About Us
Our Story
The first owner that we have a record of is Thomas Perfect in 1876. Henry Waddell succeeded him in ownership in 1886 and by C.E. Wood in 1898. Mr. Wood formed a partnership with John Q. Rhoads and Frank Kirkpatrick. C.E. Wood sold out to his two partners, and in 1905 John Q. Rhoads became the sole proprietor of the Ohio Farmers Hillsboro Agency. In 1909 he sold out to Raymond Kirkpatrick, the agent in 1913 when Charles McNeil took over the reins. In 1919 Walter B. Hilliard bought the business and hired Miss Blangie Wilkin to be his secretary. Mr. Hilliard and his son, Richard, were in business until Richard died in 1938.
After Richard's death, Mr. Hilliard opted for early retirement, and he gave Miss Blangie the first option to buy. She asked her brother, Henry N. Wilkin, to join her in business, thereby forming the first Wilkin-Wilkin Agency. John C. Wilkin joined with his father and his aunt in 1945. In 1945, Miss Blangie had a stroke and sold her share of the business to her nephew, John. John became the sole owner at the death of his father in 1963. His son, John Jr., joined the agency in 1973. John Sr. died in 1982, and his wife, Betty, and his daughter, Mary Wilkin Hamilton, joined the agency. John Jr. (Buck) passed away in 2022 and Betty in 2020. The agency is now owned by Mary Wilkin Hamilton and Ben Howland.
Wilkin-Wilkin Insurance Agency was appointed as an independent agent representing Westfield Insurance in 1939. Both companies are proud of this 80-year relationship and remain committed to providing their customers with the best service possible.
Our Team
Ben Howland
Co-Principal
I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1995. There I met my wife, Jennifer Wilkin. We have two daughters Ellie and Paige and a son Ryan. We moved to Hillsboro, and I joined Wilkin-Wilkin Ins in 2003. Hillsboro is a wonderful place to call home and our family loves everything it offers. Mary Hamilton and I are co-principal owners of the office, and both reside here and love helping the residents of Highland and surrounding counties. If you need anything you can give our office a call and an agent will answer.
Mary Wilkin Hamilton
Co-Principal
I moved back to Hillsboro and joined my families business in 1982. I currently have been licensed for 42 years. I worked many years with my brother John (Buck) and mother Betty until their passing in 2022 and 2020.
Erin Blankenship
Insurance Agent
I have been employed with Wilkin-Wilkin Insurance since May of 1997. I received my agent's license in Ohio in May of 2000. I am married with two children. I enjoy working with property and casualty insurance. Feel free to call or email for a quote.
Amanda Shoemaker
Insurance Agent
I have been at Wilkin-Wikin Insurance since October of 2015, specializing in farm insurance. I was rasied on a farm and graduated from The Ohio State University ATI. My husband Clint and I have two sons. Give me a call for any of your insurance needs.
Bennett Hunter
Insurance Agent
I am a 2010 graduate from Wilmington College and earned a Masters Degree from Grand Canyon University. I live in Hillsboro with my wife Amanda, and our two children. I joined Wilkin-Wilkin as an agent in 2019. I am licensed to sell personal and commercial lines as well as life insurance. Please call or email me anytime for all your insurance needs.