The Martin family still loves to make their living in Athabasca, both at home and in business. And that’s after three generations of the family being in the area.
Trevor Martin, who owns and operates River Valley Insurance with his wife, the former Roxie Dana, is the second generation of the family to operate an insurance business.
“I still love living here among the Whispering Hills,” said Martin. “I also like interacting with my neighbours, both on a personal level and when conducting business in the area.”
Martin, the youngest of four children, was himself was born and raised within the community.
“I grew up in Athabasca,” he said. “I graduated high school here, and then I couldn’t wait to move on out to bigger and better things. But after a while, I couldn’t wait to move back into the community, and now, here I am.”
While he was out, he attended what was then known as Grant MacEwan College, where he obtained his Insurance Administration Diploma.
After working for the Alberta Motor Association for a while, he decided to get into business with his father, Fred.
“As I grew up, I watched my dad own and operate his general insurance agency in the community from 1967 until 1984, when he retired for the first time,” Martin said. “He got back in the business in 1988, primarily so he could help me get my feet wet. We owned and operated Able Insurance in Barrhead up until 2000, when my father retired from the insurance business for the second, and to date, final time.”
The same year, Trevor and his wife, whom he had met in Barrhead, moved back to Athabasca to raise their family of three children, and start their own insurance business, the present-day River Valley Insurance.
“My eldest child, Brett, moved back to the community in June of last year along with his fiancé, Ashley Booth,” said Martin. “They both have also since joined us in running our business here in the community, making them the third generation of Martins to get into the insurance business in Athabasca.”
Fred and Elsie Martin have also since moved back to Athabasca, and continue to make the community home. And in the future, Brett Martin plans to take over River Valley Insurance from his parents.
“I would be honoured to eventually get that opportunity,” said Trevor Martin. “Seeing my son take over would make me very proud.”
He added that he would like to see the family business expand past the three generations.
“I need grandkids first in order for that to happen,” he joked.
The Martin family are firm believers of giving back to their community, and over the years, have volunteered on many boards, coached sports teams, and lent a helping hand at lots of different community events.
Trevor, Roxie and staff are also inviting the public over to their Customer Appreciation Day event on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served at the event.
