CHEVY CHASE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 1936 when GEICO opened its doors for the first time in Washington, D.C., the Hoover Dam was completed, Jesse Owens won the 100-meter race at the Berlin Olympics and Franklin Delano Roosevelt was re-elected to a second term.
That year the Queen Mary made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic and the world welcomed John Madden, Mary Tyler Moore, Jim Brown, Robert Redford and Buddy Holly. But not a single Gecko was in sight.
Seventy-seven years ago Leo and Lillian Goodwin started GEICO with 12 employees and very big plans and dreams. Leo Goodwin, car insurance company founder, set up the business model – direct sales to customers and discounted prices – that serves 12 million policyholders equally as well today. His wife, Lillian, did her share by handling marketing, underwriting and claims, along with accounting. They were inspired to start the company by choosing customers wisely and then building its other operations around those customers.
GEICO recognizes the Goodwins’ foresight and fortitude each September in all of its 12 major locations around the country. This year nearly 29,000 GEICO associates will celebrate their winning team with food, entertainment, games and contests. Leo and Lillian aren’t about to be abandoned in the events either. The couple frequently returns (in spirit) to cheer things along.
Said Tiffany Emmons, a service counselor in GEICO’s newly-opened Indianapolis office, “I am so thankful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me by the simple fact that Leo and Lillian Goodwin started GEICO. Few companies compare to the great benefits and wonderful people we have. The Indianapolis office offers a unique approach to team building and growth within our company. Be prepared to see Indianapolis bring continuous success to our great company.”
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 12 million private passenger customers and insures more than 19 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO’s online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
