VALDOSTA — Local insurance agent Greg Mashburn loves to mix his desire to help people with his know-how to protect their futures.

That’s why Mashburn, 48, takes his family-man attitude to work with him each day at Mashburn Insurance and Investments Inc., located at 1204 Baytree Road just west of Baytree’s intersection with Jerry Jones Road on the right. He opened the office in September and is a “captive” agent under contract with Cotton States Insurance, an affiliate of Country Financial.

“Our mission statement says it well,” Mashburn said. “Protecting working families with affordable products and a care-about-you attitude.”

Mashburn has been an insurance agent in Valdosta for five years, with experience retirement planning, and formerly worked for The Horace Mann Companies, specializing in insurance and retirement for educators and school employees.

Mashburn and his wife of 10 years, Sharon, reside in Hahira with their 9-year-old son Carter. They’re members of Northside Baptist Church where Mashburn teaches Sunday School and also courses on personal finance and stewardship.

He’s a member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, affiliate member with the Valdosta Board of Realtors and a member of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

“I primarily represent Cotton States Insurance, which is the primary line of our insurance products,” Mashburn said. “But if we have someone who has credit problems, impaired risk problems or such, we have other partner companies that provide products to meet their needs through our alliance with Cotton States. And I promise you, we are very competitive with rates and product packages.”

The insurance industry is adapting daily to new challenges brought about by a baby boom generation that, with medical advances, is living longer lives, Mashburn said.

“It is exciting to see how these new products are being developed,” he said. “People are living longer, and a big fear is living past your retirement money. Cotton States, for example, now has long term care that provides money for medical expenses, a nursing home, assisted living or home care. Outliving your money is a real concern today, but we have products to address that situation.”

Q: What products and services do you offer from your new office?

A: Auto insurance, homeowner and renter insurance, life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, college funding, retirement planning and wealth preservation.

Q: What is the relationship between Cotton States and Country Insurance and Financial Services?