News & Blog

There’s an old adage that advises that it’s not ideal to mix business with pleasure.

But some businessmen, like Derek Hiscox from Mills Holloway Insurance Agency, value business relationships rooted in professionalism, loyalty and friendship. And in today’s business environment, these types of partnerships are few and far between.

“When you work with someone for 32 years, it becomes much more than just a working relationship,” said Derek. “We consider our relationship with Byler, Wolfe, Lutsch & Kampfer to be a friendship on both a professional and personal level. This has been a great long-term partnership.”

Mills Holloway Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency specializing in automobile, homeowners, recreational vehicles, life and commercial insurances. They have offices in Columbiana and Lisbon with clients in Columbiana and Mahoning counties and western Pennsylvania.

The company was founded in 1956 as Mills Insurance Agency, where Derek started his insurance career in 1982. Derek initially engaged with BWLK (then A.S. Fricano) in 1986 when Gene Byler from the firm began preparing his personal tax returns. Now, more than 30 years later, Byler is responsible for Derek’s personal taxes, partnership taxes and estate perpetuation planning.

In 2015, Byler and the BWLK team assisted Mills Insurance Agency with the sale of the business to Holloway Insurance in Columbiana. The current owners of the business are Sean, Jessica and Denny Holloway.

“We insure many contractors and farmers and have always received great feedback from our clients when referring them to BWLK for their accounting services,” said Derek. “I have always been cautious when referring my clients to other businesses for anything, but I have never hesitated to recommend BWLK to family, friends or clients.

“It gives me peace of mind to have the ability to discuss personal or business financial issues and potential tax concerns with Gene [Byler] and Rick [Lutsch]. We always receive great information and explanations with quick responses.”