Michelle Koller, Juan Martinez, Marcella Martinez, Lou Santoro, Augusta Dyson, Justin Mazuranich. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post

Nov. 26 is Small Business Saturday and an opportunity for the community to show its support by visiting and shopping at local small businesses.

State Farm Agent Lou Santoro and his wife Pat moved to Los Alamos in 2004 after 21 years in management – retiring in 2003 as vice president of State Farm for the State of Minnesota.

“We were visiting Los Alamos with friends and discovered both previous agents had retired, and because of the history and beautiful setting of the town, my wife Pat said, ‘Why don’t you become an agent again,’ … that was 13 years ago,” Santoro said. “I have been associated with State Farm a total of 39 years.”

Santoro explained that in his line of work he is face to face with his clients, and the “buck stops” with him.

“As my clients Risk Manager, I get to minimize their risks of everyday life,” Santoro said. “some of the best parts of my job are watching my clients careers develop and knowing I get to have relationships with people who have shaped and changed the world.”

Santoro has six full time employees and Marcella Martinez has been with him 13 Years.

“We take our business as Risk Managers very seriously, and want to review our clients’ insurance at least every two years, or as often as they request it,” he said.

Santoro’s professional achievements include being a 28-year Ambassador Travelor, a member of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors and a Lifetime Presidents Club member – the highest honor bestowed on an agent for sales performance.

Santoro holds B.A. and B.S. degrees from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebr.

Louis Santoro Insurance Agency Inc., 110 Central Park Square, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and after hours by appointment. For more information, call the agency at 505.661.0600.