Smith, Peabody, Stiles: Celebrating 95 Years

February 23, 2015

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The leaves on the family tree may have changed, but the roots are still the same. Since 1919, these three families have had roots in the Flint, Fenton, Linden, and Holly communities. Stiles Insurance was founded then by D. R. Stiles, who passed the leadership position on to his son, Edison, in 1955, and then to Edison’s son, Jeri, in 1972. “The competition started [back in] 1934 with the late Ray Hunt, [whose company was] just two doors down from my grandfather, D. R. Stiles and his business, Stiles Insurance,” Jeri Stiles explains.

Ray Hunt started his insurance business in his home, calling it Hunt Insurance, sometime during the depression in 1934, with only two employees. Then in 1961, Jim Smith came to Fenton from the Flint area, met with Hunt, and they decided to merge their companies, forming the Hunt-Smith Agency, Inc. And Smith now has a whole philosophy built around what he does. “Life is made up of liabilities and goals from birth to death,” he says. “The service which my companies provided was all-encompassing – and that is very exciting,” he adds. The part that excited Jim Smith back then is still the part that excites his son-in-law, Jim Peabody, who joined
the insurance business with his father-in-law in 1991, forming Hunt-Smith-Peabody Insurance. They strive to cement a common bond with their customers in order to do business – and finding the right coverage to really help their clients has led them to become lifelong friends as a result.

In 1998, Smith Peabody and Stiles decided to merge together into one agency to better serve their customers. It was at this time that the name Hunt was dropped from the business’ title and Smith-Peabody-Stiles Insurance was born. Brown & Brown purchased Smith-Peabody-Stiles in 2008, and after a couple of years, Jim Peabody decided to step away from the insurance industry. But he didn’t stay away for long – he and his wife, Patty, opened up Peabody Insurance Agency in Holly by purchasing the Addis Insurance Agency, which had local roots dating back to 1921. The husband and wife team missed being in business and the excitement that comes from meeting new people and helping customers with their insurance needs. Thus, the focus of the Peabody Insurance business model is to help their clients reduce risk, which then allows them to save money in the long term.

“Our specialty is in helping clients identify the types of risk they are facing and what areas of operation are most exposed to risk through our unique four-step system, the Risk Reduction Process. We are now able to identify exposures and implement strategies which provide our clients a way to lower their total cost of risk while protecting their balance sheets,” Peabody explains, adding that “by reducing risk, clients may be able to lower their premiums and thereby increase profitability.” He goes on to detail some of the benefits he can offer. “We provide our clients with added value and service, as well as experience and industry knowledge. This ability is amplified by the tools Peabody Insurance utilizes, such as the Risk Reduction Toolbox and the [aforementioned] Risk Reduction Process. These tools give our clients a map of how to become more profitable, and the agents at Peabody Insurance provide the experience and knowledge that is needed to get there,” he says. This process has proven to be very beneficial for many of their customers, some of whom have discovered that they had not been properly insured in the past. “If someone is curious to see how we compare to [his or her] current provide, we are happy to provide a free premium price quote,” Peabody states. “We’ve helped over 3,000 companies reduce their overall cost of risk through our trademarked Risk Reduction Approach.”

As many things do, these three families have come full circle again, and the Peabody’s are happy to announce that Jeri Stiles is back in their office with Stiles Tax Service. Peabody Insurance Agency is a full-service, independent agency specializing in home, auto, life, and commercial business insurance.

PEABODY INSURANCE AGENCY
611 N. SAGINAW ROAD | HOLLY, MICHIGAN 48442
WWW.PEABODYINC.COM
FENTON: (810) 629-1504 | HOLLY: (248) 634-7731

