Behling Insurance celebrates a 50-year legacy
The oldest operating insurance agency in Payson, Behling Insurance, is celebrating 50 years of legacy this July. Rex Lee Behling founded Behling Insurance in 1965 in the front room of his modest home. As the business continued to grow, Behling Insurance has occupied several historic locations in Payson including an office adjacent to the Huish Theater, a historic building on the corner of Utah Avenue and Main Street, and its current location at 861 South 500 West.
Rex was one of the first Farmers, State Farm and Farm Bureau agents in Payson. He also ran a farm of 100 acres with around 200 dairy beef. He loved the land and was a gifted master of the soil. In fact, he was one of the first to grow Royal Gala apples in the area. He passed his love of the land and hard work ethic to his children and grandchildren including the current owner of Behling Insurance, his son Richard Behling, and local agent and granddaughter Lois Heber.
Families and farmers still trust Behling Insurance today because of the personal service and attention to detail they give each client. Behling Insurance offers plans from over 15 different carriers to ensure they can serve each client’s needs both commercial and personal. It is rare and unusual to find a situation that Behling Insurance cannot take care of. They are even licensed in multiple states to serve the needs of clients that have moved near and far. They are the only Master Farmer Certified Agency in Utah and the only agribusiness and farm insurance specialist in the area. Richard is proud to be part of this 50-year legacy of Behling Insurance.
Looking back, Richard remembers his dad’s office at home and being told to play outside or stay quietly in the basement while he worked, but that did not stop him from “helping out.” One year, Rex won a fishing trip and while away, Richard and his siblings took their dad’s fliers and brochures. The kids passed them out door to door, making sure to hit every house. At first Rex was a little upset, but it turned out to be one of his best years for his insurance business.
“Payson is not the typical Mormon town,” according to Richard, and it’s one of his favorite parts of being a proud Lion in Payson. Raised in Payson, Richard believes in the town and loves the history surrounding the area. “Payson was known for gambling and horse racing, had multiple bars and even a brothel,” Richard explains. He loves to share the unique history that surrounds the Payson area, especially with the Boy Scouts while he helps them earn their citizenship merit badge. Looking to the future, Richard boasts that Behling Insurance will be here 50 years from now with Behling blood leading the way.
Richard, Lois and the staff of Behling Insurance would like you to join them as they celebrate their 50-year legacy on July 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their office located at 861 S. 500 West. This will be a family fun party complete with face painting, bouncy house, games and good food. For more information about Behling Insurance and how they can protect your family and your budget, visit www. BehlingInsurance.com or call 801-4654893.