Swarthmore Business News

Megan Gaardsmoe at her Allstate Insurance agency at 11 Park Avenue.

You’re in good hands: Megan Gaardsmoe just opened a new agency for Allstate Insurance at 11 Park Avenue, where she works with daughter Sarah Kennedy and staff member Sarah Caramanico.

Before opening her independent agency, Megan was previously a regional representative for Allstate, supporting up to 100 agents. In a long career with Allstate she has worked in claims, underwriting, technology training, product training, then became a sales leader. Her territory included Pennsylvania and all the New England states. She spent a lot of time on the road.

“But now,” she said recently, “I can walk to the office, if the weather would cooperate.” She lives with husband Cary Gaardsmoe on Haverford Place in Swarthmore. No kids are at home — “I’m on to grandchildren now” — but they are nearby. Son David Gaardsmoe lives in Philadelphia, daughter Sarah in Wallingford, and daughter Kelly Cetroni in Thornton.

Megan is eager for Swarthmorean readers and neighbors to stop into the office for free document shredding and free notary services. “I want to get the name out. Allstate is a great company, with one of the best claims departments in the industry, offering things no one else does, like a claims satisfaction guarantee.”

Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. “And we will do appointments in the evening and on Saturdays.”