Athens Insurance Services

Today, we proudly celebrate 100 years of serving the Athens community as an insurance agency in Athens.

On May 8, 1926, Dwight H. Rutherford Inc. signed a contract with North River Insurance Company to sell property and casualty insurance in Athens, Ohio.

Mr. Rutherford was a true pioneer in Athens. He was one of the founders of Hocking Valley Bank and was also involved in the development of Lakeview Apartments, now known as River Park Apartments.

After 49 years in the insurance business, Dwight sold the agency to Ted Vogt in 1975. During his 27 years leading the business, Ted continued to grow the agency through the acquisition of additional companies and by expanding its presence in the community.

In 1991, Ted’s son, Andy Vogt, joined the office, continuing the family tradition. In the late 1990s, the decision was made to rename the agency Athens Insurance Services, a name that reflects both our roots and our commitment to the community we proudly serve.

We are deeply grateful to our clients, employees, families, and community for your trust and support over the past century. Here’s to 100 years of service, and to the future ahead.

Today we celebrate Dan Gates. After 23 successful years in the insurance business, Dan is retiring.

Dan enters retirement after an amazing career as a massive proponent for Athens, Ohio. Dan has served on many boards and was a strong supporter of youth hockey.

One of Dan's greatest legacies was his and his dear friend Jon Sparhawk's creation of Ohio Brew Week. The picture attached is of Dan being honored as a past president at the 20th anniversary festival in 2025.

In insurance, Dan helped many clients navigate their insurance needs very selflessly. Dan introduced the Craft Beer/Micro Brewery risk to insurance companies in the early 2000s, noting that the clientele was not of the same risk as a standard tavern. Many insurance companies still utilize his knowledge when it comes to underwriting these risks.

While Dan is stepping away from insurance, you'll still see him around town. Dan has strong ties to the good folks at Gran Ranchero and can be seen there helping navigate their business pursuits.

Please help us honor Dan when you see him out and about. Share a draft and a story with him; he's got a lot of great stories to share.

The staff at Athens Insurance and I wish Dan and Melody the best in their retirement.

Athens Insurance will be closed Monday
January 26

Power is out on Richland-no phone-no internet-no heat

Closing today

Please note that our office hours will be shortened today, Wednesday, with a closure time of 2:00pm.

Additionally, our office will be closed on Thursday and Friday to allow our employees to spend time with their families.

We are pleased to welcome our first intern to Athens Insurance Services, Theodore Vogt (TJ), for Fall Semester 2025.

TJ will be in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Stop in and meet our newest addition.