LET'S TALK INSURANCE
When it comes to protecting what matters, having the right insurance and the right advisor can make all the difference. In the following pages you'll meet trusted local advisors who offer more than just policies. They offer peace of mind. From home, auto and life insurance, to business coverage and Medicare, these experts are here to guide, explain, and personalize the process every step of the way.
words CATHERINE FREDERICK // image AZRIN_AZIRI SHUTTERSTOCK // SPONSORED CONTENT
LET'S TALK INSURANCE
When it comes to protecting what matters, having the right insurance and the right advisor can make all the difference. In the following pages you'll meet trusted local advisors who offer more than just policies. They offer peace of mind. From home, auto and life insurance, to business coverage and Medicare, these experts are here to guide, explain, and personalize the process every step of the way.
words CATHERINE FREDERICK // image AZRIN_AZIRI SHUTTERSTOCK // SPONSORED CONTENT
BRENT LOVELL SHELTER INSURANCE
If you’ve spent much time in the River Valley, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Brent Lovell, maybe on the sidelines at a Boys Club football game, or at a local event lending a hand. As a longtime Shelter Insurance agent and Fort Smith native, Brent brings a neighborly approach to every policy.
“For me, it’s about keeping things personal,” Brent says. “Every family has different needs, and we do our best to create a plan that fits just right. Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all.”
From auto and home to life insurance and more, Brent offers a full range of coverage options designed to protect what matters most. Whether you’re insuring your first car, your family’s home, or planning ahead with life insurance, he takes time to explain the details and tailor coverage to fit your needs. That focus on relationships is more than just Brent’s style, it’s part of Shelter’s
philosophy. “Shelter encourages us to really get to know our policyholders,” he explains. “When you build that connection, it’s easier to understand exactly how to protect someone.”
One of the biggest blind spots Brent sees? Outdated auto liability limits. “The cost of vehicles today is so different than just a few years ago,” he says. “If you haven’t reviewed your liability coverage in a while, now’s the time.” He also points out that many customers mistakenly believe “full coverage” includes everything. “That term causes confusion, especially when folks realize they don’t have rental reimbursement after an accident.”
Still, Brent says the best part of his job is the people. “This community is full of understanding, courteous folks. If you’re honest, available, and do the right thing, you don’t have to sell anything, people know they can trust you.”
LICENSED SINCE: 2021 LOCATION: Fort Smith, Arkansas SERVICE LINES: Property, Casualty, Life, Health
BHC INSURANCE
For more than a century, BHC Insurance has protected what matters most to families and businesses across Arkansas and Oklahoma. But while their roots run deep, this independent insurance agency isn’t standing still; they’re doubling down on innovation, proactive service, and client relationships that set them apart in today’s fast-changing insurance world.
“As an independent agency, we represent hundreds of insurance carriers,” says Marty Clark, Principal at BHC. “That means we’re not locked into one option. We can shop the marketplace and aggressively negotiate on behalf of our clients. It’s a huge advantage.”
That flexibility is essential, especially in a shifting landscape. In recent years, Arkansans have seen wind and hail deductibles become increasingly common, even on personal policies. Marty and the BHC team not only help clients understand these changes, but they also offer clear, practical guidance, whether it’s adding umbrella coverage, revisiting auto liability limits, or building custom risk management strategies.
“Too many people view insurance as just a requirement,” Marty explains. “We want to change that mindset. We walk clients through their options, explain the risks, and help them build coverage that truly protects what they’ve worked hard to create.”
That education-first approach is a cornerstone of BHC’s model. When new clients come in, Marty says they often underestimate their true exposures, especially when it comes to auto liability or cyber threats. Helping people make informed choices is what sets BHC apart.
“We don’t just want to write a policy. We want to be a partner,” says Marty. “We help our clients understand how to make their business or family look more attractive to the insurance marketplace, because the more we know, the more leverage we have to find them the best coverage at the best rate.”
BHC is also known for delivering when it counts. With an in-house claims team, clients receive hands-on support through every step of the process. When a commercial client recently experienced a total-loss fire, BHC mobilized quickly to help them secure full policy limits and loss-of-income coverage for the duration of their rebuild.
And they don’t stop at reactive support. The agency recently added a full-time Loss Control representative to help business clients reduce claims, improve safety practices, and ultimately lower premiums.
Cyber insurance is another growing concern that BHC is helping businesses navigate. “It used to be that you got robbed when someone broke in and stole something,” Marty notes. “Now, someone can break into your inbox and wreak absolute chaos. Cyber insurance is no longer optional; it’s essential.”
After repurchasing the agency from First Bank Corporation in 2023, BHC is owned and proudly led by two principals, Marty Clark and Shannon Schmidly, and fourteen minority shareholders, two of whom are their sons, Paxton Clark and Graves Schmidly. They’ve also remained one of the region’s top community supporters, serving as a United Way Pacesetter company for twelve consecutive years and providing generous support of both time and money to countless nonprofit organizations in the area.
With offices in Fort Smith, Rogers, Little Rock, Sallisaw, and Poteau, BHC is positioned for strong, sustainable growth that will carry it forward as the next generation of youth at BHC transitions into agency leadership. “We are proud of the re-acquisition of BHC,” Marty says. “It is really hard to perpetuate an insurance agency, but it is this next generation of future owners that we believe will empower us to grow and be the best positioned insurance agency in the state of Arkansas.”
MEDICARE SPECIALIST OF ARKANSAS PRICE INSURANCE SERVICES
For thousands of Arkansans, the excitement of retirement often comes with a dose of confusion, especially when it comes to Medicare. That’s where Medicare Specialist of Arkansas/ Price Insurance Services steps in. With personalized service, year-round support, and deep knowledge of the Medicare landscape, this locally owned agency helps their clients make confident, informed choices about their healthcare coverage.
