Life at Lamy’s: Downtown with State Farm-Bryan Jenkins

Meet Bryan Jenkins, a proud Sedalia resident, family man, and local downtown business owner. Bryan’s journey has led him to become a valued member of the downtown Sedalia community and honestly, just the Sedalia community in general.

After graduating from the University of Central Missouri in ’91, Bryan began his career as a manager for Applebee’s in the Kansas City area. However, his path soon took an unexpected turn when he was asked to move to Sedalia to open a new Applebee’s restaurant. Little did he know that this move would sow the seeds for a deep connection to Sedalia.

Bryan and his wife, Suzann, who have been happily married for over 25 years, felt a genuine affection for Sedalia. Over the last 20 years, their family has grown to include four wonderful children: Jude (20), Luke (18), Thomas (16), and their youngest, Mary Katherine (10). Although Bryan grew up in Marshall and Suzann in Kansas City, they both fell in love with Sedalia, making lasting friendships along the way.

Nine years ago, in December 2014, Bryan embarked on a new venture by opening his State Farm Insurance Agency. This marked the beginning of his journey as a local entrepreneur. However, Bryan’s commitment to Sedalia and its downtown area didn’t stop there.

In June of 2022, Bryan and his son, Jude, took a casual stroll downtown looking for properties for sale. This led to Bryan and Suzann embarking on a new chapter by purchasing and renovating the building at 506-510 S Ohio Ave that same September. They dedicated their efforts to revitalizing this space, (working day and night) and moved Bryan’s State Farm Insurance Agency there in January 2023.

So, why the move downtown? The answer is a combination of personal aspiration and a deep belief in the potential of Sedalia’s historical downtown district. The allure of First Thursdays, Thanksgiving fireworks, Scott Joplin’s legacy, and the lively Halloween Trick or Treat event captivated Bryan. He believes that Sedalia’s downtown is on the verge of a renaissance, with dynamic leadership from individuals like John Simmons and Joleigh Cornine. Bryan and his family wanted to be part of this revival, not only for the fun and excitement but also to contribute to attracting people to downtown Sedalia for years to come.

Of course, no location is without its challenges, and Bryan humorously points out that parking downtown can sometimes be a “LOL” moment (laugh out loud–in case you’re living under a rock). Yet, he sees this as a minor inconvenience, noting that customers willingly walk greater distances when visiting larger stores like Wal-Mart.

As for his favorite downtown business? Bryan playfully tips his hat to his own Bryan Jenkins State Farm Agency. He’s a smart man who’s not about to single out any one business and ruffle feathers. 😉 But his support for Lamy’s extends to an understanding of its vital role in the community, especially for capturing significant moments in people’s lives, such as prom and senior pictures. According to Bryan, special event pictures MUST be taken at Lamy’s. We tend to agree.

When it comes to No. 5 Bistro and Bar, Bryan’s palate leans toward the classic – he enjoys any of their No. 5 Burgers with a side of horseradish. For drinks, he’s a simple man and finds himself a fan of “Diet anything.”

And what about Josey Records? Well, Bryan is a music-savvy parent who appreciates the value of introducing his 16-year-old son, Thomas, to the timeless classics. Recently, Thomas was on the hunt for Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” and Bryan plans to surprise him with this iconic album.

Lastly, Bryan’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to the world of hospitality. He’s opened an Airbnb behind his State Farm Office, aptly named “The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back.” This charming space accommodates up to four guests, complete with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and ample room for indoor bike storage – perfect for visitors exploring the Katy Trail.

With Bryan Jenkins as part of the downtown Sedalia community, it’s evident that local businesses and the city itself have a passionate advocate and friend. Whether it’s insurance, music, dining, or hospitality, Bryan embraces the spirit of Sedalia, and his family’s love for the community continues to grow.

Explore Sedalia’s vibrant downtown and experience all it has to offer, from local businesses like Bryan’s to iconic dining at No. 5 Bistro and the rich world of music, books, and records at Josey Records. Your next adventure awaits in this thriving community. And don’t forget to bring a friend along for the journey. After all, history loves company.