After 45 years with State Farm, no slowing down for Kilgore

Linda Kilgore (photo above) was hired by State Farm the summer she graduated from college

Since the early 2000s, State Farm Agent Linda Kilgore has been in The Point Shopping Center.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- Like a good neighbor, Linda Kilgore is there. Needless to say, State Farm Insurance has been a good fit, tailor-like, for Kilgore as she marked 45 years with the country’s largest property, casualty and auto insurance provider. Friends and family came and went on Friday as the down to earth Kilgore was celebrated for her milestone.

Linda Kilgore has been with State Farm since 1979.

“I can’t believe it’s been this long. I’ve seen a lot and a lot of changes,” said Kilgore. Upon graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, State Farm was her first job, and she loved it, according to Kilgore.

She was a claims adjuster for 11 years working at Knoxville and, at times, helped with State Farm’s national disaster programs. Ironically, it was that daily drive to Knoxville that drove her to become an agent. “I became an agent to keep from driving to Knoxville every day, and it was the best decision I ever made,” said Kilgore.

Legendary, late State Farm Agent John Brown was Kilgore’s mentor. “John taught me so much, and he was so good to me. One of the things he taught me was to keep my mouth shut when we attended corporate meetings, and I did,” said a laughing Kilgore.

She initially opened her office in the Whiteway Plaza and was there for 12 years. Kilgore calls buying her office space at The Point from Vernon Wright was a good move. She’s been in this location for 22 years.

“I have a great staff of five licensed agents, Jeremy Pierce, Ruthie Pungratz, Callie Sulzberger, Sharon Blum and Carrie Pierce,” said Kilgore. It’s a great office, according to the veteran agent.

Kilgore was all smiles Friday on her special day.

Just like State Farm, Campbell County’s been a good fit for Kilgore. “Campbell County’s been really good to me, and I plan on a lot more years,” said Kilgore. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/29/2024-6AM)