Staff Biographies - Tillman Insurance Agency, Inc.

Hamilton Tillman, CIC CRM

Hamilton graduated with a bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia in 1981. He majored in Risk Management and Insurance. Hamilton completed his Certified Insurance Counselors program in 1984 and in 2002 earned his Certified Risk Manager Designation. He is a past president of the Lowndes County Independent Insurance Agents and a former State Board Member. His primary interest within the agency is Business Insurance Including Construction, Bonds.

Dan Tillman, CIC

Dan is a graduate of Valdoasta High School and Valdosta State University. In 19954 he compeleted the Certified Insurance Counselor Program. He is currently the President of the Lowndes County Indepentdent Insurance Agents and a past member of the Executive board for the young Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. His primary interests within the agency are Gerneral Business, Trucking & Personal Insurance.

Nikki Ellis

Nikki M. Ellis graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing and has been with Tillman Insurance Agency since 2003. She is a licensed insurance agent and is currently working towards her Certified Insurance Counselor. Nikki’s primary focus is commercial insurance but works closely with individual clients as well. She and her husband currently resides in Hahira, GA, where she is an active member of the community through the Hahira Lions Club.

Our History - Tillman Insurance Agency, Inc.

The Tillman Insurance Agency began in 1912, when Winston McKey opened the McKey Insurance Company in downtown Valdosta. The office was located on the fourth floor of the McKey Building at 101 E. Central Avenue. Winston McKey's original contract was with The United State Fidelity and Guaranty Company which was one of the finest companies operating in America. In 1937, Mr. McKey's nephew, I.H. "Zeke" Tillman joined the company. He graduated from Georgia Tech and had spent the previous 17 years as a banker. When he joined the company, the business changed its name to the McKey-Tillman Insurance Company. Winston McKey retired in 1945 and Zeke Tillman became the sole owner. Zeke moved the business to a ground floor office at the corner of E. Central Avenue and McKey Street.

Hit & Run

Our insured was hit by an 18 wheeler that did not even slow down. The driver and passenger were wearing seatbelts and walked away with minor injures. The claim was paid under the un-insured motorist coverage in the auto policy. Large image

In 1954, Zeke Tillman was joined by his son, I.H. "Bubber" Tillman Jr. Bubber Tillman had graduated from the University of Georgia and had been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. By 1969 the agency had grown and needed more office space, so the business was moved to 502 N. Ashley St. and became the Tillman Insurance Agency. Zeke Tillman retired in 1977 at the age of 80.

Bubber's son, Hamilton Tillman joined the agency in 1982 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a BBA in Risk Management and Insurance. Prior to joining the agency, Hamilton worked as an underwriter for the Commerical Union Insurance Compnay in Boston, MA. In 1984, Hamilton became a Certified Insurance Counselor and completed the Certified Risk Manager's Program in 2002. There are less than a thousand Certified Risk Managers in the country.

In 1992, Bubber's youngest son, Dan Tillman joined the agency after graduating from Valdosta State University . Dan finished the Certified Insurance Counselor's program in 1995. Dan is currently President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Lowndes County and is a broad member of the state association.

Bubber Tillman semi-retired in 1995 upon selling the agency to Hamilton and Dan Tillman. Bubber is still active around the Tillman Insurance Agency.

In 2004, Hamilton and Dan Tillman moved the location of the business to it's current location, 3964 Old U.S. Hwy 41 North. What started as a one man agency with one Insurance Company contract in 1912 has developed into the Tillman Insurance Agency with over fifteen direct contracts and access to hundreds of insurance companies.

Key to TIA's success is our ability to build enduring relationships with our customers. Founded in 1912 on the principles of service and integrity, TIA will continue to adhere to this philosophy. In building relationships with both our clients and the insurance industry, the principles of exceptional service and integrity will be our guide.