Jack Kohl, Sr. started the business in 1954 while working as a salesman for Duracote. Originally, his office was in the Phoenix Building at 123 Main St. He shared an office with the late Paul Wilson who was a newly licensed attorney. Wilson and Kohl became fast friends and later moved their offices to 231 S. Chestnut St. Kohl then moved on his own to 145 E. Main St. which is now the current Susie K’s Café.
He purchased the Sinclair Gas Station at 240 S. Chestnut and converted it to offices in 1965 and expanded it in 1970 and in 1976. He still owns the building which now houses the law office of Poland and Lombardi along with Title Professionals Title Company.
A World War II veteran ,Jack Kohl Sr. likes to joke that while it was frightening opening his own business that he was prepared for it because he had flown 17 missions in the war on a B -17 and was shot down three times!
Jack Kohl, Jr. joined the business in 1982. The business grew despite the poor economic climate. Interest rates were at a record high of 18-20% making selling houses quite tough. In response, the agency concentrated on the insurance end of the business. Jack Kohl, Jr. bought the agency from his father in 1987. He purchased the Brian Jones Agency in 1989 adding four additional employees and representing two new companies. In 1993, he purchased the Kading Agency adding an additional employee and represented two additional companies. In 1994 he purchased the Riddle Block #5 the current location of the agency and home to 8 apartments, Louis Hall Dance Studio, Susie K’s Café, H & R Block, and Quality Homes.
Jack Kohl Agency employees 20 wonderful people and continues to grow in both real estate and insurance. It is the areas largest independently owned insurance agency in the county. It represents six property and casualty companies and has a full service real estate department.
