State Farm to Relocate to Former Laundromat Building

 

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, August 06, 2009 - Nathan Mattila, Tyson Mattila, Ethan Mattila and Ben Mattila of Hiland Construction Company is in the process of remodeling the former Ironwood Laundromat building on the corner of Walnut Street and Cloverland Drive. Hiland Construction was hired by Pam Kauppila to renovate the building. About a month ago, Kauppila purchased the building that will soon house the State Farm Insurance Agency.

Kauppila is a third generation State Farm Agent. He father, Ron Johnson, was Ironwood's agent for 40 years prior to his retirement. Ron's uncle -- Kauppila's great uncle -- Bill Johnson was a State Farm Agent for 33 years in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Kauppila has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in Business Administration, Finance and Marketing. She's been a State Farm agent for over 10 years. She began working for the company's Management Team. She became a "scratch agent" in Marquette, Michigan when the opportunity arose. Her husband is in business and Marquette was a good opportunity for her. Starting a "scratch agency" is a real challenge. "Scratch Agents" have no existing accounts. Every bid of business is new business, and it takes a lot of work and determination to succeed.

Kauppila believes that hard work results in success. She says in order to be a success in any business, you need to believe in your company; you need to have great products; and you have to have faith in yourself. After her father retired in Ironwood, the local State Farm struggled to find an agent. When the opportunity came up for Kauppila to "come back home" to Ironwood as the area's State Farm agent, she welcomed the challenge. For the past three years, she's been an Ambassador agent which means she's among the best of State Farm Agents.

Kauppila said her new location will provide approximately 1300 square feet of office space for her agency. An additional 500 square feet at the rear of the building will be created, and that space will be available for rent. Kauppila told the Chronicle that her husband recently took a week off of work, and along with a close friend and his cousin, they gutted the building, removing the old washers, water tanks, etc.

Kauppila called the building a "diamond in the rough." She explained that it is structurally very sound, but it  just needs a facelift. Hiland Construction will be completely remodeling both the interior and the exterior of the building. Entrances to the building will be rearranged, and a new hip roof will be added.

She has two full-time employees: Karen Kowalczyk - Insurance Account Representative  and Cherie Massoglia - Insurance Account Representative. She said she hopes her new location will allow her to expand her agency in the near future.

Kauppila realizes the importance of a local economy. Hiland Construction are her customers. Materials used for the building renovation are purchased locally, and Kauppila is very involved in the community.  She's the SISU Ski Fest Race Director; she a Chamber of Commerce Member;  the Grand View Health System Foundation President; and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ironwood.

Kauppila can be reached at (906) 932-1252; Toll Free: (888) 366-5111; Mobile: (906) 361-5111; Fax: (906) 932-4523; Email pam@pamkauppila.com.  

The State Farm Office Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (any other time by appointment). For more information about Pam Kauppila and the State Farm Agency, check out Pam's website, www.pamkauppila.com.