Our History
Essigmann & Associates, Inc
Founder Christopher Essigmann began his insurance career as a Nationwide agent before spreading his wings and launching his own independent agency in 2011. As the agency grew, so did its reach—expanding from Cobb County to serving clients in more than 30 states nationwide.
In 2015, Essigmann & Associates welcomed the Bush Insurance Agency into the flock. Founded in Cedartown, Georgia in 1995 by David and Tammy Bush, Bush Insurance was built on strong family values and personal service. Chris Essigmann shared those same values, ensuring the family-focused atmosphere and hands-on customer care continued without missing a beat.
In 2017, the Russell Menegigian Insurance Agency joined the nest, further strengthening Essigmann & Associates and allowing the agency to soar even higher while continuing to deliver the personal service clients have come to trust.
Byrd Insurance Agency, Inc.
Established in 1910 by W. F. Byrd, Sr., Byrd Insurance Agency proudly holds the title of the oldest independent insurance agency in Paulding County. Over the years, our agency has grown, evolved, and occasionally had a few birds fly the coop—but our commitment to our community has never changed.
Important Byrd Milestones:
- 1950 – The agency was sold to Mrs. Mary W. Thornton
- 1978 – Mr. George Williams joined the agency and later purchased it
- 1980 – Mr. James Raney joined and soon became the sole owner
- 1989 – J. Mark Raney and Joseph H. Raney joined the agency alongside their father
- 1990 – James Raney flew the coop, and Joe and Mark took over, relocating the agency to Hiram, GA
- 1999 – Mrs. Madge Lovingood joined the flock to lead the Commercial Department
- 2014 – Mark Raney flew the coop to spend more time with his grandkids; Madge took over the nest and continues to operate the agency out of Hiram, GA
- 2015 – Crowder & Fuller Agency joined our nest and became part of the Byrd flock
- 2023 – Byrd Insurance spread its wings by acquiring Dean Agency in Villa Rica, GA—giving us two locations and even more ways to serve our clients
From humble beginnings to a growing Georgia-wide presence, Byrd & Essigmann Insurance continues to do what it’s always done best: protect our clients, strengthen our community, and keep a watchful eye on what matters most.