Arnold & Smith Insurance Agency

Mike Boyle and North Bay Mortgage have formed an association with Chris Ladner and Jeff McHargue, owners of Arnold & Smith Insurance, Inc. The two companies will share an office in Belfair this fall, at 22881 NE State Route 3, across from Belfair Elementary School.

"Mortgage and insurance are similar industries," said Boyle. "By joining together, we believe we will enhance each other's presence in the community and offer our customers the opportunity to have all of these financial services offered under one local roof."

The idea to combine the two companies came about after Boyle had a cancer scare last year. He decided he wanted to spend more time with family and friends, and has since reduced the number of North Bay Mortgage regional offices from 11 to five. He also plans to spend part of each year in Arizona and wanted to be sure that his customers would be well served in his absence.

When he approached Ladner and McHargue with his proposal, they were enthusiastic about working together. The building where North Bay Mortgage is located at 23030 NE State Route 3 is now up for sale.

"We plan to offer the same great service as always," said Ladner. "Our customers will see Arnold & Smith for their insurance needs, and now we've added a broader array of products, to meet their other financial needs as well. It's a win-win for everybody."

Founded in 1970 in Shelton, Arnold & Smith Insurance has been continuously serving Mason County residents for almost 40 years. Ladner and McHargue met as company associates in 1993, took ownership of the company in 2002 and added their Belfair branch office in the classic brick building at the four-way stop in 2006. They have 12 employees.

Both have strong Mason County ties. McHargue has lived in Shelton all his life and even played on the Arnold & Smith-sponsored Little League baseball team in 1973. He has been an insurance agent for 24 years. Ladner has worked in the insurance industry and resided with his family on a small farm in Belfair for 16 years.

Boyle opened North Bay Mortgage in 1999 and quickly became known for his trademark red, white and blue pens and the company's dedication to personalized service. North Bay Mortgage also has 12 employees, and was named for its first location at Boyle's home office on the shores of North Bay at Victor, Washington. As the company grew, Boyle moved to Belfair to better serve his customers. He still resides in Victor with his family. Besides the main processing office in Belfair, North Bay Mortgage has branch offices in Bremerton and Port Orchard.

All three businessmen are actively involved with their North Mason and Shelton communities, as members of the Rotary Club, Mason General Hospital Foundation, North Mason and Shelton Chambers of Commerce and the Boys & Girls Club.

"We're proud of our new association and look forward to serving our customers for many years to come," said McHargue.