Brothers Chris and Dale McCray and stepfather Don Robinson share a love of family and the farming community. Growing up in Florida, the brothers knew little about farming other than annual summer trips to Warsaw, Indiana to visit Uncle Steve Silveus and their cousins and winter holiday visits to their grandmother’s farm in Mississippi.
While Don, who grew up among corn, cotton and soybean farms, shared his country upbringing with his sons, they taught him everything he knows about agricultural insurance. The two convinced him to join Silveus Insurance Group (Silveus) in 2007, after 28 years as a dental supply and equipment specialist for a large corporation. “Dad has always been a good ‘ole country boy and we told him he just needed to get back to his roots and start working with country folks,” said Chris.
“I didn’t have a background in insurance but I have picked it up and I really enjoy my clients and what I’m doing now,” said Don, who touches base with his sons regarding work on a regular basis. “After being in a big corporation it’s nice to be in a family organization where you can reach out directly to bosses and other staff.”
Chris began working with Silveus right out of college in 1999, with Dale joining the company in 2003. Both work out of the Warsaw office while Don resides in Florida. Though all have overlapping territories, Chris handles clients nationwide, Dale focuses primarily on Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, and Don covers Alabama.
“Dad and I share accounts in Alabama and we’ve handled meetings together,” said Chris. “We see each other in Alabama more than we see each other in Florida.”
Don likes to go out and meet his customers rather than have them come to him and believes this contributes to the close relationships he has developed. “I may pull up in front of a barn and do a presentation sitting in my truck or meet farmers in the field or the chicken coop,” said Don. “I like meeting them on their property and on their terms.”
Dale added that making a difference for producers and keeping them farming through challenging situations is very rewarding. “My clients and I are on a first-name basis and I really value that,” said Dale. “We’re protecting their livelihood. I take that very seriously.”
All three find working in a close-knit company with family and staff who have become friends to be an asset, operating together as a group for the same goals. Chris remembered starting with Silveus, when he and Cousin Tyler Silveus shared a closet-sized office in a smaller building. He enjoys seeing all the changes and growth in the company and all three are eager to be a part of its future.
For more information on Silveus agents and the crop insurance products they offer call 800-531-9909 or connect directly with Chris McCray, Dale McCray or Don Robinson.