It’s official! John Shook, the new owner of the Porto-Shook Insurance Agency in Catskill, was named as the Greene County Chamber’s Business Man of the Year.
The Porto-Shook Insurance Agency’s evolution is a local success story. Almost three years ago, John Shook purchased the Porto Insurance Agency from another native Catskill businessman, Frank Porto, and the transfer of ownership was punctuated with significant updating, both to the building and company staffing. The building was completely replaced and is now a eye-catching tribute to Catskill’s historic roots at the main intersection. Now licensed in New York and New Jersey as an agent and broker, Shook is prepared for expansion opportunities.
Local business success runs strong in John Shook’s family tree. He is the grandson of Reliable Motors owner of 50+ years, Gerald Macarelli. John also worked in the motor vehicle industry in Catskill as a salesperson for 7 years, and then as a finance and insurance manager for nearly a decade after that. He also managed the Dutchman’s Galley restaurant in Catskill’s Dutchmen’s Landing Park.
As the new owner of a well-established insurance agency, Shook has come a long way from his days attending St. Patrick’s School and graduating Catskill Junior-Senior High School, where his two children, Collin, age 7, and Ashley, age 12, currently attend. Family-oriented and tied into the community, Shook raises awareness and funding for a variety of causes. He coaches baseball, softball, recreational soccer, travel soccer and basketball, and serves on the Board of the Catskill Little League.
We congratulate John Shook as the 2015 Greene County Chamber’s Business Man of the Year!
Click here for Porto Shook Insurance Listing
Click here for more info on the Chamber Awards Gala
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
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Topics: Success Stories
