Katie Grimes’ family has been in Marion for generations. She was born here to Michael and Mary Anne (Frericks) Grimes. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School before graduating from Harding High School in 2001.
“I’ve always had extreme love for Marion,” Grimes said.
Grimes went to the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She taught high school in in Chicago before moving to Philadelphia to become a tenured professor of theology at Villanova University. However, the bright lights of big cities didn’t compare to her hometown.
“It was always a dream of mine to move back to Marion,” Grimes said. “Once we started having kids, that feeling intensified. Why are we living so far away from family?”
Grimes and her family moved home.
“It is worth it so my kids can spend Saturdays with their grandma,” Grimes said.
While her children Samuel, Seamus, Mara, and Rory are enjoying being spoiled by their extended family, Grimes also wanted to be a part of Marion’s growing business community. She decided to change careers and follow her father’s footsteps into the insurance industry.
Shamrock Insurance
In 1987, Michael Grimes bought McAndrew Insurance Agency, which had served Marion since World War II. The Irishman renamed it Shamrock Insurance. He continued its family-owned, independent tradition until his death in 2019. Katie is glad to follow in her father’s footsteps.
“I’ve fallen in love with insurance,” Grimes said. “Dad valued and loved our community.”
Katie Grimes managed both her father’s business at 114 W. Church Street in Marion and Herr Insurance Agency at 419 E. Church Street, for several years. Herr is another independent, locally-owned agency founded/managed by Bob Herr. A few weeks ago, she bought both businesses.
“I’m a product of Marion’s past. I’m all in on Marion’s future,” Grimes said.
Family Tradition Continues
Grimes and her team continue the 75-year tradition of serving Marion residents by offering property, casualty, home, auto, rental and commercial insurance. She and her team provide personal service and attention to their clients.
“Marion has a wonderfully diverse community with people from all ages and walks of life. We try to meet the customer where they are,” Grimes said. “We don’t judge if you have had driving mistakes and have to carry extra driving insurance.”
Grimes prides herself on her integrity. She and her team take time to explain different coverage and pricing options.
“We want to educate the buyer about what they are getting. While a lot of people are shopping for the best prices, many don’t realize that lower prices can mean less coverage until they have a claim,” Grimes said. “I don’t want anyone to get a surprise when they are dealing with a stressful situation.”
Others agree.
“It doesn’t pay to go cheap on insurance,” said local life insurance agent Marty Stansbery. “If you’re underinsured and you have to file a claim, it can set your family or your business back years.”
Diane Watson has known Katie Grimes for decades.
“I’ve known Katie forever,” Watson said. “It’s great to hear of someone coming back home, being drawn back to our community.”
“I don’t just want to raise my kids here but to be a part of the community and ensure Marion’s future,” Grimes said.
More Information
For more information, call Katie Grimes and the Shamrock Insurance team at (740) 382-3516 or go to https://shamrockmarion.com. The Herr Insurance Agency can be reached at (740) 383-3333 or https://herrinsurance.com.
