Bonne Belden is the newest face of Maleah Claxton’s Shelter Insurance Branch. She said she’s looking forward to helping the business grow and working alongside Claxton and the office assistant Susie Emery.

Some may already be familiar with Belden, who has lived in Bedford for 10 years after moving from Texas. Before joining Claxton’s team, Belden worked at Shelbyville Central High School as a Spanish teacher for six years.

According to Claxton, her talent with language was one of the main reasons why she was added to the team. That, and her love of working with people.

“I’m just really excited to be here with Maleah and Susie, to get to know the insurance industry, and to get to know more people in Bedford County,” Belden said. “I’ve loved teaching. I’m going to miss the students. But I like that I can still use my Spanish skills.”

“Teachers naturally like to work with people,” she said. Belden also works as a real estate agent with Heritage Realty Group.

“She’s going to be the growth portion of it,” said Claxton.

Together, the team makes a dynamic trio that, despite differing personalities, works well together, Claxton explained. And all three can agree: they like helping people.

Belden will officially start June 1 — so no summer break for her, Belden jokes.

Claxton’s Shelter Insurance office has been in Shelbyville for nearly 60 years — the first Shelter Insurance in Shelbyville.

They will also be switching to a new office soon. Instead of being at 1301 North Main, Claxton’s Shelter Insurance Office will be located at 1302 North Main (under The Skin Project).