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The newest business in town, Bradley Van Pelt State Farm, celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning. The business is located at 305 West Haralson Street, Suite 300 in Lagrange. 

The LaGrange-Troup Chamber of Commerce organized the event for its new members.

“We’re super excited to be here and in LaGrange and really looking forward to representing a company like State Farm,” Van Pelt said. “We’ve got 13 years of experience combined, and look forward to serving this community for years to come.”

The agent comes to LaGrange from Pensacola, Florida where he had worked from a larger State Farm Firm for five years. 

“It’s kind of a funny story,” he said 

With a background in finance, the insurance business was not on his mind when starting his career. However, he was introduced to his soon-to-be boss through a mutual friend. He was soon hired into a large State Farm firm, which according to Van Pelt, put an emphasis on developing their agents into business owners. 

“I’ve enjoyed it…getting to help people protect what is most important to them.”

After five years at the firm, an opening became available in LaGrange. He said he had wanted to start his own business, and after visiting LaGrange, Van Pelt knew it was the right place at the right time. 

“It felt like home,” he said. “We have been getting out in the community, joining organizations like the Chamber and everyone has been so welcoming.”

The small staff of three has been reaching out to the existing clients and welcomes the community to come to their 305 West Haralson Street location to get to know the new business.