Get To Know
Misty Stathos,
New Board Chair
Misty Stathos
Owner- Misty Stathos State Farm Agency and Chairman of the Board for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce
What is your background?
I was born in Lexington, SC, but I grew up in Florence. I graduated from Francis Marion University with a BBA in Economics and met my husband George in 2004, while living in Florence. We relocated to Lexington in 2008. We had our daughter, Catherine Anne, in 2012, and our son, Eli, in 2016. My stepdad was a State Farm agent, so I am a second-generation State Farm agent.
Describe your State Farm Insurance agency.
My State Farm agency is deeply rooted in community involvement. We focus on providing personalized insurance services to meet the diverse needs of local residents and businesses. We want people to have a hometown feel when they come into the office. When you come into the lobby, there’s a faux fireplace and a couch where we offer you a drink (Coke, Sprite, etc.). Our goal is to make our clients feel like family when they talk to us, centering everything we do around our customers and community.
What is a unique feature of your business?
A unique feature of my business is our extensive community involvement. We not only offer insurance services but also actively participate in and sponsor local events and initiatives, such as backpack and toy drives. We strive to be a local resource for our community, whether it’s finding the best places to eat, getting the dog groomed, or discovering things to do in Lexington – everything insurance-related and beyond.
How did you get started in the insurance business?
My stepfather played a big role in my start. I worked in his office part-time while in college, and when I graduated, he asked me to consider a permanent role with State Farm. I became an underwriter in 2001 and decided I wanted to be an agent in 2008.
As a small business owner, what is an advantage you have over other agencies?
One advantage I have over larger agencies is my ability to offer personalized service and build strong, meaningful relationships with my clients. My deep involvement in the community allows me to understand and address the unique needs of local residents and businesses effectively.
What do you like most about working in the insurance business?
I am a problem solver at heart. I enjoy sitting down with customers, talking with them, and helping them mitigate risks that may be a concern to their families. I get great satisfaction from helping people protect what matters most to them, providing peace of mind and security. I also appreciate the chance to be actively involved in the community and make a positive impact.
How do you define business success?
I define success by creating a positive impact on my family, friends, customers and community. Being a trusted resource and having my customers see me as someone who genuinely cares about them is incredibly important to me.
What is a misconception about the insurance businesses?
A common misconception is that insurance is boring. In reality, no day is the same. We are deeply entrenched in people’s lives – when they are hurt in a car accident, experience a loss from a fire, get married, have kids, retire and more. Insurance is part of every milestone in life.
What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you started in the business?
I wish someone had told me not to be afraid to say “no.” I’ve learned that people won’t judge you harshly if you decline sponsorships or extra hours. It’s important to set boundaries and maintain a work-life balance.
As you take over as chairman of the board for the Lexington Chamber, describe how you got there.
I was already on the board and had been working in the community for a while when the current chair approached me. They felt I had attributes that would serve the chamber and the community well. After talking to several board members and past chairs, I felt it was a great way to give back to the community and support small business owners like myself. These conversations happened during COVID, a time when small businesses were significantly affected, and I knew I wanted to support and give back to them.
Do you have new plans for the Board for the upcoming year?
Yes! We started many new initiatives with the prior chair, and we have great plans to continue moving forward with those while adding new and exciting benefits for our members.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to learn that despite spending a lot of time talking and working with people, I enjoy sitting on my back porch to read or work in my garden during my off time. I enjoy the quiet and being in nature. There are two sides to me: one that loves working a room of people and another that is quiet and shy. To keep going, I need to unplug and recharge.
What have you always wanted to do but never have?
I have always wanted to go to Ireland. I’ve always been fascinated by my ancestry, and growing up, I imagined everyone there would have red hair and freckles like me!
What is your favorite place to visit or vacation?
I love going way up into the mountains, where I can feel the temperature change and experience the seasons more vividly.
Beverage of choice?
Chai tea is my favorite, iced in the summer and warm in the fall and winter.
Your favorite meal?
I love a really good fresh pimento cheeseburger and crispy fries.
Why is the Lexington Chamber important for the community?
The Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center is crucial because it brings businesses together, whether small mom-and-pop shops or large corporations, into a space where they can collaborate and learn from each other. It fosters networking and collaboration, opening doors and experiences that business owners might not have known about otherwise. The chamber helps us all bring our strengths and experiences together for the good of the community.
