By: Erin Freeman | Lynnwood Times Staff
Mukilteo, WA- Farmers Insurance – Michael Dixon celebrated its grand opening on September 14 with employees from the company and Mayor Jennifer Gregerson.
Farmers Insurance is an American insurer group of automobiles, homes, life, pets, and small businesses. It also provides other insurance and financial services products.
Mike Dixon, agent-owner, is a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and has been a resident of Mukilteo for thirteen years. Dixon Insurance Agency was established when he began assessing different business opportunities. Dixon says it spoke to him to open a Farmers Insurance branch, due to the company’s emphasis on community involvement and local presence of their agents.
“It’s heartwarming work when you can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Dixon. “[Insurance] is a good product, it’s a necessary product.”
Holding a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dixon ventured into a 30-year corporate business career, working in several managerial roles for different companies, the last being the aerospace industry. In April, when coronavirus-induced impacts hit the aerospace industry, Dixon was part of his former company’s third round of layoffs.
“I was thinking about what my next step would be,” he said. “We’ve been here for a while and are very active in the community. I was feeling like contributing more in the community, so the opportunity to open my own small business based in Mukilteo was very appealing.”
“Congratulations on your new office, we’re happy to have you in Mukilteo,” remarked Mayor Gregerson to Dixon during the event. “Thank you so much for investing and deciding to launch your business here.”
The logistics of starting a new business came naturally to Dixon. His education, and past career opportunities proving to be steppingstones into this new opportunity. COVID-19 circumstances just proved to be the opportunity to do so, says Dixon.
“The layoff was a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to rebalance my life,” said Dixon. “I didn’t sit around in despair; I took action. I took decisive action and I took it quickly.”
Dixon Insurance Agency is excited to be an integral part of the Mukilteo community. The new office is located on 5th Street, right above John’s Grill in the heart of Old Town Mukilteo.
“We’re open; we’re open seven days a week,” said Dixon. “My personal philosophy in the business is to treat people like they’re my neighbor and that’s because you are.”
