long haul. I have always wanted to do right by my clients. My business has become more about relationships than anything else. It really means a lot to really know your clients, and it really means a lot be live and work in Fountain Hills.”

Garrett has four employees, all licensed in the insurance business. Working in Garrett’s office are Chris Holtz, Desirae Day, Debbie Gollwitzer and Darlene Cleaver.

“We have a really great working relationship,” Garrett said. “These are women who care about our clients. That means more than anything in any business.”

Garrett’s State Farm office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 837-7130.