In an age where many companies outsource services, automate communications, or treat clients like numbers, there’s something quietly powerful about doing business with someone who knows you personally. That’s exactly the kind of relationship you get when you choose Kym Botson. As owner of The Botson Agencies, Kym has built more than an insurance business, she’s built a community grounded in trust, care, and hometown values.
For 20 years, Kym has been serving Marblehead and surrounding communities with steady dedication and heart. What began as a career in life and retirement services, evolved into full-service, boutique-style agencies. Under the umbrella of Allstate, Kym has expanded her experience in financial services to the property and casualty arena focusing on auto, home and recreational coverages.
Rather than cold call centers or impersonal apps, Kym insists on real communication. She and her husband, Chris, remain hands-on. They are in the offices daily responding to questions, guiding clients through claims, & adjusting policies as life changes. “Our commitment to our customers extends past the coverage review, we are emotionally invested in each family” Kym reflects, and that philosophy shines through in every interaction. This approach takes time, empathy, and a real commitment, the kind of old-school, people-centered service that’s increasingly rare.
In a feature titled “Celebrating Women in Business,” Kym’s journey is painted as more than business, it’s a mission. She saw a need in her community: people who deserved knowledgeable guidance, clear communication, and genuine concern for their well-being. That mission fueled the growth of her agencies across Ottawa, Sandusky and surrounding counties.
Today’s world is fast-paced and insurance can feel complex, confusing and even impersonal. Kym believes that protection should start with people. She emphasizes clarity, education, and building relationships. Clients get more than a policy, they get guidance, support, and a trusted partner as their life evolves. If you’re looking for an insurance agent who values more than profits, if you want someone who treats you like family, take the time to meet with Kym. You’ll find more than just coverage, you’ll find a partner who truly cares about you, your family, and your community. And in doing so, you’re not just protecting what matters; you’re supporting local business ownership, personal service, and the values that make Marblehead, and surrounding towns, a place worth calling home.
That same commitment to people and place became especially meaningful when Kym relocated her office from the bustling intersection of Catawba (Rte 53 & Rte 163) to Marblehead. Only 2 miles down the road from her former office, she noticed that the area felt less visible to those unfamiliar with the peninsula. Through conversations with neighboring business owners, she learned this feeling was shared, not as a complaint, but as an opportunity to better connect the area and highlight what already existed. These conversations sparked the idea for what is now becoming known as The Harbor District designation initiative.
A Fresh Perspective for the Marblehead Peninsula
In a region defined by shoreline charm, historic cottages and small-town warmth, a unified project is quietly reshaping how residents, business owners, and visitors experience Danbury Township and the Marblehead peninsula. The effort to designate our distinctive corridor as “The Harbor District” is under way. (Extending Rte. 269 North and East along Ohio State Route 163 Rte. from Lightner Rd. in Danbury Township)
At the heart of The Harbor District initiative is the belief that identity matters and that when an area is named, recognized, and thoughtfully presented, it begins to thrive in new ways. For years, the cluster of locally owned businesses along the harbor has existed side by side, without a shared identity to visually connect them or signal their collective presence. The Harbor District vision was born from a practical need for visibility. Many of these businesses sit in close proximity, but without clear directional cues or a unifying name, they were often overlooked by those unfamiliar with the area. Giving this stretch of Marblehead a name and a consistent visual language, will help guide people naturally through the district, encouraging exploration and discovery while supporting foot traffic and local commerce.
For longtime locals like Kym Botson, Agent Owner of The Botson Agencies, this new marketing initiative is symbolic of a broader commitment to support local commerce and strengthen community identity. More than wayfinding, the designation of "The Harbor District" will establish identity. We want to emphasize the area as welcoming and worth stopping for. The intent is to place these businesses firmly on the map as the area deserves to be celebrated as a destination, not just a pass-through.
This project reflects a larger commitment to community-first growth. One that honors local character, strengthens relationships, and ensures that “The Harbor District", as with the rest of the Marblehead peninsula, remain a place where real people fuel the relationships, not AI & algorithms.