By JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH

BETHESDA — Helping to ensure that people and their possessions are protected isn’t just a passion for Amy Latham — it’s in her blood.

On Jan. 1, 2013, she opened the Amy Latham State Farm Insurance Agency at 40091 Barnesville-Bethesda Road in Bethesda. She had previously worked as an activities director for seniors and in sales. She said State Farm recruited her for a position, launching her into a nine-month interview process with her sights set on a job in the St. Clairsville area. She said she was still undecided on the day of her final interview — until State Farm reached out and told her the office in her hometown of Bethesda had become available. The rest is history.

“At that point, I thought, ‘This is meant to be,'” Latham said. “It was the best decision I ever made.”

And while Latham had worked in other fields, she was no stranger to the insurance market. Her grandfather, Bill Skaggs, ran an independent insurance agency in Barnesville and, after he sold that business, continued to work from home selling Medicare supplements and related policies until he was 94 years old. He died at age 99 in 2021 but, like Latham, he came into the business naturally — his father, Earl Skaggs, also had been an insurance agent.

Today, from her offices in Bethesda and Cambridge, Latham helps customers navigate their insurance needs — from home to auto, business, life and health coverage. She also deals in annuities. Latham said she loves her job and plans to continue in the business for another 20 years or so.

Latham also said that a young woman exploring work in the field or one who might be planning a future career in insurance should be sure they learn what they are getting into. She said it is important for anyone looking to become an insurance agent to enjoy helping people.

“At your worst times, we’re there for you,” she said of the services her firm provides. “We give you money when something bad happens.

“I like being your go-to person. … I enjoy educating people (about insurance). … I like making sure your property is protected.”

She advises anyone who wants to work in the field to research the companies they are interested in working for and to learn about licensing requirements. She said interviewing or shadowing one or more insurance agents would be a good first step.

She also hopes that more women become involved in the business, especially at the local level. She said there aren’t many women operating area agencies at this time, but she pointed out that State Farm’s leadership team is “full of women” — and she said that is a good thing, because “women are strong” and it takes a lot of strength to help people when they are going through a loss or tragedy.

One lesson she has learned during the course of her career is that managers need to treat their employees well. She wants her employees to feel comfortable coming to her when they need something. This is especially true when it comes to needing time for their families, because “that’s important,” she said, noting that she knows this firsthand as a result of raising her daughter, Abbey Latham, who is now 28.

That attitude is the root of one of the two mottos she lives by: Treat others as you want to be treated.

Latham’s other motto is: Look good, feel good, do good. And that is something she tries to instill in the young ladies she works with in a different role. Latham also is the head varsity cheering coach for Union Local Schools.

A UL Jets cheerleader herself for two years while in high school, Latham dabbled in coaching when Abbey was younger; however, she did not want to coach her own child. Then in 2013, the year Abbey graduated, Latham became a junior varsity coach for the squad, and she has been at it ever since.

In that job, she said she has worked to build the program, create a culture and promote a strong work ethic.

Latham also is one of a small number of people who make up the Jets Booster Club. It holds an annual golf scramble to make money to support various activities in the district.

“I’m very involved in the school,” she said, noting that the work gives her a lot of satisfaction.

In addition, Latham has been involved with the local Rotary club — formerly the Bethesda-Belmont-Morristown club now known as the Union Local Rotary. She said she is not currently an active member, but she does assist the club with projects.

Regarding her reasons for building her home and career in the Ohio Valley, she cited two simple factors that keep her here: relationships and loyalty. She said because life here isn’t as fast-paced as it can be in a city, people have the time to get to know one another and build relationships that last a lifetime.