About Us
From Shawn Black Herring
My parents moved our family to New Bern in 1974. I am a New Bern High School Alumni, continuing to earn my bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 1992. About six years later, the phone call from Dad came – he decided retirement was nearing. Since around age 12 I had known that I would like to continue in his legacy. I obtained my insurance license in preparation to move home and buy the agency, which I did in November of 2002.
A lot of people just think insurance is something you must buy to drive a car or own a home and their priority is paying the cheapest premium. Sitting down with a licensed agent and allowing them to get to know you and your household so they can advise you is priceless. Everyone’s needs are very different and especially as you go through life, you need to consistently review your insurance risks on a regular basis. My staff and I, approach our profession with compassion and always try to go above and beyond to provide a pleasant customer experience.
When you are ready, I’m available to answer your questions about your current insurance portfolio and provide guidance and suggestions for making sure you have the appropriate coverage for your risk level. Contact our expert team today!
Why Choose Us?
I employ some of the most knowledgeable, helpful, compassionate people who always go above and beyond when providing service. When you are ready to explore options for protecting your home, personal property, and family I’m available to answer your questions. Already a customer, I’m ready to review your coverage so that you can make any necessary adjustments to fit your changing needs. Call me today.
Meet Our Team
Kathy Rouse
New Business Specialist
Kathy is a New Bern native who stands as a pillar of Black Insurance Services, she has built a legacy for herself as a true professional and outstanding Customer Service Representative. She began her insurance career back in 1992 when she became a licensed agent for Shawn’s father, Jerry Black, and was then given the opportunity to transition with Shawn to her agency in 2002.
Kathy graduated from West Craven High school and has continued to remain in the New Bern area. She enjoys traveling with her husband David and spending time with family and friends. Kathy has one son, Chase; and he and his family live close by where she gets to enjoy time with her granddaughter.
Kathy has nearly 30 years of knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry and serves her customers well as she helps them navigate through their questions about coverage and helps them choose the best option. She has a passion for assisting first time home buyers here at Black Insurance Services and will make your insurance purchasing experience a positive one.
Tracy Gentry
Office Manager
Tracy, Shawn’s sister, remembers when she was a small girl, she and their older sister would “work” for their father by filing and sending out mailers from his agency. She graduated from New Bern High School where she was active in Girls Glee, Concert Choir, FBLA and Student Government. She has lived in New Bern twice in her life. Although she has also resided in Maryland and Georgia, New Bern is the place she calls home and returned to in 1999.
Tracy enjoys event planning for special occasions with family and friends and will look for any reason to celebrate those she holds close. She likes to travel but can also be found with a good book in hand, feet propped up and sitting on her back porch overlooking the water with her husband Chris. The two of them are a good team and share mentoring their 6 Godchildren.
Developing strong relationships is at the heart of everything she does both professionally and personally, when she believes in you, she will help you shine. In 2006, she joined her sister Shawn Black Herring, a second-generation agency owner. Working tirelessly to make sure your claims experience is a smooth one is Tracy’s specialty.