Saving time and money: Wilson Agency's mission is helping people.

• Author: Resz, Heather A.
• Position: 2008 Alaska's Top 49ers: North to the Future

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

When people ask Lon G. Wilson, president of the Wilson Agency, how long he's been in the insurance business, he's ready with what might sound like a standard quip.

"I've been in the business my whole life," he said.

But in Wilson's case, it's more than the short-hand way of explaining that he's president of the business his father Donald G. Wilson started 44 years ago: Don sold his first life insurance policy with New York Life Insurance Co. the day Lon was born.

Since 1964, the two have matured into one of the state's Top 49 Alaska-owned and -operated companies, measured by gross revenues. Located at on A Street in Anchorage, it's the fourth time the Wilson Agency has made the list. It appeared at No. 20 on last year's list.

The Wilson Agency provides brokerage and advisory services for employee benefits, group insurance and financial services. For 2007, the company reported 17 employees and revenues of 147.82 million; up 2.4 percent from 2006 revenues of $144.30 million. Lon Wilson began working with his father in 1989, and in 1991 the two formed the Wilson Agency. By 1995, he had assumed a leadership role with the business and later became principal owner.

"At the end of the day, what we do is help people," he said.

To illustrate his point, Wilson used the story about breaking his clavicle while water-skiing on vacation in August. When he went to the doctor, he was told he'd need surgery to repair the damage.

"I have good insurance, so the financial side isn't a worry," Wilson said.

He said that's the sort of safety net he helps businesses provide employees.

"I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people."

THE BIG PICTURE

Holly Zachman, Wilson Agency's vice president of marketing and business development, said an impressive staff of dedicated professionals has been assembled under Lon Wilson's leadership.

"Our real value is in sitting down with business owners and having a meaningful conversation about how we can help them grow their business," Zachman said. "Over time we have developed a reputation for responding to our clients' needs with innovative solutions."

She said Wilson Agency agents are dedicated to helping business and individuals succeed.

USKH has provided professional design services in architecture, engineering, surveying and planning in Alaska since 1991. USKH President Tim Vig said the company has relied on the Wilson Agency to help it navigate of the insurance since it began doing business in...