Staff writer
They work at different businesses but moving forward, Marion couple Doug and Lori Heerey will likely see more of each other at work.
Doug recently moved his Shelter Insurance office about 138 feet across the street to the same building where Lori operates Heerey Real Estate at 401 E. Main St.
“It’s great,” Doug Heerey said. “There are some benefits that go along with it.”
He said the move was part of their long-term plan as a couple.
“We wanted the (Heerey Real Estate) building to be marketable if we decide 10 or 15 years down the road that it is time move on,” he said. “We wanted to make the building more attractive to Shelter Insurance to occupy.”
Shelter Insurance likes to set up offices near realtors or banks because of the crossover business opportunities that can come from close proximity, he said.
Doug said the move also would save on the cost of rent and utilities he paid renting his former office from Marion residents Randy and Rachel Collett.
“When we bought the building six years ago, we were going to do it then but we never did,” Lori said. “We finally just decided to quit talking. It just made financial sense.”
The Heereys renovated their downtown office space to better accommodate both businesses. A common lobby area is set up to greet patrons with furniture, reading material, and beverages.
Monday was the couple’s first day in the renovated office space.
“We originally had all browns picked out but our kids talked us into the neutral grays,” Lori said. “Our son, Adam, helped us redesign the space.”
The office’s interior was designed to have “a more modern look and an open feel,” Lori said.
Each business has its own private office space. Doug Heerey said each office is locked off from one another, and has its own phone system for security reasons. Both businesses will keep their same hours and phone numbers.
However, the couple knows that all work and no play can make for a dull office.
The best part is we’ll be together 24/7,” Lori said. “I’m sure there will be times when we’ll be out in the lobby together drinking hot cider.”