Three Generations. One Downtown Address. 75 Years of Earning Your Trust.
We're not a call center. We're not a regional branch. We're a family-owned, independent agency that has operated from the same downtown Richlands location since 1950 — through recessions, named storms, and every kind of life event a family or small business can face.
Where It Started — and Why It Still Matters
Byron Ervin didn't set out to build an institution. He grew up farming tobacco and corn outside Richlands, attended Campbell University, and came home to build something his neighbors could count on. That founding instinct — show up, know your community, do right by the people you serve — is still the way this agency operates today.
His son Stephen Ervin now serves as Broker in Charge, carrying forward the same approach Byron established more than seven decades ago. The faces have grown, the carrier options have expanded, and the coverage has gotten more sophisticated. The commitment to this community has not changed.
Still Here When It Matters Most
Richlands Insurance & Realty has operated continuously since 1950. That includes Hurricane Florence, every named storm before and after it, and every hard market cycle the insurance industry has produced. We didn't close. We didn't relocate. We were here — same address, same phone number — when our clients needed us most.
That kind of continuity isn't a marketing point. It's a track record. When you file a claim, you're not reaching a rotating support team in another state. You're calling people who know your name.
Meet the Team
A Byron Ervin, Jr.
Owner
A Native of Richlands, Byron grew up on a farm, farming tobacco, corn and livestock. After graduation from Richlands High School, he attended Campbell University, majoring in business administration. Byron has been active in many civic and business affairs in the town and county. He has served as past president of the Richlands Jaycees, The Richland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Onslow County Economic Development Board.
Jeannette F. Ervin
Title
Born and raised on a farm near Richlands, Jeanette attended Richlands High School and upon graduation went to work for Carolina Telephone. Leaving there, she went to work at First Citizens Bank, where she stayed for five years. Her next career move was a job with the US Postal Service where she remained for 24 years. She later joined Richlands Insurance and Realty, where she serves as our bookkeeper and maintains a current Real Estate Brokers License.
Alwood Byron Ervin III
Better known as ''Al'', he is a native of Richlands and attended Louisbourg College in Louisburg, NC. After graduation from college, he returned to Richlands and worked in the automobile business. Al has completed courses at the Institute of Insurance at UNC-Chapel Hill, obtaining his Property/Casualty and Life Insurance license.
Steven R. Ervin
Steven was born and raised in Richlands, growing up on a farm and helping out with the livestock. After graduation from Richlands High School, he attended UNC-Wilmington and graduated with a BS Degree in Business Management. Steven obtained his Property/Casualty and Life license after completing the courses necessary at UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition, Steven is a Real Estate Broker as well as a General Contractor.
Eddie Pollock
Eddie joined the Richlands Insurance & Realty team in 2018, bringing 26 years of experience in the eye care profession and a lifelong commitment to serving people well. He and his wife Carrie have been happily married for 27 years and are the proud parents of Brooke, a NC State graduate. Eddie is an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he serves in various ministries. When he's not in the office, you'll likely find him planning the next family trip to Disney World.
Carrie Pollock
Carrie Pollock has spent more than two decades serving others — 26 years in eye care before joining the Richlands Insurance & Realty team in 2018. She and her husband Eddie have built a life rooted in faith, family, and community, raising their daughter Brooke (a NC State grad they couldn't be prouder of) and serving together at Bethlehem Baptist Church. When the workweek ends, Carrie's happiest at Disney World with her family.
Jasmine Vinson
Jasmine was born and raised in Sneads Ferry. She joined the team in 2018 specializing in new homeowners and auto policies. She has been married for 7 years to Daniel Vinson and has 2 daughters (Graisyn & Wrenley). They are active members of Folkstone Free Will Baptist Church. She loves to spend her free time with family and on the water.
Independent Means We Work for You, Not a Carrier
As an independent agency, we're not captive to a single insurance company. We work with a carefully selected group of carriers across personal, commercial, and life lines — which means we can shop coverage options on your behalf and place you with the company that fits your situation, not the one that fits our quota.
Rooted in Onslow County — Not Just Operating Here
The Ervin family's involvement in this community runs well past the agency walls. Richlands Insurance & Realty's principals have held active roles in the Richlands Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Onslow County Economic Development Board. That's not résumé padding — it's a reflection of what this agency has always believed: that a business earns its place in a community by investing in it.
We were born here. We built here. This is home.
Why Choose Us
Independent Guidance For Health, Medicare, And Life
Independent comparisons across carriers so you see the full picture
Personal service with 24/7 support for client emergencies
South Carolina expertise across the Upstate, Midlands, Lowcountry, and the Grand Strand
South Carolina expertise across the Upstate, Midlands, Lowcountry, and the Grand Strand
Community And Clients
Proud To Serve South Carolina
We help first-time enrollees near MUSC in Charleston, new homeowners in Fort Mill, retirees in Murrells Inlet, and self-employed professionals across the Upstate. Add your story to this section so visitors see real-world results and real names from around the state.
★★★★★
“Insurance Town SC made everything so easy. The agents were friendly, responsive, and got me a great rate in no time!”
- John Doe
★★★★★
“Good experience overall. They explained all the policy details clearly. The only small issue was a bit of delay in getting my documents, but the staff followed up quickly.”
- Mary Smith
★★★★★
“Fantastic service! They helped me bundle my auto and home insurance and saved me a lot. Very professional and trustworthy.”
- Carlos Reyes
Frequently Asked Questions About Richlands Insurance & Realty
How long has Richlands Insurance been in business?
Richlands Insurance & Realty was founded in 1950 by Byron Ervin and has operated continuously from the same downtown Richlands location for more than 75 years. The agency remains family-owned and independent today under Broker in Charge Stephen Ervin.
Is Richlands Insurance & Realty a family-owned agency?
Yes. The agency was founded by Byron Ervin and is now led by his son Stephen Ervin, making it a multi-generational, family-operated business. The founding family remains actively involved in daily operations and client service.
What does it mean that you're an independent insurance agency?
Independent agencies are not tied to a single insurance carrier. We work with multiple companies, which allows us to compare options and place your coverage with the carrier that best fits your needs and budget — rather than the only option a captive agent can offer.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary office is in Richlands, NC, and we serve clients throughout Onslow County and surrounding coastal NC communities, including Jacksonville, Wilmington, and New Bern.
Do you handle both insurance and real estate?
Yes. Richlands Insurance & Realty offers personal, commercial, and life insurance alongside real estate sales and property management services — all under one roof.
Ready to Work with an Agency That Knows This Community?
Whether you're insuring a home, starting a business, or buying property in Onslow County, we're here to help you make the right call — not the fastest one.
