Take a moment to meet this week’s City Face, Doug Marquette.

 

How long have you lived in Bridgeport?  I've worked in Bridgeport since the beginning of 2005 and I've lived here since 2007.

 

Where are you originally from?  I was born in Akron, Ohio but grew up in North Canton, Ohio and graduated from Hoover High School. College was at nearby Mount Union College, now the University of Mount Union, home to the world champion Mount Union Purple Raiders football team, of D3 lore.

 

Are you married? I've been married to Jackie Shipman since 2003.

 

Children?   I have two adult sons, David lives in Durham, NC and works for the VA there in a PTSD clinic and Paul lives in Stephens City, VA and works for the feds. Paul and his wife Shannon blessed me with my first grandchild this past May, one of the best things I have ever experienced. I also have a stepchild, Victoria, who is doing great as a college sophomore at Emory University. I love being a dad to these three and I'm proud of them all.

 

What is your favorite color?  Blues and darker greens with a little yellow thrown in.

 

Where do you work? I own and work at Marquette Insurance Agency, a Nationwide Insurance affiliated outlet with offices on Main St in Bridgeport and Main St in Philippi. I love what I do, securing the needs of others. I've been in the insurance business for 40 years next year and have worked and managed in all the major job functions of an insurance company. I bring that experience to the people that trust me to take care of them. They don't call 1-800, they call me. Everyone has my cell# because I believe insurance is personal so they know they can call me when they need me regardless of time or day.

 

Favorite Bridgeport spot?  I love Friday night Indian football, but my favorite spot of the year is Light Up Night the Thursday after Thanksgiving. It really is a special time in our town when you can see neighbors and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. I've been on the Associated of Businesses board for twelve years or so and I take a lot of pride in what this activity brings to the city.

 

 

Favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport? Since May of this year it has been Stephens City, Va with my granddaughter on my lap. I truly love our state, while I was a sales manager for Nationwide I travelled in all our counties, it is take your breath away stunning. I love that no matter where you are in our state in five miles you can get yourself deep in some woods.

 

Favorite place outside of WV? My favorite spot would probably be the Colorado mountains. I have a sister that lives in Denver and my parents retired there so I've been out there numerous times.

 

Favorite restaurant? Either T&L Hotdogs, Oliverios, or Muriales.

 

Best childhood memory? I loved playing sports as a kid and through high school. I was never great at anything but I was good enough in everything to make the team and play. So whether it was football, basketball, or baseball season I got to be out there. Being on the teams with the same group of kids from little league through high school piled up a lot of fun memories.

 

Favorite musical group?   Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hendrix, or Led Zeppelin of my youth or Metallica, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters later in life. I really like Chris Stapleton too.

 

Pets?  I Love dogs, I miss my boys' Dalmatian, Elsie, they had all their childhood. What a great dog. We now have a Maltese, PJ, he is Victoria's dog, but her mom and I are the caretakers. He loves us and protects us from the deer and the squirrels.

 

Hobbies? I still like playing sports and being active. I've got back to playing tennis regularly this past year. I volunteer at Snowshoe as a Mountain Guide in the winter, which means I ski a lot.