Three insurance agencies merge into one

Three Houston insurance agencies have been purchased and merged to form a Houston affiliate of a St. Robert insurance business.

Under a deal finalized Dec. 1., S&R Insurance in St. Robert has acquired one of Houston’s longest continually operating businesses, Mitchell Insurance Agency LLC; and two other firms, Kyle Smith Insurance and Smith Insurance Services LLC on West Highway 17. The combined businesses will operate from the Kyle Smith location at South Sam Houston Blvd. and First Street in Houston.

Ivan and Betty Mitchell founded the business that bears their name in 1949. They were followed by son, Brad, and later Michael “Shane” Mitchell and Matthew “Scooter” Mitchell. The agency manager, Lori Moncrief, will continue with the combined businesses. She worked for the Mitchells for 32 years. Kyle Smith has about 28 years in the insurance business and he’ll also remain.

S&R Insurance’s owner, Steve Rees, has family ties to this area. Rees, who has been in the business for about 30 years, is the nephew of Dewayne Rees of Houston.

Rees said he is looking forward to serving the area, and he places an importance on service. He will also be able to bring more insurance lines to the current lineup to assist residents.