Incorporating is just smart business’

By: John Chiv For the Times-Standard

Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 - 10:10 p.m.

PHOTO BY JOHN CHIV — FOR THE TIMES-STANDARD Jacob Krumenacker and John Ford work at the North Coast Insurance & Business Center.

Two local businesses, the John Ford Insurance Agency and Krumenacker Industries, came together to form a joint venture, the North Coast Insurance & Business Center, that recently celebrated its first anniversary.

Each business is their own entity but they also have clients in common. Two of those clients include local photographer and graphic designer Mark McKenna and Ian Herndon, co-owner of Humboldt Boutique Gardens.

John Ford, a local real estate agent of 12 years, ventured into a new career four years ago as an insurance agent. As a broker for business, autos and home insurance since 2012, the John Ford Insurance Agency is currently one of three agencies in the area offering insurance for medical cannabis.

In December 2015, John Ford Insurance Agency relocated to 924 Fifth St. in Eureka. That office space is also shared by Krumenacker Industries.

Both indoor and outdoor grows are covered by the John Ford Insurance Agency. Just recently, one employee was added at the Eureka office and three agents hired in Concord. The John Ford Insurance Agency also serves the Santa Cruz area, as well as Mendocino, Del Norte and Trinity counties.

Jacob Krumenacker moved back to Humboldt County from San Diego in September 2015. He has lived here since 2007, left to go to San Diego.

Krumenacker is currently working on becoming a children's advocate attorney.

While in San Diego, Krumenacker worked for over 75 LLCs.

"My job was to make sure they stayed compliant," he said.

Krumenacker Industries is currently the "only office in Northern California offering insurance and incorporating businesses so they stay compliant," Krumenacker said.

"There is a misconception in Humboldt County that incorporating is for big businesses; incorporating is just smart business," he said. "When you incorporate, insurance drops 6 to 10 percent for your business. Attorneys charge ungodly fees to form a LLC. Small businesses would benefit from a year-round commitment to incorporate."

Krumenacker Industries does not charge extra to keep business compliant for the first year.

"Having a small business is a tremendous," Krumenacker said. "A lot of people are scared to start their own small business. There is an element of fear. If you have a dream, you need to follow it. The first year is the hardest; you may not succeed that first year."

Krumenacker Industries is Humboldt-focused, he said, because many small local businesses need the assistance and services offered.

"In Humboldt County everyone is walking to the finish line at the same time compared to San Diego, where everyone is walking over each other to the finish line," Krumenacker said.