History of Post Insurance: Bob Post, Founder

Message from Founder, Bob Post, on the 45th Anniversary of Post Insurance

Dear Client & Friend,

I wish to express my most sincere 'Thanks!' to all our friends, near and far, for your many years of support. 

2024 represents both the 45^th Anniversary of Post Insurance and our 55^th Anniversary as residents of Port St. Lucie.  It's hard to believe it's been that long since I took a bold commitment in this infant community at the urging of my wife and friends to start the agency in my living room in 1979. 

Using the knowledge I had gained as a Field Claims Representative for another major insurer, I felt I had more to offer.  My desire to start my own agency was to offer unique service based on personal contact, education, house calls, and being a trusted person you could call when you just weren't sure what to do.

My eldest daughter, Kathy, joined the agency in 1985 and later owner of the business upon my retirement in 2007.  She was joined by my youngest daughter, Becky, in 2003 to oversee Business Operations.  Most recently, we're thrilled to have my granddaughter, Kassia, get her insurance license and express an interest in also learning the 'family' business.  How wonderful to have 3 generations working together to serve our community! 

As time passed, our own young clients married and started families.  They recommended us to their friends and families.  Now 45 years later, we're proud to have the third generation of many of those original families too! 

Only 25% of small businesses succeed for more than 5 years.  I look back with pride on that decision to leave a comfortable job and embark on a career that has had a positive change on the lives of so many.  Of course none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for you.  From our oldest and dearest friends, to our newest just joining us, the growth and continued success of Post Insurance is thanks to you, our incredibly loyal and dedicated staff, and loving support of our family.

In friendship and gratitude,

Bob Post

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Bob Post Bio

As a 2^nd Generation Florida Native, Bob grew up in the nation's "oldest city", St. Augustine, and is the eldest of 6 brothers and sisters. Bob's unusual first name "Onno," came from his paternal grandfather Onno Post, a Dutch immigrant who came to America at age 18, and eventually found his life's calling as a toolmaker with Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad at the turn of the century. Bob's father, Cornelius, followed in his Dad's footsteps, and for 28 years was a blacksmith with the Florida East Coast Railroad. In later years Cornelius served as the Superintendent of Maintenance at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. Bob's mother worked as the church secretary and worked hard to take care of the house and family.

At an early age, Bob was encouraged by his father to "work with your head, not with your hands". Neither Onno nor Cornelius wanted to see Bob follow in their footsteps of tedious manual labor. Instead, they encouraged him to use brains and wit to succeed.

After high school, Bob attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. He completed two years and then transferred to East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee where he received Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and English in 1967. While there, in 1966, he met and married his wife L. M. "Butch" Pardue Post, a Johnson City native.

Seeking to move back to the warmth of Florida, Bob and "Butch" moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1967 where Bob planned to work in the Public High School system as an English teacher and Guidance Counselor. However, social turmoil in the schools forced Bob to seek a different career path. He took a sales job with an old friend from Connecticut, and sold office copiers and printing machines. Tired of the cutthroat marketing environment in South Florida, Bob made another career change in late 1968, becoming a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance. After having their first daughter, Kathy, and their son, Rob, they ventured north to the small bedroom-community of Port St. Lucie in 1968. Their youngest daughter, Becky, was born in 1974 and not long after 'Butch' became a licensed real estate agent.  With the encouragement of his State Farm Agency friends and support of his wife, Bob decided to better use his sales skills and sincere desire to help people by transitioning from claims adjustor to insurance agent. He opened the O R. Post Agency, hired exclusively to represent Nationwide Insurance, in 1979.  For new people moving to the area, Bob and 'Butch' were the people to reach out to.  Not only did they help people find and insure their new home, they welcomed them into the area, connected folks with other resources, and gave them their first sense of community.

      

Initially Port St. Lucie seemed like a step back in time, with folk commuting around its dirt roads on horseback. Although the population of Port St Lucie was but 400 when the Posts arrived, by 1979 there were 15,000 residents. Bob and 'Butch' were deeply involved in helping shape the future of this small community. Together they served many organizations including President of the Jaycees, School Advisory Board, March of Dimes, Little League Board of Directors, Director of the Port St Lucie Volunteer Ambulance Service, and served as charter Chairman of the City Parks and Recreation Board. Below is a marketing brochure advertising the River Park neighborhood and a picture of early residents gathered at a community Easter Egg Hunt at the River Park Marina on Prima Vista Blvd.  The Post Family was recognized for their contributions during the celebration of City of PSL's 50th Anniversary as the 'Post Pioneers.'

  

            

Bob devoted his professional career to making sure his customers had the proper protection they'd need after a loss.  He was honored by Nationwide Insurance with multiple honors and awards.  After 27 years,  Bob retired from the agency in 2006.  Florida Senate President, Ken Pruitt, honored Bob with a Senate Resolution and Medallion for his service to St. Lucie County.  With daughter Kathy at the helm securing the legacy of his vision and daughter Becky focused on keeping the agency operationally competitive, Bob knew he was leaving the business in good hands. 

   

Bob's hobbies include traveling in his motorhome with his wife 'Butch', playing golf, fishing, photography, spending time with his grandchildren and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.  When not traveling, he can be seen in the office a few times a week working on his memoirs and photographs.