“According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, more than 673,000 Arkansans are enrolled in Medicare, and that number is only going up,” says Mike Jayroe, owner at Medicare Specialist of Arkansas. “We’re here to make sure they understand what’s available, what fits their budget, and how to protect their health and financial well-being.”
The agency works with Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Prescription Drug Plans, but they also go far beyond enrollment. Their advisors sit down one-on-one with clients, explain the basics in clear language, and help evaluate providers, prescriptions, and plan benefits based on the individual’s unique needs.
“People are often overwhelmed by Medicare the first time they encounter it,” Mike shares. “Our job is to simplify the process and empower people to make the best choices for themselves.”
That mission comes to life through stories like a recent couple who were unknowingly enrolled into a plan over the phone that didn’t fit their needs which raised drug costs and limited access to key providers. A friend recommended they reach out to Medicare Specialist of Arkansas/Price Insurance Services. After sitting down together, the couple found new plans that brought their doctors back in network, made prescriptions more affordable, and offered peace of mind.
“They walked away with peace of mind and relief because they were finally able to talk with someone local, face-to-face, who could help them fix it,” Mike says.
Unlike national call centers or websites, this team offers consistent, year-round support from familiar faces who understand the community and are licensed to explain the fine print. They also stay current on policy changes by attending frequent trainings and webinars, and tracking annual updates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
While the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) is certainly their busiest time, clients are encouraged to review coverage throughout the year, especially after a new diagnosis, change in prescriptions, or life event. The team also helps with supplemental health insurance, life insurance, annuities, dental and vision policies, and even small business health benefits.
“We want people to know that we’re not just a Medicare resource. We also support families, individuals, and business owners looking for smart, affordable insurance solutions,” Mike explains. “No matter your stage of life, we can help you protect what matters most.”
A common misconception the team works hard to clear up? Misleading advertisements and scam phone calls promising “extra benefits” or offering enrollment outside approved periods. Mike’s advice: Always verify those messages with a licensed, local advisor.
“Our clients deserve to feel confident, not confused, when it comes to their coverage,” says Mike. “That’s why we take the time to educate, support, and truly listen. For us, it’s about more than policies, it’s about people.”
DON’T HAVE TO BE OVERWHELMING, WITH THE RIGHT TEAM, IT ALL MAKES SENSE.
BRENT LOVELL SHELTER INSURANCE EXPERT: BRENT LOVELL
Q: What advice do you have for someone buying life insurance for the first time?
A: Term life insurance is an affordable starting point for young families, but don’t overlook permanent life insurance. When a term policy runs out, it’s important to have a long-term solution in place. Permanent policies can offer added peace of mind down the road.
EXPERT ADVICE
Life Happens. Be Ready.
When it comes to insurance, it’s easy to focus on what you need now, but the real value of a good agent shows up when the unexpected happens. We asked three trusted local experts for practical advice on navigating life, Medicare, and the whatifs you never see coming. Whether you’re buying your first policy or reassessing your current coverage, these professionals offer insight that can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Q: What’s one thing people should look for in an insurance agent beyond just price and coverage?
A: Honesty and communication. You want someone who’s not just there when you sign the policy, but who checks in, explains changes, and helps when things go wrong. It’s important to have someone who treats you like a person, not a policy.
Q: What’s one simple way people can better prepare for filing a future insurance claim?
A: Documentation is key. Keep an inventory with photos or videos of belongings, especially bigticket items. Document receipts and make a note of serial numbers. It might seem like overkill now, but if you ever have to file a claim, having that information ready can speed up the process.
BHC INSURANCE EXPERT: MARTY
CLARK
Q: What’s one area of coverage you wish more people took the time to understand?
A: I always encourage clients to think in terms of worst-case scenario. In my 30+ years in the business, I’ve seen some of the strangest claims—things you'd never imagine could happen. That’s why it's so important to have the right protections in place before you need them. Insurance is there to cover the unexpected, and the unexpected can be very real.
Q: When should someone re-shop or update their policy, even if they’re happy with their coverage?
A: If you don’t have an agency that is working closely with you to update and evaluate exposures, you need to get a second opinion. A good agent is proactive, not just reactive, and makes sure you’re still properly covered as life evolves.
Q: What’s the biggest advantage of working with a local, independent agent?
A: It is primarily the fact that we represent many different insurance carriers and are not limited to just one option. Because of this, we leverage the marketplace to serve you, not one particular carrier.
PRICE
INSURANCE SERVICES
MEDICARE SPECIALIST OF ARKANSAS EXPERT: MIKE JAYROE
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone turning 65 this year?
A: Start the process early—ideally 3 to 6 months before your 65th birthday. Don’t assume a onesize-fits-all plan will work. Everyone’s health needs and budget are different. A quick conversation with a local Medicare advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes and find the plan that’s right for you.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake you see people make with Medicare plans?
A: Assuming Medicare covers everything. It doesn’t automatically include things like prescriptions, dental, or vision. And too many people stick with the same plan year after year without checking for changes in premiums or networks. That can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs or reduced access to care. Reviewing your plan annually is key.
Q: If someone is already enrolled, what should they review before the next Annual Election Period?
A: Three things: your current plan’s costs for the upcoming year, your changing healthcare or prescription needs, and your provider and pharmacy network. Plans can and do change every year, and what worked last year may not be your best option next year. That’s why we encourage an annual faceto-face review with a local specialist.