POULSBO — Insurance isn’t glamorous, but it is necessary, said agent Bill Stuart, who operates in Poulsbo through American Family Insurance. And to him, it’s about providing dependable protection and trusted service to clients.

Like his own roots that go deep in the North Kitsap community, Stuart is now planting as an agency owner for AFI, a company relatively new to Washington, but in no way new to the insurance industry.

“Although it’s only been in business in Washington for a couple of years, the company’s been in business since 1927. It is very financially sound and is committed to providing superior customer service,” Stuart said. “I feel the same way.”

Stuart, 55, has lived in North Kitsap since he was 9 years old, and graduated from North Kitsap High School and the University of Washington.

Before opening up shop with AFI last year, Stuart worked in one capacity or another in the car business; it’s something that’s come in handy for more than one of his clients.

Through his agency Stuart offers homeowner’s, renter’s, automotive, business and life insurance.

He also insures what he likes to call “toys,” — RVs, boats, yachts, jet skis, snowmobiles, golf carts and the like.

“If you drive it, live in it, earn your living at it or play on it, I can insure it,” he said. “What we don’t have available directly through American Family we do have available through our brokerage division.”

Stuart said he’s developed an area network through his years in the auto industry and his involvement with the Poulsbo Noon Lions and Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce.

His is an open door policy: Friends and neighbors are welcome to stop in the office, whomever their insurance carrier may be.

And his support staff, Judi Nichols and Carla Morris, are part of a team that’s continuing to earn customer trust, which is a message Stuart and American Family both tout.

“I imagine some people probably have some uncertainty whether or not they’re claim will be paid,” Stuart said in reference to the troubling economic times.

He assured that American Family is not only solvent, but is keeping its sights on the basics of business.

Neither he nor the company, he said, have forgotten the best way to make a profit.

“The way you do that is by taking care of your customer,” he said. “That’s the reason American Family has people like me, we’re in touch with our local communities.”