One of the Tippecanoe Historical Society's newest business members is Royal Crest Insurance Agency, located on the corner of 4th and Main streets, in what was once the Tipp City post office. Royal Crest is a family-owned, independent insurance agency operated by Philip Cox, his wife and two sons.
Phil is a Darke County native and grew up on his family’s Royal Crest dairy farm where he milked cows and helped with farm operations. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green and an MBA from the University of Dayton where he met his wife, Lois. Phil worked in commercial underwriting and marketing before becoming district manager of an Ohio-Indiana insurance territory. Working in the area gave Phil the opportunity to become acquainted with Tipp City and long-time residents Alva and Jeanne Parsons.
Phil opened his agency in downtown Tipp City and purchased the former post office building in 2005. The facility required months of renovation and cleaning before opening for business and today Royal Crest shares the facility with fellow Tippecanoe Historical Society business member, Thrivent Financial.
The Tipp City community is fortunate to have people willing to invest in and maintain the historical character of our downtown. The Tipp City post office was opened in 1938 at 4th and Mains streets and relocated to its present location on North Hyatt when need for a larger facility became apparent. Many of the unique features of the former post office, such as oak floors and a quarry-tiled foyer have been preserved.
As an independent insurance agency, Royal Crest is able to serve clients with a variety of insurance offerings and providers. Phil enjoys personalizing coverage to meet varied insurance needs such as commercial, personal and agri-business. Today’s insurance agencies are increasingly technology-driven making tracking and analysis easier for insurance providers. Utilizing the latest in technology has enabled Royal Crest to add offices in Troy and Englewood and explore possibilities of further expansion.
Phil is active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Tipp Athletic Boosters, Rotary and United Way among other activities. Along with his sons, Phil enjoys running and participating in marathons and half-marathons, as well as kayaking and biking.
Over the past few years, Phil and Lois became interested in moving into Tipp City from their family home in the township. Instead of purchasing an existing property, the couple opted to explore the possibility of building an addition on to their current office building. In cooperation with the historical district, they were able to match the existing brick work. Working with an architect, the couple brought to life their vision of a Frank Lloyd Wright prairie style condo. The addition features windows on three sides to flood the upstairs living area with light, as well as to showcase the Walnut and 4th streets neighborhood. The project also provides additional office space for their sons. The Coxes have provided a wonderful addition to our unique downtown.