Billboard Accuses Local Insurance Agents Of Anti-Social Behavior

By HOLLY ABRAHAM

"Greg Bauman is one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet," says local Allstate agent Jeremy Ferrari. "Why Greg would think that other insurance agents don't want people to meet him is beyond me."


The billboard in question. Regurgitator photo: Mason Swirling

According to Ferrari and several other area insurance agents, Bauman has falsely accused his competition of anti-social behavior for over six months. According to Ferrari, the location of the sign makes the accusation especially egregious. The sign is posted near the Sandusky area YMCA on Perkins Ave., "This is a high traffic area with approximately 10,000 drivers passing by it each day. It's in a pretty busy location," said Ferrari. "It falsely claims that we don't want our clients to ever make Greg's acquaintance, which is absolutely untrue." "If one of my clients wants to meet Greg, that's not a problem. His phone number is right on the billboard," added Ferrari.

Other agents are worried that the billboard is harming the insurance industry's reputation. "For a business built on personal relationships I think that billboard is giving us a bad name," said Prudential Life insurance agent Kent Stevens. "I've met Greg on several occassions and we were very cordial to each other. Up until today, I'd never imagine that Greg would accuse me of such bad manners."

Stevens has over 600 clients who carry either life, home, car and boat insurance in the Sandusky area. He claims to be very open about finding the best insurance service for each client's needs. "Greg is a really nice guy. If you ever get a chance to meet him, let him know I said hello," Stevens added.

Bauman Insurance Services could not be reached for comment.