Not many women will tell you they followed in their father’s footsteps for a career, but Ann Percy did.
She ended up becoming Troy’s original Good Neighbor.
Growing up in Battle Creek, Ann loved that her Dad was one of the few fathers that could take part in her elementary school activities. Bob Gronewold was a State Farm Insurance agent and, as his own boss, he had flexibility with his job. That appealed to Ann. After a career in sales, she finally listened to her dad and became a State Farm agent.
“Over the years, as our careers overlapped, it was so special being able to attend meetings and conventions with my Dad, plus soak up all of his advice and knowledge,” Ann says. “I’ll always treasure those memories during the 10 years we both worked for State Farm. Years later when my Dad visited my State Farm office, his important advice was to vacuum the office every day.”
His expertise helped, but she had to do the hard work. “I started my agency from scratch in 1990, with three to six home visits each day. I could estimate a policy quicker by hand than on a computer.”
Ann is now in her 34th year with State Farm. She specializes in policy reviews – going over your coverage to find gaps in what you have and what you actually need. “I’m looking to grow relationships with people who want an agent who offers advice as your family grows and your lives change.”
Ann has clients for whom she wrote policies 30 years ago and others who gave her baby gifts when she was pregnant with her children – Jack and Allie, now ages 27 and 23. Jack is a CPA with Doeren Mayhew; Allie works in Chicago in supply chain.
When Ann and her family moved to Troy in 2004, they found a great neighborhood near Schroeder Elementary School with lots of kids, the perfect place to raise their own children. As Ann’s State Farm insurance agency grew (she’s on her third Troy location, now at 4104 John R Road), she found time to volunteer at Jack and Allie’s schools plus teach Sunday School at their church.
But while the business grew, her family life went through some rough times. Her husband died suddenly in 2011. Ann’s strength and determination helped her as a now-single, working mom.
It was at Athens High School that Ann first met Bob Dowd, her son Jack’s travel lacrosse coach. To her surprise, Bob was also Athens’ assistant principal and athletic director; he coached in his spare time. Sometime later, Bob stopped by Ann’s office to talk about insurance coverage – or so she thought. She didn’t realize he was there to see her.
One thing led to another. Their friendship grew and they married in 2018, after her children graduated from high school. Bob has a daughter Elizabeth and son Chris.
Bob is well known around the Athens community, especially for his smoked brisket sold at the sports concession stands. The Athens High Boosters take pride in their concessions being named one of the best of all local high schools by the Detroit Free Press, and they even have a sandwich named after Bob, the Bobby D Burger. Bob retired from Athens last year but still plans on coaching and might be talked into smoking more brisket in the fall.
For now, Ann and Bob winter in Florida with their two dogs, Beau and Chloe.
“I prefer to be in the office, but I do love the flexibility of remote work, especially this winter, as I recover from hip surgery. Plus, while working remotely, I have complete faith in my staff, office manager Kellie Setelia and agent Janelle Turnas, both licensed State Farm agents.”
Ann loves giving back to the Troy community, following the example of her mom, Judy, who volunteered as she raised Ann and her three siblings. Ann joined the Troy Chamber of Commerce a number of years ago and the Boys & Girls Club of Troy Board in 2018. A lover of history, Ann is now focused on sponsoring and participating in Troy Historic Village events such as Troy Traffic Jam, Scarecrow Row, Victorian Christmas and other annual events.
She is a true leader, focused on her clients, her community, and her family. Like a good neighbor … Ann Percy is here!
Visit annpercyagent.com or call (248) 879-9690.
“Over the years, as our careers overlapped, it was so special being able to attend meetings and conventions with my Dad, plus soak up all of his advice and knowledge.”
