Name of Business: State Farm Insurance

Street address: 1200 B Armory Drive Franklin

Phone number: 562-2020

Operating hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and evenings by appointment

WEB address: www.pattyrhodes.com

Nature of business: Insurance and financial services

PERSON FEATURED AND title: Patty Rhodes, agent

Year founded: We officially opened our doors for business on Aug. 3.

Number of employees: I have one phenomenal employee so far — Betty Anne Beard — who also has several years of insurance and customer service experience.

How’s business? It’s going to be wonderful.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: I worked for State Farm for 20 years prior to opening up Pleasure Island Salon. I want to assure the community that I am 100 percent confident with all of State Farm’s products and procedures and am eager to work with individuals and families to protect their most precious possessions.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: Customer service second-to-none. In this day and time when everything else seems to be increasing , customer service seems to be decreasing. Price is important to everyone, and, unfortunately insurance is a product that most people have to have. I’m “old-school” and customer service is of the utmost importance to me and my office. We all need to understand that the customer is the sole purpose that we are here.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Nothing in life is free. If you want something , go after it. It’s not going to just land in your lap and, if it does, it wouldn’t mean the same anyway. Work hard for what you want. It makes you appreciate it that much more.

Your first job: My first full-time job was with State Farm.

The key to a successful business is: Balance — being able to balance your personal and professional life, giving each the attention and care it deserves. Take care of your family and take care of your customers and employees. If you take care of them, they will take care of you.