From serving on city council to flying airplanes, local insurance agent Ricky Thurman does it all.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

Ricky Thurman is busy.

The 38-year-old father of three is an agent with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, a member of the Stephenville City Council (elected in 2019), member of the Evening Lions Club and also finds time to serve on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erath County.

And did I mention he is also a licensed pilot who enjoys jetting to nearby places in his Cherokee 6?

Between work, civic responsibilities and taking care of his young family alongside his wife Brittany, catching up with Ricky wasn’t easy.

But when we finally did connect, the conversation was enjoyable; it always is.

Ricky is smart, personable and easy to talk to, which is probably one of the big reasons behind his personal and professional success.

How long have you lived in Stephenville and what brought you to the area?

“I grew up in Jacksboro and moved to Stephenville 20 years ago to attend Tarleton State University,” Ricky said. “I graduated in 2003 with a degree in business management.”

What led you to the insurance industry?

“I actually worked in sales with KSTV and one of my clients was with the local Texas Farm Bureau and they recruited me to come work for them. I have been with the company for nine years.”

What sets Texas Farm Bureau Insurance apart from other companies?

“We are a Texas-based and Texas-only property insurance company. Our headquarters are in Waco. We have local adjusters, so if there is ever a question about a claim, I walk right down the hallway to talk to an adjuster to get clarification.

“And I am always available. My cell phone is on my business cards and email and it’s not unusual for me to get calls in the evenings or on weekends.”

The company has also earned J.D. Power’s “Highest Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in Texas” distinction for the past eight years.

A few notable professional achievements:

• NAIFA Quality Award for Life Insurance and Annuities for the past seven years in a row.

• Multiple annual designations as Platinum Agent, Master Agent and Professional Agent.

• Six invitations to the Southern Farm Bureau Round Table Convention.

“And I have provided almost $100 million in life insurance protection for my clients and their loved ones,” Ricky said.

As a member of the city council, what committees do you serve on?

“I chair the Personnel Committee and I am a member of the planning and development, public health and safety, and nominations committees.”

What is the best thing about living and working in Stephenville?

“Stephenville has much of the small town feel that I grew up with. We have a lot of pride in our city and our schools and a true sense of community,” he said.

“That’s what I wanted my kids to experience when I decided to raise them here. We are also a community that is moving forward, overcoming obstacles and thriving in a time when many smaller towns across our nation are facing hardship.

“I say it often, and it never gets old…. #ItsAGreatTimeToLiveInStephenvilleTX."

Indeed.

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance is located at 1735 W. South Loop in Stephenville.

After the 2015 hail storms in Erath County, Ricky Thurman was featured in this YouTube video https://youtu.be/VjQAkgOx7mk.