Willis Murphy Advantage Insurance

When Mark Willis bought an insurance agency in the late 1990s, it was still in its infancy — basically, a single computer in an empty office, he says.

Murphy Willis Advantage Insurance grew through years of acquisitions and hard work — first forging niches in manufacturing and hospitality, and then expanding into restaurants and commercial property. Mark grew his staff, too, and worked to build a culture built on respect and relationships.

“We have very low turnover because we try to create a stress-free environment,” Mark says. “When someone goes on vacation, the rest of the staff makes sure there’s not a big pile of work sitting on their desk when they come back. They do that because they know the favor will be returned. I employ one more people than I should for that reason, but it makes everyone happy.”

Willis Murphy Advantage has banked with LCNB since the beginning. Mark describes the relationship as "birds of a feather." His primary business banker, Clint Day, has been helpful and responsive, quick to answer the phone or return any call within the hour.

The real value, Mark says, has been in having a bank that knows you and understands your business.

“I just have a general confidence that even if I couldn’t get ahold of Clint, I could still accomplish what I needed to accomplish,” Mark says. “Our relationships with our clients are similar to how LCNB operates. We come in and tell the honest truth of what we’re able to accomplish for that client. That creates an open, two-way street.”

The agency and LCNB weathered the COVID-19 pandemic together. Like everyone else, Mark and his team were challenged to work around pandemic restrictions and face the uncertainty of doing business without being able to meet customers in person.

“We write insurance for the bank, so we had several calls talking about how the pandemic was affecting both sides. LCNB helped consult through the whole thing,” Mark says. “We had nothing but good experiences.”

Now Mark is eyeing the next phase of his life, and LCNB is helping him define that vision and put a plan in place for his eventual retirement.

“I want to protect my employees and what we’ve built,” he says. “LCNB will be instrumental in helping me do that.”

Mark Willis Insurance is not a product or service offered by LCNB National Bank. Not a deposit. Not FDIC Insured. Not Insured by any federal government agency. Not guaranteed by LCNB National Bank. Not an endorsement of LCNB National Bank. May go down in value.