Drive Your Brand Further with Custom Golf Balls

April 15, 2026
Custom branded golf balls are one of those promotional items that just make sense. Whether you run a golf course, a tournament, a resort, or simply want a unique way to connect with clients, they offer a fun and practical way to keep your brand in play. Golf balls are naturally tied to relaxation, leisure, and connection. That makes them a powerful marketing tool. When your logo is on something that people are actually excited to use, your brand becomes part of a positive experience. Every swing, every round, and every time someone reaches into their bag, your business is right there with them. For golf-related businesses, branded balls are an easy win. They are great for member giveaways, tournaments, pro shop merchandise, and corporate outings. If you are not in the golf industry, they still make an excellent client gift or a memorable handout that feels personal and unexpected. It is a simple way to say “thanks for your business” while staying top of mind long after the first tee. Behind Your Design has recently created custom golf balls for The Ally Challenge, Epic Machine, and Lewis & Knopf. Each one was designed to reflect the brand while still feeling clean, professional, and ready for the course. And let’s be honest, it is hard to find a promotional item with more staying power. These are not getting tossed in a drawer and forgotten. They are getting teed up, driven down the fairway, and maybe even lost in a water hazard or two. Either way, your brand is along for the ride. When it comes to marketing, combining business with leisure is a hole-in-one strategy. It builds connection in a relaxed environment where people are already in a good mood and open to engagement. That kind of brand association is priceless.  If you are ready to put your brand in play, contact Behind Your Design today and start creating custom golf balls that keep your business top of mind from the first tee to the final putt.

Fidget, Focus, and Your Brand Front and Center

April 15, 2026
If you’ve spent any time around kids lately or scrolling online, you’ve probably noticed one thing. Fidget toys are everywhere. From the viral popularity of NeeDoh stress ball style products to satisfying squeeze cubes and rings, these small but mighty items have become go-to tools for entertainment, stress relief, and focus. And right now, they are not just fun. They are a smart branding opportunity. Why Fidget Toys Work Fidget toys hit a sweet spot that most promotional products do not. They are: Used daily and not tossed in a drawer Helpful for focus and stress relief Appealing across ages, especially kids and teens Easy to share and talk about Whether it is in a classroom, at a desk, or during a meeting, people reach for these again and again. That means your brand gets seen again and again too. Real Examples, Real Impact We have recently helped clients turn this trend into something meaningful and memorable. Tanglewood Home Care created custom Sensory Squeeze Fidget Cubes as a thoughtful resource for individuals who benefit from tactile support. These are not just giveaways. They are tools that provide comfort, support focus, and create a positive connection back to the brand that provided them. We also partnered with Kettering University on a custom Orbit Fidget Ring. This is the kind of item students can use in class or meetings to stay engaged and focused without distraction. It is subtle, functional, and something they will actually keep. A Trend Worth Tapping Into Fidget toys are not just a passing moment. They have become part of how people manage stress and stay engaged, especially in environments where focus matters. Because they are already trending heavily online, they come with built-in attention. When your brand is part of something people already enjoy using, it does not feel like marketing. It simply fits into their daily routine. More Than a Giveaway The best promotional products are the ones people do not throw away. Fidget toys check that box easily. They are interactive, memorable, practical, and easy to customize with your brand. Most importantly, they create a positive experience every time someone uses them. Create Something People Want to Keep If you are looking for a fresh way to get your brand into people’s hands and keep it there, custom fidget toys are worth considering. From squeeze cubes to rings and beyond, we can help you create something that is not only on trend, but actually useful. Because when your brand becomes part of someone’s everyday routine, that is when it really sticks.

