By Katy Frantz

Doug Cooper recently opened the doors to his own insurance business – The Doug Cooper Agency, located at 783 E. Main St., Westfield – but arriving at this point was an unpredictable journey for the Cooper family.

Last November, Cooper was hospitalized with an isolated case of acute renal failure due to a common cold.

“I had two little boys and no life insurance – I was thinking about becoming a life insurance agent anyway – and it solidified that I was doing the right thing,” he said.

During his three months of recovery Cooper gained “insurance knowledge and licensing” and chose an agency to work with. Cooper’s agency is a branch of American Family Insurance, a company which started in rural Wisconsin in 1927.

The No. 1 priority of his business is “making sure that every customer receives respect” and is treated with the greatest possible customer service.

“My passion and privilege is to help educate families on insurance,” Cooper said.

Cooper understands that no one likes life insurance, but that it is necessary and useful when the unexpected happens.

“Having a personal insurance agent is valuable, because you get the education. You know what you are buying and know you are covered well,” he said.

One of Cooper’s goals in his business is to be present when customers are dealing with catastrophic loss.

“One of the things that is very important to me is – whenever humanely possible – to physically be there on site and taking that burden off of the customer, filing the claim for them, walking them through the process, making sure they have the means for living until their home is rebuilt,” he said.

Cooper will work with people in whatever setting they are comfortable – over the phone, in the office or through text or email.

“We don’t expect your business,” he said, “although we would like to ask for an opportunity to earn it.”

Cooper has lived with his wife and two boys in Westfield for four years, and is getting involved in the community. He is a member of the Westfield Rotary Club and volunteers with his church and Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s not just about selling insurance,” said Cooper. “I want to be out in the community, helping people.”