Rebecca Felts, owner of Felts Insurance Agency in Hemphill, Texas, is a shining example of how determination and community focus can lead to a successful career.

With nearly a decade of insurance experience, Rebecca started as a customer service representative at the Farmers Insurance agency she now owns in Hemphill. After earning her business degree in 2015, she knew she wanted to stay close to home.

When the chance to buy the agency came in 2017, Rebecca didn’t hesitate. By February 2018, she had purchased the business from her former boss and renamed it Felts Insurance Agency.

Rebecca’s commitment to her work and community goes further. As President of the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, she helps grow local businesses and strengthen the area’s economy. Owning her business lets her combine her professional goals with her love for Hemphill and its people.

Rebecca enjoys working in insurance because of the personal connections she builds with her clients.
Rebecca enjoys working in insurance because of the personal connections she builds with her clients.

“Helping and educating people is what I enjoy most about insurance,” Felts said. “Many people don’t fully understand all the details about insurance, and I believe an agent must educate them, so they know exactly what they have. I genuinely enjoy what I do.”

In 2024, Rebecca needed financial assistance to address infrastructure issues with her building. When persistent leaks in her office building’s flat roof became an ongoing problem, she turned to the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) and Senior Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Ranniger for assistance.

After years of temporary fixes and recent storm damage, Rebecca realized she needed a permanent solution.

Raising the roof pitch to prevent future leaks became a necessary investment in her business's future.
Raising the roof pitch to prevent future leaks became a necessary investment in her business's future.

On July 11, 2024, Rebecca secured a loan from CU, funded by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, to fix her roof. Steve Owecki Construction handled the repairs, which included removing the old roof, adding new rafters at a higher pitch, and installing new metal roofing on the 30×40 building.

Rebecca found the loan process simple and efficient. After emailing Chris on a Friday, she quickly received the loan application, which she completed and returned by the next Monday or Tuesday.

The project was completed on August 27.
The project was completed on August 27.

Chris followed up within 24 hours, guiding her through the next steps. Within a week, the loan was approved, and the closing took place over Zoom, allowing her husband to join the process as well. Rebecca says the entire experience was smooth, professional, and quick.

“Everything was straightforward, and Chris was excellent about staying in touch, whether through email or phone calls,” Felts said.

“Overall, the experience working with Communities Unlimited was wonderful. I’m so happy to have my roof repaired.”