Picture-Perfect Branding: Why Photo Prop Signage Works

April 15, 2026
There’s something special about capturing a milestone moment, especially when it’s paired with a great photo. Whether it’s the excitement of closing on a new home, celebrating a big win, or marking a major life event, people want to share those moments. That’s where photo prop signage becomes a powerful and often overlooked marketing tool. Take a real estate office providing a custom acrylic sign for new homeowners. It might say something like “Just Sold!” or “Welcome Home,” while also showcasing the agent’s name and brand. Every time a client snaps a photo and shares it on social media, that brand goes right along with it. Celebrating Them While Promoting You The beauty of photo prop signage is that it doesn’t feel like advertising. It feels like part of the celebration. You’re giving clients something fun and share-worthy while naturally weaving your brand into the moment. Instead of a traditional ad people scroll past, you become part of a story they want to share. Built-In Visibility & Repetition Marketing is all about repetition and recognition. The more people see your brand, the more familiar and trusted it becomes. Photo prop signage helps make that happen in an organic way: The same sign shows up across multiple clients and celebrations Shared photos extend your reach beyond your immediate audience Your branding becomes associated with positive, meaningful moments Over time, that consistent visual presence can make a real impact. Social-Ready and Fun People love a good photo op. A well-designed sign elevates the moment and gives people a reason to snap and share. Because these signs are designed with photos in mind, they: Look great on camera Reinforce your brand colors, fonts, and style Add a polished touch to every post It’s marketing that feels natural, and that’s the sweet spot. A Simple Tool with Lasting Impact Unlike one-time ads or promotions, a durable acrylic photo prop sign can be used again and again. It becomes part of your customer experience, something people come to expect. Every time it’s used, your brand gets another moment in the spotlight.  Let’s Create Something Custom At Behind Your Design, we love helping businesses turn everyday moments into branded experiences. Custom acrylic photo prop signage is one of the many ways we help you stand out and stay consistent. If you’re ready to create something fun, functional, and uniquely yours, contact us to get started.

A VIP Night to Remember at Medawar's

April 14, 2026
Behind Your Design recently had the opportunity to once again partner with Medawar’s in Flint Township to create a VIP experience for their most valued customers. This is a relationship that means a great deal to us because it goes all the way back to 2009 when we first began working with their team. Over the years, our partnership has grown into one that includes trust, creativity, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful experiences. For this event, our team handled everything from the initial invitation design and mailing, to the digital Evite and event signage, making sure every detail felt consistent and elevated from the very first touchpoint. The goal was to create something that felt special before guests even arrived. When guests stepped on site, they were welcomed into a fully transformed outdoor lounge experience inside a heated tent. The space was designed to feel warm, inviting, and luxurious , with a hand-rolled cigar station, passed hors d’oeuvres, live acoustic music, craft cocktails, comfortable lounge seating, an ice sculpture, and an interactive luxury vehicle display. It was all about creating an atmosphere where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy the evening. Inside, guests were able to browse and try on beautiful jewelry in a relaxed, social setting while enjoying cocktails and conversation. The experience was intentionally designed to feel personal rather than transactional, giving guests the space to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. We also created curated gift bags for attendees that included thoughtful, high-end items like cigar cutters , a premium lighter , stainless steel mugs , jewelry boxes , and watch cases . Guests were entered into a drawing for a stunning diamond necklace, adding a fun moment of anticipation to the night. Inside the showroom, a coffee bar and dessert offerings from CRUST Bakery rounded out the experience. Looking back, this event is a reflection of a long-standing partnership with Medawar’s that we truly value. From their brand refresh in 2023 to years of event design and marketing support, we’re grateful to continue evolving alongside their team and helping bring their vision to life in memorable ways.

From Spills to Squeaks: Promo Products That Save the Day

April 14, 2026
When it comes to branded promotional products, the best items aren’t just eye-catching, they’re useful, trusted, and kept. That’s exactly what makes these co-branded essentials featuring Tide and WD-40 such standout options. They go beyond typical giveaways by becoming everyday problem-solvers your audience will actually carry, use, and appreciate. Practical Products People Reach For A Tide to Go + Oxi pen is the kind of product people need in real-life moments for coffee spills before a meeting, lunch mishaps in the car, or last-minute touch-ups before an event. It’s compact, easy to store, and incredibly effective, making it something users will keep within arm’s reach at all times. Pair that with the WD-40 Precision Pen, and now you’ve covered both personal and practical needs. From fixing squeaky hinges to loosening tight bolts, this kit becomes a go-to solution for quick fixes at home, in the office, or on the road. Built-In Brand Trust = Instant Credibility One of the biggest advantages of these products is the power of co-branding with names people already trust. Tide and WD-40 aren’t just recognizable, they’re relied upon. When your brand is placed alongside them, it inherits that same sense of reliability and quality. Instead of introducing your audience to something unfamiliar, you’re aligning your brand with products they already know work. That creates a stronger, faster connection and makes your promotional item feel more valuable from the start. 

Branded Apparel That Stands Out (In All the Right Ways)

April 14, 2026
A simple ¼ zip with thoughtful details that make your brand feel intentional
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