Editor's Note I: Top photo shows officials with Spadafore Insurance Group on Main Street officially cut the ribbon to their business with Mayor Andy Lang and several members of the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce present. Below is the story that ran on Connect-Bridgeport on June 9. Since that time, the exterior of the building has been completely redone.

 

When Bridgeport resident Joe Spadafore was looking for a place to expand his business, he needed more than just space. He also needed additional space that provided convenient parking.

 

In many cases, convenience and parking and don’t go hand in hand along Bridgeport’s Main Street corridor. Spadafore, fortunately, found a pretty good exception.

 

Spadafore is the first business to occupy the building that formerly housed Dr. Susan Miller’s office, as well as the Hobby Shop on Main Street. The building was purchased by local businessmen John Marks and Anthony Mancuso at auction on Dec. 14 and they promised to upgrade the building and find new businesses.

 

As of Friday, June 1, Spadafore became the first person to occupy the new building. He is relocating his Spadafore Insurance Group, under the Allstate umbrella, to the building. Previously, he was located in a building beside the Compton Bowling Lanes on old Bridgeport Hill.

 

“The reason for the move was I simply needed more space. We outgrew the location and there was no way to expand in the building we were located in due to the rest of the building being occupied with other tenants,” said Spadafore. “We were basically on top of each other.”

 

Spadafore probably isn’t exaggerating. He opened his business in July of 2016 with himself and one other employee. He’s now up to four employees, including himself, and prior to the move the four were working in 450 square feet.

 

“We have 1,200 square feet, which means we’ve almost tripled the space we previously had,” Spadafore said. “I’m happy we’ve expanded because it’s the result of growth and the hiring of additional employees. Hopefully, we’ll continue to grow and in our previous space that wasn’t possible any longer.”

 

As might be expected, Spadafore and his staff specialize in all things insurance. Home, life, motorcycle, car and other insurances are available – and quotes can be received – from the Spadafore Insurance Group.

 

“As an agent, you don’t want to be in a situation where you have to move a lot so we’re hopeful this will house our business now and down the road as well,” said Spadafore. “So far, it’s great and we’re still going through the little things needing to be done as we move in.”

 

Spadafore said existing clients will be, or already have been, notified of the move to the new location. He also said exterior work on the building should be completed in the next few weeks.

 

The Spadafore Insurance Group is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Saturday business is done by appointment. To contact the business, call 304-808-1180.

 

Editor's Note II: Top photo shows Joe Spadafore inside his new Bridgeport location, while one of his staff members works with a client in the bottom photo.