Work With a Trusted Columbia, SC Insurance Agent
We know unexpected events are always around the corner… but so are we.
About Russell-Massey & Company
Independent. Local. Personal.
Russell-Massey & Company is an independent insurance agency with a long history of serving South Carolina. Founded in 1955 in Columbia, SC, we opened our second location in Chapin, SC, in 2008.
Today, Russell-Massey remains locally owned and independently operated. We are a Trusted Choice® agency, committed to providing personalized insurance and risk management solutions for individuals and businesses throughout South Carolina.
We Believe Relationships Matter
We are not owned by a large national insurance company, and we don’t treat our clients like numbers. Being independent allows us to work with a variety of insurance companies and focus on finding coverage that fits your individual needs.
Your business means everything to us. We believe the best insurance relationships are built on mutual trust, personal service, and getting to know our clients. Our experienced team takes the time to understand what is important to you and your business so we can help you make informed insurance decisions.
Involved in Our Communities
Being locally owned also means being invested in the communities we call home. Our team supports numerous charities, schools, and community organizations throughout South Carolina.
One organization that is especially meaningful to us is the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina. Over the years, we have partnered with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina (IIABSC) to help give hope to children by contributing to the mission of making wishes come true.
We believe supporting the communities we serve is an important part of who we are—not simply something we do.
Independent in More Ways Than One
Our independence is important not only to the way we serve our clients, but also to the insurance industry as a whole. We are actively involved with Independent Insurance Agents Assocation at both the state and national levels.
Through our involvement with the independent insurance industry, we stay informed about legislative issues, regulatory changes, and developments affecting insurance consumers and businesses. This involvement helps us stay knowledgeable about the industry and gives us a voice in protecting the interests of independent agents and the clients we serve.
A Long History. A Personal Approach. A Local Commitment.
For more than 70 years, Russell-Massey & Company has been part of the South Carolina insurance community. While the insurance industry continues to change, our commitment remains the same:
To build lasting relationships with our clients, provide personalized service, and be a trusted partner in protecting what matters most.
When you choose Russell-Massey & Company, you are choosing an agency that is independent, locally owned, community-minded, and genuinely invested in your success.
Russell-Massey & Company Inc. in Columbia, SC
Our Team
Melody Herring, CIC, LUTCF
President, Account Executive
melody@russellmassey.com
Melody joined Russell-Massey in 1996 after her career in nursing. She has earned several titles during her insurance career including the Life Underwriters Training Fellow (LUTCF) and the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). She is a member of Chapin Christian Community Church and is active in the Chapin community. She enjoys spending time with her family. Melody currently resides in Chapin, SC with her husband Wayne. She has two grown children, Wesley & Elizabeth, and a granddaughter, Marley.
Benjamin C. Myers, AIP
Vice President, Account Executive
ben@russellmassey.com
Ben joined Russell-Massey in 2004. He began his insurance career with Nationwide Insurance in 2002 after graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing. He served on the IIABSC Board of Directors from 2017-2022. He is the current co-chair of the InsurPac committee for South Carolina. He is a past co-chairman of the young agents committee. He received the young agent of the year award in 2018 from the IIABSC. He is a past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Greater Columbia. He is a past president of the Camden Jaycees. He enjoys being in the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. Ben currently resides in Columbia, SC with his wife and two rescue dogs.
Dow Colet
Vice President, Account Executive
dow@russellmassey.com
After starting his career in the insurance industry in 2001, Dow joined Russell-Massey in 2008. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Dow’s hobby is mixing sound for live musical performances. He serves on the AV team for Crossroads Church, where he is a sound engineer. He enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and attending South Carolina Gamecocks sporting events. Dow currently resides in Chapin with his wife and two boys.
William J. Bowers, AIP
Vice President, Account Executive
will@russellmassey.com
Will joined Russell Massey & Company in 1996 where he has been instrumental in the growth of the company by fostering long-term relationships while delivering excellent customer service to his clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of South Carolina and has earned his AIP (Accredited Insurance Professional) designation. Will served on the IIABSC board of directors from 2012 to 2014. He also enjoys giving back to his community through various volunteer activities, including serving on the Salem United Methodist Church Missions Committee and being involved with the Epworth Children’s Home. Will currently resides in Ballentine, SC with his wife of 25 years.
Josh Bowers
Accounting & Bonds
josh@russellmassey.com
Evans Wright
Personal Lines Account Manager
evans@russellmassey.com
David Finley
Account Executive
david@russellmassey.com
Susan Bressler, CISR
Commercial Lines Account Manager
susan@russellmassey.com
Beth Oswald, CISR
Commercial Lines Account Manager
beth@russellmassey.com
Christina Coker, CISR
Commercial Lines Account Manager
christina@russellmassey.com
Tiffany Hunter
Commercial Lines Account Manager
tiffany@russellmassey.com
Rachel Peeples
Personal Lines Account Manager
rachel@russellmassey.com
Lisa Houghtalen
Personal Lines Account Manager
lisa@russellmassey.com
Kedron Kirkland
Chapin Office Account Manager
kedronk@russellmassey.com
Samantha Penfold
Commercial Lines Account Manager
samantha@russellmassey.com
Wes Wright
Account Executive
wes@russellmassey.com
Nicole Huebner
Commercial Lines Account Manager
nicole@Russellmassey.com
Sara Reamer
Commercial Lines Account Manager
sreamer@russellmassey.com
Ryen Austin
Personal Lines Account Manager
ryen@russellmassey.com
We Are an Independent Agency
As an independent agency in Columbia, SC, we do not work for a single insurance company. We work for you. We represent a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies, and we place your policy with the company offering the coverage you want at a competitive price. We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment. Read More
We Value Customer Service
Careful Analysis of Your Insurance Needs. We listen carefully to your requirements for insurance in order to create a policy that meets your needs based on your coverage requests. Together, we find solutions for you.
Insurance Protection Designed For You. Our Columbia, SC insurance agents strive to craft an insurance policy that meets the needs you described. Part of good customer service is providing a quality product.
Competitively Priced Proposals. We understand that many of our clients are working with a budget for their family or business. It’s our goal to provide quality coverage without breaking the bank.
Support Through Claims Settlements. The benefit of working with an independent insurance agent is that we are right here in Columbia, SC with you. Our local team provides the support you need when filing a claim.
