In the insurance world, policies and coverages may define our work, but it’s the people who define our purpose. At Rathbun Insurance, our guiding principle has always been "Being There Matters Most." Few embodied that philosophy more than my grandpa, Gene Rathbun, whose legacy of genuine connection, mentorship, and service continues to shape our agency today.

From Underwriter to Leader

Gene didn’t start Rathbun Insurance—his brothers did in 1956—but when he joined the agency a decade later, he helped shape its future. Before coming on board, Gene worked at Michigan Millers as a commercial underwriter, where he played a role in writing their first Businessowners Policy (BOP) form in the 1960s. Even then, he was a builder—of policies, relationships, and trust.

While he had a strong technical background in insurance, what made him exceptional wasn’t just his knowledge; it was his approach. He believed insurance was about more than just writing policies—it was about building relationships, protecting livelihoods, and being a trusted partner in people’s lives.

A People-First Approach

Insurance isn’t just about risk management; it’s about people. Gene understood this deeply. He was a people person through and through, investing in others in a way that set Rathbun Insurance apart from other agencies. He was hands-on, getting to know people beyond their policies—whether they were employees, clients, or members of the Lansing community.

One of the most enduring memories people share about Gene is how he would visit families when their kids turned 16, sitting at their kitchen tables, guiding them through the process of adding their new drivers to their insurance. He wasn’t just an agent; he was a trusted presence in people’s lives. He believed in showing up, listening, and being a steady hand when people needed him most.

A Leader Who Built for the Future

Gene’s leadership wasn’t about hierarchy; it was about relationships. He took pride in taking care of his staff, ensuring they felt valued and supported. He believed in building something lasting—not just a business, but a legacy. That legacy was most visible in his pride for his son, who took over after him, and in watching his grandson continue to carry the torch forward.

Gene understood that the success of a business wasn’t measured just in revenue or policies written—it was measured in the people who made it thrive. He invested in his team, mentored young professionals, and made sure Rathbun Insurance wasn’t just a place of work, but a place of purpose.

Living Our Core Values

The culture Gene cultivated still lives on in the values we uphold at Rathbun Insurance today. More than words, these principles guided how he led, how he served, and how he showed up for others every single day.

• Give It Away To Keep It – The more we give, the stronger our community becomes. Gene believed that generosity was the foundation of meaningful success. Whether it was taking the time to mentor a young agent, helping a client navigate a difficult claim, or supporting local causes, he understood that the best way to grow something was to share it freely. His philosophy was simple: when you invest in others, success follows.

• Be The Solution – We don’t just sell insurance; we solve problems. Gene never left people with unanswered questions or uncertainty. If a client was worried about coverage, he would take the time—whether that meant an extra phone call, a visit to their home, or walking them through every detail until they felt confident and secure. He believed in proactive service.

• Play For Each Other – We succeed as a team, not as individuals. Gene saw his staff as family and treated them with the same level of care and respect. He made sure his employees felt valued, listened to, and supported in their careers and personal lives. If someone was struggling, he was the first to step in, offering guidance or a helping hand. He knew that a strong team wasn’t just about talent—it was about trust and mutual support.

• Question Everything – The best way forward is to always look for a better way. Gene never settled for “the way things have always been done.” He encouraged innovation and curiosity. He asked the hard questions, pushed for better solutions, and made sure the agency stayed ahead of the curve. He believed that excellence wasn’t about complacency—it was about continuous growth.

Gene didn’t just believe in these values—he embodied them. Through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering presence, he built a foundation that still defines Rathbun Insurance today.

A Lasting Presence

My grandpa's impact wasn’t measured in policies written but in the lives he touched. He was present—fully, genuinely, and wholeheartedly. He built something that wasn’t just an insurance agency, but a family business rooted in service and care. Today, as we continue his work, we honor his legacy not just by remembering him, but by living the values he stood for.

At Rathbun Insurance, being there still matters most. Just as it did for Gene.